Log in to your account
Stats
Biography
They were both brought up listening to jazz, rock music, heavy metal and Metallica through their parent's influences. The pair first met when they were 15 in Mexico, after connecting over their taste of music and they later went on to become an item, musically and romantically.
After no success with popularity in Mexico City, the duo moved to Ireland in 1999 even though they couldn't speak any English at the time.
After some growing success having met other artists in Dublin, the duo re-recorded some of their songs on their demo in 2002 with friends. The album was released on Rubyworks Records.
Their album "Rodrigo y Gabriela" made it to number one on the Irish Albums Chart, even beating the Arctic Monkeys and Johnny Cash. It went on to be released internationally in 2006.
Since then in 2010 they headlined on the West Holts stage at Glastonbury and played at T In The Park. In 2011 they recorded music with Hans Zimmer for the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides movie.
In January 2012 they released "Area 52", their first album which included other musicians backing them. By 2014 they had released their fourth studio album called "9 Dead Alive".
They have toured internationally throughout their career and even performed for President Barack Obama at The White House.
Live reviews
There are few musical acts that exist alongside relationships that work – ABBA and Fleetwood Mac are famously disastrous examples – and even fewer that remain after breakups. However, Mexican twosome Rodrigo Y Gabriela, who were together up until 2012, are thriving despite the conscious uncoupling. The renowned globetrotters recently described the lifted burden to The Independent: “Finally we don't have the bad manners of a couple and we respect each other more, and I think that really we were always attracted to something more powerful between us than [our relationship]: music.” Much of their music (almost all of it) is instrumental. Blending classical guitar, flamenco, Latin, folk, heavy metal, rumba and pop, the duo are just as at home soundtracking blockbuster movies as they are dominating stages. “Tamacun”, “Ixtapa” and “Diablo Rojo” are live favourites, and watching the pair strum away is as exciting as the music itself. The durability of their digits and palms is ridonkulous, and the speed of which they perform is unparalleled magic – never underestimate the sheer joy of simply letting yourself soak in the aura of their shows.
During their recent Glastonbury set, Rodrigo (Sanchez) demonstrated his singing voice, during a rousing sun-baked rendition of Radiohead's “Creep”; their influences are eclectic, and it shows in every intriguing note they play.
larryday
Rodrigo y Gabriela at the Cambridge Corn Exchange 1st Dec 2014. A great show the entire show driven by Gabriela's powerhouse rhythm guitar then over-driven by her drive and energy.
Watching her hold 3 different rhythms at the same time using , her head, hands and feet was amazing...... Given that solid basis Rodrigo is given the foundation to show of his terrific fluency, fluidity and amazing speed.
Sadly so few tunes were introduced I cannot name the best and worst pieces but the highlight for me was actually Gabriela's solo slot a mix of complex rhythmic patterns, chordal accompaniment and melody ... the low point a cover of an old Randy California / Spirit song Natures Way which they performed with (support act) Oystein Greni which sadly sounded more like America and lacked the energy of the rest of the set .. mind you having just listened to the original I'd sooner this version.
After an hour and three quarters ... I would have been happy to do it all again!
ted-bun
I had wanted to watch Rodrigo y Gabriela live for years, and I wasn't disappointed. They played a fantastic mix of their older, really well known songs, and their new stuff which I hadn't really heard before. All stuff which you couldn't help but move along to. It was also great how they interacted with the crowd, they admitted they don't have a specific set list, so took on requests from the crowd, which was great, and got two people to come up on stage at one point. Rodrigo and Gabriela have an incredible chemistry, the mesmeric percussion guitar from Gabriela perfectly compliments the intricate play from Rodrigo, and watching how they interact on stage is incredible. Equally, when they did solo parts, the individual skill is incredible. Overall, an incredible experience, one which I would love to experience again.
Oli_Wilson_Nunn
I was already in love with there music. Now if it's possible I'm deeply deeply in love. It was amazing. They had such a energy. It better than taking vitamins. It push the cloud even the rain away, I'm a Parisian so believe me this is something. They had the great idea to create on stage some kind of living room. For almost two hours we had leave like we've experience to spent the night at there place. They invite great musician to play on stage. It was a shared moment full of wonder and for me, I've discover some very nice new artist. I have enjoy it even more I was there with people that I love. It's a music to share.
Rodrigo y Gabriela were outstanding performers. They played old and new songs and great variety! They also spoke to the audience in before their set started and in between songs, which made the show more memorable, I would recommend this concert to everyone, even if they don't think two people playing guitars for over an hour is "not their thing." My wife was skeptical but after the first song she became a fan. The fact that the play as a duo appeals to both men and women fans and I highly recommend going to see them. I would go see them again if and when I have the chance.
matt-goodwin-1
This was an outstanding show. They are born to play live, and the instinctive synchronization between the two is almost psychic.
I was still a bit sad over the recent untimely death of Megadeth's Nick Menza, who hasd a heart attack recently while he was drumming onstage in his jazz band, only in his early fifties. And then I do not know if this was in tribute, but Rodrigo y Gab played an amazing flamenco-tinged cover of Holy Wars, the Punishment Due. Blew my mind and capped an already perfect evening.
JoeBlood
Few hours before the new album (Mettavolution) is available.
The new tunes from the new album are so great, the old ones are so Wonderfull to be heard in live.
As for Rodrigo y Gabriela are so great on stage, so good with their audience. They love to share their art, their love, their vivid energy.
Never get disappointed when seeing them live, you only know why you love their music so much.
Wonderful couple, cute and pure, and ofcourse magnificent guitar playing :-)
Like always a pleasure to watch and to listen :-)
The Royal circus is a perfect venue for a concert like this, not too big, great acoustic and they don't allow photo's or video's, so you don't have to watch the concert true the phone of somebody else... :D
sara-everaert
Superó mis expectativas !!! Son geniales , realmente hacen magia con sus guitarras acústicas que hacen que nos prentamos los asistentes!!! Regresaría a verlos sin la menor duda!! Es una lástima que aquí en México no le den promoción a los músicos reales y a los plásticos o comerciales les den mucho espacio.
jose-fernandez-16
The show was great. They made it a very intimate experience for the audience. They played their song to the end even when there were high winds and rain coming at them. Even when they were forced to stop the show, they came back to finish their set. It was awesome, and I can't wait to see them again!
brittany-bland-1
Videos (1)
