Last night I went to a concert in which Gustavo Cerati and Enrique Bunbury played, right here in Monterrey.

Who are they? Gustavo Cerati used to be the singer of Argentinian Rock Band “Soda Stereo”, and Enrique Bunbury of Spanish Rock Band “Heroes del Silencio” (Heroes of Silence).

They defined what Rock and Roll in Spanish means.

However, the four-hour concert showed how the Spanish-speaking culture produces its own cultural artifacts (like music) and how social interaction defines behaviors. It also showed and amazing event, in which both artists behaved themselves differently, and so the audience recieved them differently as well, showing also a bit of what Latin America, and more specifically, what Monterrey, Mexico is!

Bunbury, from heroes, very loyal to his Rock style, started with a movie, made by himself, in a very 8 1/2 (the movie) style, ridiculing the audience by showing them a circus in which he is the director. After the 2 minute movie, he emerged before a standing ovation wearing his usual suit and hat, much in the style of a circus director. He taunted the audience several times, however thanking them for showing up. Bunbury seemed to play some of his songs with a play back, and he pretty much left the passion to the audience, while he supplied the music and the show. He was truly the director of the circus, in which, Bunbury impled, the clowns where the audience.

Extravagant as he is, Bunbury played many songs from “Heroes”, and many from his own solo career. However, the audience wanted a song from his “Heroes” era, which he refused many times. At the end, he finally asked the audience if they will quit “fucking” if he played it, and everyone answered with a “yes”. He played the song, very poorly, and taunting the audience. When he finished, the audience asked for more songs, so the artists spat at them. What a sight.

After Bunbury, played Cerati. Dressed informally, but with a formal jacket and a tie, Cerati showed a lot more style. His music is much more complex, and his live style is masterful. He played with original arrangements for every one of his songs, and he rarely played anything from this “Soda” era (only a coupe of songs), and he even introduced a new song!

Showing respect, he played as a maestro, but refused to please the crowed when they asked him for some “Soda” songs. He never taunted the audience, and behaved himself as a gentlemen, and for this, half the audience left the auditorium during his performance. I stayed until the end, and it was a real pleasure listening to him.

Bunbury and Cerati, two legends of Spanish Rock and Roll, one showing he achieved succes by riding the currents of the present, the other one showing he did it by proposing the currents of the future. Two misunderstood individuals, extravagant and complex artists with different minds. A real treat to the ear of anyone. It was one hell of a night last night, with a beautful moon, and excellent music at Fundidora Park, Monterrey!

For more information, please refer to:

Rock in Spanish: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_en_espa%F1ol

Gustavo Cerati: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustavo_Cerati

http://www.cerati.com/v6/

Enrique Bunbury: http://www.enriquebunbury.com/

Also, try downloading their songs from iTunes, and translate their lyrics and see how these two complex artists define eras!