Hombres G

Infobox musical artist
Name = Hombres G
Background = group_or_band


Img_capt = David Summers (right), Dani Mezquita (left)
Origin = flagicon|Spain Spain
Genre = Latin pop
Spanish rock
Years_active = 1982–1992
2002–present
Label = Lollipop, Twins, DRO East West
URL = [http://www.hombres-g.com/ Hombres-G.com]
Current_members = David Summers Dani Mezquita Rafa Gutierrez Javi Molina

Hombres G is a Spanish rock band that formed in Spain in 1982. To date, Hombres G have performed more than 600 concerts and sold more than 9 million albums [ [http://www.lahiguera.net/musicalia/artistas/hombres_g/biografia.php Hombres G biografía ] ] across Spain and the Americas. Since then, Hombres G have been nicknamed the Spanish Beatles.

The number of records Hombres G have broken and the accompanying fan-fever has been compared to The Beatles. To name a few, at the time of release of their two movies, over 6,000 people covered the Gran Vía madrileña and Lima's airport was nearly closed due to the 20,000 fans [ [http://www.lahiguera.net/musicalia/artistas/hombres_g/biografia.php Hombres G biografía ] ] that covered the landing runway. Like the Beatles, Hombres G's music has transcended generations [ [http://www.lahiguera.net/musicalia/artistas/hombres_g/biografia.php Hombres G biografía ] ] , and their albums continue to sell decades after their formation. Several tribute albums such as, "Voy a pasármelo bien, un tributo a Hombres G", have been made.

Career

The beginning

Rafa Gutiérrez (Rafael Gutiérrez Muñoz, April 11 of 1960) and David Summers (David Summers Rodríguez, February 26 of 1964) met in Televisión Española's corridors, where they had to do a figuration work in the show "Aplauso". A while after, Rafael asked David to play clarinet in the new group he was planning to do with his brother Felipe (David always had admired the clarinetist Benny Goodman, and he had studied the instrument because of him). It was the year of 1982, and Tequila had just dissolved. Felipe was free and Rafael didn't quite clearly see his role in the different groups he had been in, like "Plástico" (group he formed with Toti Árboles and Eduardo Benavente before they were implicated in other groups like Alaska y los Pegamoides), Las Chinas, and even Los Zombies de Bernardo Bonezzi (which he toured with some times).

David accepted, but he asked to put his guitar for the alternate project he was preparing with two childhood friends, Dani Mezquita (Daniel Mezquita Hardy, June 10 of 1965) on keyboard and guitar, and Javi Molina (Francisco Javier de Molina Burgos, June 16 of 1964) on the drums. One thing led to another, and in a short time, Rafa started working with them, whom had already been playing months before by different names, such as "Los Residuos" (The Residues) and "La Burguesía Revolucionaria" (The Revolutionary Bourgeoisie). When Rafa entered, they didn't even have a name. After rejecting their first thought of a name, Bonitos Redford, they decided to name themselves after the James Cagney 1935 movie, G-Men. The movie was screened in Spain as Contra el imperio del crimen (Against the Crime Empire), where the G-Men ("Hombres G" in Spanish), were FBI special agents.

In 1983 they released their first two singles, "Milagro en el Congo" / "Venezia" y "Marta tiene un marcapasos" / "La cagaste... Burt Lancaster". The record's name was "Milagro en el Congo" (Miracle in the Congo). At the time, their first record company, "Lollipop", wasn't in good financial position. In early 1984, Hombres G were almost in a dead-end alley, their record company wasn't able to launch them, and other record companies were not listening. At that time, they received a new recording offer. Paco Martín, who had just had made his new discographic seal, "Twins", offered to record their first album. Simply named "Hombres G", the group included "Venezia" from its already recorded songs, and recorded a new soon-to-be hit single: "Devuélveme a mi chica". They also included ballads such as Alice Cooper's "I Never cry", which they named "No lloraré" (I won't cry).

1985 was their most prolific year. Hombres G exploded into a mass phenomena, and held a whopping number of 100 concerts ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet, page 6] . They were seen frequently on television and in teen magazines.

Interestingly, their songs had some cross-over appeal to US servicemen stationed in Spain at the time and received a fair amount of airplay on the AFRTS stations in Rota, Torrejon, and Zaragoza.

The second album

In February 1986, the group returned to record studios to make their second album, which was named after one of their first songs, "La cagaste... Burt Lancaster" (You fucked up... Burt Lancaster). However, the actual song was not included in the album. They also included another song from the Lollipop era, "Marta tiene un marcapasos", which became one of their three number one singles on Spanish charts. The other two were "El ataque de las chicas cocodrilo" and "Indiana".

With a solid market in Spain, Paco Martín took the group to the Americas, where he distributed their copies. He got his first response from the Peruvian offices of CBS. By mid 1986, they edited "Hombres G" in Peru, where it sold over fifty thousand copies in less than two weeks. Later, they received an offer from CBS New York offices to distribute "Hombres G" in the United States. The album performed well in Perú, and "Hombres G" was a smash hit in México and Venezuela, where their records became gold and platinum ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet, pages 7-8] . In December of that same year, they won the "Best Spanish-speaking group" award in Miami ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet,page 8] .

The first movie and the third album

After the 1986 summer, their first two discs had sold over a million copies in Spain ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet, page 8] . "Manuel Summers" then thought of making an autobiographic movie about them. The result was "Sufre, mamón", a film made in Ibiza and Madrid, which came to theaters in 1987 ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet, page 8] .

Immediately after "Sufre, Mamón", Hombres G recorded their third album, "Estamos locos... ¿o qué?" (Are we crazy or what?). To avoid pressure, they moved to Manchester, with Spanish-Chilean producer, Carlos Narea, habitual in charge of Miguel Ríos works. Once again, songs like "Y cayó la bomba fetida", "Temblando", "Una mujer de bandera", and "No, no, no" topped sales lists. ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet, page 8]

When "Sufre, Mamón" premièred, the group wasn't able to watch it due to the dozens of newsmen, reporters, and fans, and was forced to stay inside a room for hours due to security reasons. The group's assistants were able to watch the movie, but were unable to hear it due to the deafening murmur of the street fans, and the loud singing of the fans that were able to get in. ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet, page 8-9]

1987 Tour

Due to their high popularity, in 1987 Hombres G embarked on a tour of 60 concerts ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet, page 9] throughout Spain's most important bullfighting arenas and soccer stadiums. That summer, nearly one million people were able to see Hombres G live. Hombres G also toured throughout Perú, Venezuela, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States. When the group arrived at Perú, nearly 20 thousand fans covered the landing runway of the airport Jorge Chávez in Lima ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet, page 9] . Due to this, Hombres G counted on security guards in every hotel, to prevent fans from getting into the group's rooms (one did) ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet, page 9] . Hombres G played live for tens of thousands of people in concerts throughout the mentioned countries ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet, page 9] .

The second movie and fourth album

After a well deserved rest, in 1988, Hombres G released their second movie, "Suéltate el pelo" (Loosen your hair). The movie was filmed in Spain, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet, page 9] . Its original name was "La cagaste... Burt Lancaster", but was changed due to the actor's legal threats. A short while after, Hombres G released their fourth album, "Agitar antes de usar" (Shake before using). As usual, their album was a success and was widely known for the songs "Suéltate el pelo" and "Nassau" ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet, page 9] .

Hombres G once again toured Spain, and the Americas. This time, they placed special attention on Mexico, where they had sold more than two million copies of all their albums ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet, page 10] . In Spain, Hombres G had already become the best selling band of the decade ["Peligrosamente Juntos" album booklet,page 10] .

The fifth and sixth albums

In 1989, a new album titled "Voy a pasármelo bien" (I'm going to have a good time) was released. This album showed that Hombres G wanted to make fun music, which reflected a more mature, adult world. This is how their album "Esta es tu vida" (This is your life), eventually surged later on in 1990.

eventh album and disbandment

Their farewell was on May 20, 1992 with their disc "Historia del bikini" (History of the bikini). Colin Fairley, who previously had worked with musicians such as Elvis Costello or Nick Lowe, produced the album.

David later pursued a solo career in Spain and Latin America. Rafa became a guitarist as a collaborator. Dani became a musical producer in the record company Dro. After that farewell, several recopilatory albums containing the band's best songs were released, but never containing new material.

Career comeback

Hombres G eventually realized they had to return with new material. As a result, in 2002, they released "Peligrosamente Juntos" (Dangerously together), an album that included hits, demos, and five new songs. The version released in America contained the new songs "Lo noto" and "En otro mundo". The European version contained the mentioned songs and also contained "Intimidad", "No te escaparas" and "Te vi".

At the end of 2003, Spanish pop groups such as El Canto del Loco, Los Piston, Antonio Vega, Los Secretos, Mikel Erentxun, Seguridad Social, Álex Ubago and La Cabra Mecánica, reunited to make a tribute album to Hombres G. The album "Voy a pasármelo bien, un tributo a Hombres G" (I'm going to have a good time, a tribute to Hombres G), contained cover versions of classic Hombres G singles. Another tribute was made in America with groups such as División Minúscula, Moderatto and La Quinta Estación.

In 2004, their first two films were released in DVD format in a pack called "Hombres G - Las películas" (Hombres G - The Movies), which also included extras. That same year, Hombres G released "El año que vivimos peligrosamente" (The year that we lived dangerously). This album included live versions of songs from their "Peligrosamente Juntos" tour.

"Todo esto es muy extraño"

Near the end of 2004, Hombres G released a new album entitled "Todo esto es muy extraño" (This is all very strange). The album was produced by Nigel Walker and contained 11 new songs. This release marked the return of Hombres G to the music scene. The first single off the album was "¿Por qué no ser amigos?" which featured the main singer from Spanish pop/rock band El canto del loco. "No lo sé" and "¿Qué soy yo para tí?" were the other singles released off the album. Hombres G embarked on numerous tours throughout Spain, Latin America, and the United States in support of this album. Unfortunately, the album did not have success in America and Mexico due to very little radio broadcast.

"10"

On September 18, 2007, Hombres G released their tenth album "10", which contained 11 new songs. A music video was also released for "Me Siento Bien", the first single off the album.

Hombres G are currently touring Spain and the Americas in support of this album. One of their performances includes a benefit show for the victims of the 2007 Peruvian Earthquake. Tour dates and stories on the tour shows can be followed at [http://www.hombres-g.com/ Hombres G Fan Club]

Discography

Albums

* "Hombres G" - 1985
* "La cagaste... Burt Lancaster" - 1986
* "Estamos locos... ¿o qué?" - 1987
* "Agitar antes de usar" - 1988
* "Voy a pasármelo bien" - 1989
* "Esta es tu vida" - 1990
* "Historia del bikini" - 1992
* "Peligrosamente juntos" - 2004
* "Todo esto es muy extraño" - 2004
* "10" - 2007

ingles

* "Milagro en el Congo / Venezia" - 1983
* "Marta tiene un marcapasos / La cagaste... Burt Lancaster" - 1983
* "Venezia / Hace un año" - 1985
* "Dejad que las niñas se acerquen a mí / Lawrence de Arabia" - 1985
* "Devuélveme a mi chica / Nassau" - 1985
* "Visite nuestro bar / En la playa" - 1986
* "Te quiero / Indiana" - 1986
* "Marta tiene un marcapasos / Tomasa me persigue" - 1986
* "El ataque de las chicas cocodrilo / La carretera" - 1986
* "Una mujer de bandera / Temblando" - 1987
* "No, no... no / ¿Qué te he hecho yo?" - 1987
* "Y cayó la bomba (fétida) / Huellas en la bajamar" - 1987
* "Temblando / Huellas en la bajamar" - 1987
* "Master mix / Slow mix" - 1987
* "Tengo una chica / Viernes" - 1988
* "Nassau / Viernes (instrumental)" - 1988
* "Si no te tengo a ti / La madre de Ana" - 1988
* "Suéltate el pelo / Nassau" - 1988
* "Voy a pasármelo bien / Esta tarde" - 1989
* "Te necesito / México" - 1989
* "Chico tienes que cuidarte / Dulce Belén" - 1989
* "Madrid, Madrid / Madrid, Madrid (instrumental)" - 1989
* "Esta es tu vida / Esta es tu vida II" - 1990
* "Estoy pintando tu sonrisa" - 1990
* "Rita / Voy a hablar con Él" - 1990
* "La primavera" - 1991
* "Un minuto nada +" - 1992
* "El orgullo de mamá (versión SG) / El orgullo de mamá (versión LP)" - 1992
* "Tormenta contigo" - 1992
* "Lo Noto" - 2002
* " No te escaparás" - 2003
* " ¿Por qué no ser amigos?" - 2004
* " ¿Qué soy yo para ti?" - 2005
* " No lo sé" - 2005
* " Me Siento Bien" - 2007
* "Hombre Real" - 2008

Recopilatory discs

* "Grandes Éxitos" - 1986
* "Los Singles 1984 - 1993" - 1993
* "Las Baladas" - 1996
* "Lo mejor de..." - 1998
* "Hombres G 1985 - 1992" - 2001
* "Peligrosamente Juntos" - 2003
* "Los Singles 1985-2005" - 2006

Other

* "En Directo Las Ventas 1 de julio 2003" (DVD)
* "En Directo Hombres G + El canto del loco desde el Calderón 6 de Julio 2005" (DVD)

Filmography

* Sufre mamón - 1987
* Suéltate el pelo - 1988

References

External links

*
* [http://www.hombresg.us HombresG.US] * In Spanish
* [http://www.hombres-g.com Hombres G Fan Club España - Oficial] *In Spanish
* [http://www.rockero.com/artists/hombres-g Hombres G @ Rockero.com] [Fan Site]
* [http://www.radiodos.com/archivo/artistas/hombres_g.php [Bigorafía en español]