Molotov embarked on their career in 1995 when two friends, Tito Fuentes, and Micky “Fled” Huidobro, began playing together. Javier de la Cueva and Ivan Jared “La Quesadillera” joined them, which became the first full line up of the band. Their line up changed a couple of times whilst they found their feet but they finalised their line up the following year, which has remained up until the present day. When they opened for Illya Kuraki and The Walderramas, A&R’s from Universal came to the show and offered them a recording contract.
Taking up Universal on their generous offer, in July 1997, they released their debut album entitled, “Dónde Jugarán las Niñas?” which caused controversy because of it’s lyrics and cover. It didn’t stop Molotov from being entrepreneurial in going on out on the streets and selling their discs as a form of protest. They have never held back on their lyrics, which have been described as poisoned darts aimed directly at the heart of the oppressive paternalism of the government.
They have built a name for themselves as a fantastic live band, having toured Europe and North America, and playing at the 2009 Coachella Music Festival, and they even released a live album in 2012 entitled “Desde Rusia con Amor”.
Not only have they won four Latin Grammy Awards, but they have also picked up an MTV Video Music Award for “International Viewer’s Choice” in 1998 and three at the MTV Video Music Awards Latinoamérica 2003 for Best Group or Duet, Best Alternative Artist and Best Artist from Mexico. They have impressively won an award for five of the albums that they have released, which is quite an accolade.
‘What genre would you say Molotov fall into?’ It really is a struggle to find the correct answer to this question. This is because, unable to fit into any of the typical style groups that we tend to categorize into, this band have succeeded in creating their own style, a fusion of several styles and the result is something special to say the least.
Though they may not look like your typical rap or rock stars, four Latin Grammy Awards are evidence of the impact and quality of the music that this group produce. Hailing from Mexico, one can’t help but notice that their music and lyrics are politically inspired, stemming from times of struggle in their homeland.
These messages do not distract from the skill of the musicianship that is showcased at a Molotov live show however, rather complementing the blend of heavy bass lines and melodic guitar riffs that characterize the Molotov style. As if seeing the music come to life on a stage wasn’t enough, being in the crowd at a Molotov concert is an experience in itself.
Be prepared for plenty of head banging and jumping as the energy from on stage infiltrates the audience and encourages you to lose yourself in the music. If you wish to experience something that you’ve never experienced before, go to a Molotov gig.