RIO (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = RIO


Img_capt = RIO band members
Img_size = 200
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Lima, Peru
Genre = New Wave, Rock
Years_active = 1980 - present
Label =
Associated_acts =
Also Known As = Royal Institutional Orchestra
URL =
Current_members = Cucho Galarza
Chachi Galarza
Pocho Prieto
Past_members =
Notable_instruments =

RIO is a New Wave and Rock group formed in 1980 by founding members Cucho and Chachi Galarza and Pocho Prieto in the district of Pueblo Libre in Lima, Peru.

Lima in the early 1980's saw the resurgence of many new rock groups in Peru. One of these new bands was called the " Royal Institutional Orchestra" which later chose to become known by only their initials "RIO".

Early years

During their early years the band started recording their own music, but it wasn't until 1984 that they launched their first single "Son Colegialas", a song that received moderate commercial success. The year 1985 saw them emerge as one of the most popular rock groups in Peru with the release of "Televidente" (45 rpm record plus video clip). With this song they achieve instant success and become popular not only in Peru but all over South America.

Touring and releases

The next year, after touring the country, they released their third single "La Universidad (es una cosa de locos)", a song which turns them into one of the leading rock bands in Peru. Towards the end of 1986 RIO finally released their first album "Lo peor de Todo", after much anticipation. This record extended the group's popularity further in countries like Chile, Mexico and Bolivia.

After many promotional tours, concerts and interviews the group decided to release their second album, "Donde Vamos a Parar". The 1988 LP contained hits like "Todo Estaba Bien", "Lo Empezo a Odiar" and "Contestame". In 1990 the group records their third album titled "Revolucion", recorded in Studios A in Santiago, Chile and provided the hits "Pierdo la razon" and "Monica", in addition, one of this album's song became one of the most controversial of their career, "Revolucion" was a head-on crash attack to the then successful Peruvian terrorist movement "The Shining Path".

In the following years, the group released several compilations like "Lo mejor de todo" and "Antologia - Rio". 2003 saw the release of their single "Bella Luna".

Members

* Cucho Galarza (Bass, Vocals)
* Chachi Galarza (Lead Guitar)
* Pocho Prieto (Guitar, Lead Vocals)

Former members and freelancers

* Eduardo Tafur (Keyboards, 1985-1992, 3 albums recorded)
* Kike Figueroa (Drums, 1985-1988, 2 albums recorded)
* Armando Pattroni (Drums, 1988-1991, 1 album recorded)
* Isidoro Saldaña (Drums, 1992-2002, 1 album recorded)
* Freddy Neyra (Keyboards, 1990-2004)
* Juan Carlos Fernandez (Keyboards, 2002-2007)
* Walter Fernandez (Drums, 2002-2007)

Discography

* "Lo peor de Todo" (1986)
* "Donde Vamos a Parar" (1988)
* "Revolucion" (1990)
* "Striptease" (1992)
* "Rock and que" (1994)
* "Relax" (1996)
* "Dia de pesca" (1997)
* "La Cria" (1999)