The nostalgic sound of Caifanes graces San Luis Obispo

Legendary rock band Caifanes graced the stage of the Fremont Theater on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at a sold-out show, full of excitement, honor and pride. 

As one of the most influential Latin rock bands to emerge from Mexico, Caifanes brought audiences together and created a space for the teens of the mid-1980s to express themselves freely. For our parents, Caifanes was one of the first to popularize the genre, paving the way for other bands to make their mark. They were a staple for many people who grew up in a Hispanic household. For the younger generations, a taste into a music scene that will continue to be passed on to the next.

Influenced by British new wave and artists such as The Cure, their lyrics are poetic stories of love and vulnerability. The band’s dark rock songs contain aspects of traditional Mexican music, such as Mexican folklorico and cumbia, and give Caifanes a sound unlike any other.

Inside the venue, concertgoers were dressed in all black clothing: leather jackets, cadet caps, fedoras, and calavera makeup. Some of the fans’ outfits were reminiscent of pachuquismo youth culture, which emerged from Chicano culture, paired with their own unique mix of punk. The Fremont was filled with fans who had a love for Caifanes and their culture, as family and friends were brought together by sound.

Sergio, a local from Grover Beach, California, brought his wife Maria and his family with him.  

“I’m glad to be a part of the generation when they first played,” he said. “They changed the whole music culture. Caifanes is music for your soul, it hits you right there in the spot. It brings you nostalgia and memories of life. Their storytelling through their lyrics provides comfort.” 

“We showed our son Caifanes when he was a kid, and now 20 years later he’s showing his son,” Maria said. “Caifanes has been a part of our family for three generations.”

Stories like Sergio and Maria’s are not uncommon, as for the younger generations, the majority of our music comes from what our parents played for us when we helped around the house, on rides to school, during family gatherings and simple moments that mold our taste in music for life. 

Claudia, a local who grew up listening to Caifanes described the show as emotional and moving.

“I’m happy I made it today. They bring unity in our hispanic community and we cherish their songs,” she said. “They don’t stay silent on topics that need to be seen. We danced with people we don’t know, but Caifanes music created a community that made us stronger.”  

“Caifanes is epic and they paved the way for Spanish rock bands,” said Eddie, another fan in the crowd, “It’s a culture that everyone should follow. They represent Mexico and Chicanos.” 

Throughout the show, the love Caifanes brought out from the fans was mutual, as their equal admiration for their fans was clear. 

They played the national anthem of Mexico and showcased visuals of immigrants singing “Clandestino,” a reggae-influenced track by Manu Chao that is a protest song and serves as an anthem for immigrants all over the world in solidarity.

Caifanes lives on as legends, known for strong activism with nostalgic songs for older fans and a lasting impact for younger fans, paving the way for more latin rock bands. 

I recommend one of their most famous cover tracks “La Negra Tomasa,” a tropical dance song with mixes of new wave, and my personal favorite, “Piedra” from their album “El Silencio.”