Reviving Old School Regional Vibes: Recodo and Banda Machos Celebrate Grandly at Arena CDMX, a Major Fiesta for Fans
In a spectacle that celebrated the rich heritage and evolution of Mexican regional music, over seven thousand people gathered at the Arena Ciudad de México for "The Most Badass Ones" concert featuring El Recodo and Banda Machos.
The event, a key milestone in efforts to revive and promote regional Mexican music, brought together two iconic bands that have shaped the banda genre over the decades.
El Recodo, often referred to as "La Madre de Todas las Bandas" (The Mother of All Bands), was founded in 1938 by Cruz Lizárraga. The band has been pivotal in shaping the genre, blending traditional brass and percussion with modern influences. Banda Machos, formed in 1990, gained massive popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, known for their energetic style and hits that embraced both traditional and contemporary banda elements.
Agustín Mariscal, second vocalist of El Recodo, expressed joy at seeing the audience enjoying the music. Ricardo Yucupicio, lead vocalist of El Recodo, commented on the audience and the start of the second stage of their year's tour. The crowd demanded an encore, and Banda Machos obliged with two ranchera songs, "El rey y Ella".
The concert served as a homage to the pioneers and a bridge to new generations, blending classic hits with contemporary interpretations. El Recodo took a musical journey through 87 years of history, including dance themes and heartbroken songs. The band performed songs like "Burial Me with the Band", "The Happy Boy", "And You Came Along", and "How Beautiful". They also played "The Sinaloan" to close the night.
Banda Machos, led by Alejandro Díaz, kicked off the performance with songs like "Serían las 2", "La negra Tete", and "Le dieron pa' sus tunas". The Arena Ciudad de México was filled with attendees wearing boots and hats, adding to the festive atmosphere.
A group of people dressed in green and red uniforms, referencing the series "Squid Game", added a unique twist to the evening. A video was planned to immortalize the concert due to the special nature of having two of the best Mexican regional bands present.
The concert highlighted pride in Mexican musical traditions, countering a global trend toward homogenized music genres. By featuring established icons like El Recodo and Banda Machos in a high-profile event, it attracted younger audiences who might not otherwise engage with traditional banda styles. The concert often coincides with a renewed commercial interest in banda music, resulting in more media exposure, collaborations, and album sales that help sustain the genre financially and artistically.
Symbolizing unity and diversity within Mexican regional music genres, the concert showcased two powerhouse groups known for regional, yet distinctly different sounds. Showcasing this unity, the concert served as a testament to the importance and resilience of Mexican regional music, fueling its revival both in Mexico and internationally.
- The concert, a fusion of traditional and contemporary banda elements, served as a platform to promote sustainable living within the home-and-garden of Mexican music, nurturing future generations to appreciate and uphold its rich heritage.
- Emulating the diverse lifestyles embodied by the iconic bands, El Recodo and Banda Machos, the crowd's energetic response to the music echoed the spirit of entertainment that transcends generations.
- Surrounded by the pulsating rhythm of banda music and the unique Squid Game-inspired costume design, one could sense the rhythm of change, mirroring the evolution of Mexican regional music, while maintaining its cultural authenticity.
