Los Tres: Chilean Rock Band History & Legacy
Los Tres: A History of Chilean Rock
Beginnings in Concepción
Los Tres, a significant symbol of ’90s Chilean music and its resurgence in 2006, emerged from Concepción. This provincial origin contributed to their unique character, bypassing the traditional ‘capital city’ approach to a music career. The band formed through the friendship of Álvaro Henríquez (guitar, vocals), Roberto “Titae” Lindl (bass), and Francisco Molina (drums), schoolmates at Charles de Gaulle. Their early passion for music led to informal bands like Stones Dick and The Flying Dial Indicators. By 1984, Henríquez and Lindley formed Los Ilegales with Jorge “Yogi” Alvarado on guitar.
Early Steps in Santiago
Their Santiago debut in 1987 at the Mapocho Cultural Center marked a ‘reconnaissance’ phase. The musicians balanced the band with individual pursuits in theater and the Black Esther Symphony.
First Record and Rise to Fame
Los Tres released their self-titled debut album on September 4, 1991, at Le Trianon restaurant. The album showcased the creative core of Henríquez and Lindl, Álvaro’s distinctive songwriting, and a connection to Chilean New Wave and folk traditions, particularly cueca. Initially overlooked, the album gained traction through word-of-mouth and support from Rock & Pop radio, which championed their single “La Primera Vez.” Songs like “Somos Tontos, No Pesados,” “He Barrido el Sol,” and especially “Un Amor Violento” propelled the band toward success.
Subsequent Albums and Evolving Sound
Se Remata el Siglo (1993) saw Los Tres working with Argentine producer Mario Breuer and an image consultant. The album, launched at Oz nightclub, marked a social event. With a harder edge, citing AC/DC as an influence, the album featured hits like “No Sé Qué Desperdicio Tengo en el Alma” and “Feliz de Perder.” La Espada & la Pared (1995) solidified their distinct sound. While featuring future classics like “Déjate Caer,” “Tírate,” and “Me Desheredo,” they chose to lead with a cover of Buddy Richard’s “Tu Cariño Se Me Va.” This move broadened their appeal and cemented their philosophy of honoring Chilean musical tradition while embracing a modern rock sound.
Cuecas, MTV, and Internationalization
On September 14, 1995, Los Tres became the first Chilean band invited to MTV. Their performance featured hits, a new song (“Traje Desastre”), and tributes to Roberto Parra, who had recently passed. The resulting Los Tres Unplugged (1996) album sold 110,000 copies, with Roberto Parra’s “¿Quién Es La Que Viene Allí?” becoming a surprise hit. This success led to “La Yein Fonda,” a series of concerts blending cueca, cumbia, and rock, introducing artists like Rafael “Radish” Berrios, Pepe Fuentes, Ester Zamora, and Rafael Traslaviña to a wider audience.
Fome and Mexican Sojourn
Fome (1998), a reaction to their Unplugged success, featured a raw sound and lyrics addressing fame, death, and boredom. While initially misunderstood, the album gained appreciation over time. Los Tres spent a year in Mexico, playing small venues and festivals, including Vive Latino, earning respect and recognition, culminating in Café Tacuba’s tribute album, Vale Callampa (2002).
Farewell and Reunion
Álvaro Henríquez initiated the band’s indefinite hiatus, announced on April 4, 2000. They released a final album, La Sangre en el Cuerpo (1999), and concluded with a farewell tour, ending in Concepción on May 19. Keyboardist Camilo Salinas had become a stable member by this point. The hiatus led to independent projects, with occasional informal reunions. In late 2005, a reunion began brewing, culminating in a 2006 return, minus Francisco Molina (replaced by Manuel Basualto). They debuted new material at Vive Latino in Mexico and toured Chile with the album Hágalo Usted Mismo, playing to over 150,000 people. In December 2007, President Michelle Bachelet awarded Los Tres the National Music Prize.