In this new commemoration of this iconic genre of music, we take a look at some of Chile's most outstanding references, from the pioneers who led the way to the new promises that are conquering global stages.
It all began on July 13, 1985, when rock giants came together for the iconic "Live Aid". This mega benefit event, which took place simultaneously in London, Philadelphia, Sydney and Moscow, not only marked history, but also immortalized this date as International Rock Day.
In this new commemoration, we highlight some of the national exponents who have not only triumphed internationally, but have also transcended in time and left their mark on Chilean rock.
Los Jaivas: With 60 years of experience and a style characterized by fusing rock with Andean folk instruments and rhythms, this band is a reference of the national genre, not only for being one of the first of its kind in the country, but also because it has become one of the most influential in Latin America.
Throughout their musical career they have played in different parts of the world, as well as in natural settings such as Machu Picchu, Antarctica and Easter Island.
Tom Araya: Vocalist and bassist of the thrash metal band "Slayer", is recognized as one of the greatest Chilean exponents of this branch of rock. A native of Viña del Mar and living in the United States since he was five years old, Araya left his job as a paramedic to focus on music, in a career that since 1980 has included more than 14 albums and collaborations with Alice in Chains, Black Flag, among others.
Los Tres: Classified as the symbol band of Chilean rock in the nineties, their international success came after the release of their album "Los Tres MTV Unplugged", a record of sales in Latin America with quadruple platinum record. Separated since 2000, the band has made several comebacks and this year, 2024, with its original line-up, they toured the country called "Revuelta".
4.- La Ley: It burst in the late eighties with a rock proposal with pop and new wave influences. Their album "Doble Opuesto" reached popularity in Mexico and the United States. After recovering from the sudden death of its founder, Andrés Bobe, La Ley continued to reap success beyond its borders, crowning in 2021 with a Grammy for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album, for its album "Uno".
Lucybell: This alternative rock band from the nineties, gained quick recognition with their first two albums "Peces" and "Viajar". In 2000 they decided to settle in Los Angeles (USA) to internationalize their career, releasing "Lúmina", an album that went gold in Chile and Mexico.
Los Bunkers: They are credited with "chileanizing" classic rock with a fusion of folklore and the Anglo-Saxon style of The Beatles. With great recognition around the world, they have more than 300 presentations in Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico and the United States.
After a break, in 2023 they returned to the stage with the "Ven Aquí" tour, which has registered more than one million attendees worldwide, making it the most successful return of a Chilean band.
Los Prisioneros: with lyrics full of social criticism, this group burst into the scene in the mid-eighties, quickly crossing borders. Their song "Tren al Sur" is according to Billboard magazine "one of the 25 masterpieces of rock in Spanish" and the album "Corazones" was ranked 23rd in Rolling Stone's Latin American rock albums ranking.
The videoclip of "We are South American rockers" was in charge of opening the broadcasts of MTV Latin America, and although their definitive dissolution was more than 2 decades ago, to date they register 3.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Crisálida: Active since 1997, this progressive rock band, led by Cinthia Santibáñez, has a proposal that fuses themes related to landscapes, nature conservation and native cultures of Chile. They have performed on world stages and have opened for rock references such as Deep Purple, Asia, The Gathering, Anathema, among others.
Mon Laferte: She emerged from a television talent show and became one of the most recognized voices abroad in recent years. From ballads to boleros, passing through Peruvian waltz, cumbia and salsa, it was pop rock the style that opened her way in the demanding Mexican market, where she was even the lead singer of the heavy metal band "Mystica Girls".
With fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, she is the best-selling Chilean singer-songwriter of the digital era and the one with the most plays on Spotify with her single "Tu Falta de querer".
Frank's White Canvas: In the midst of a music scene dominated by the urban genre, Chileans Karin Aguilera and Francisca Torés bet on alternative rock in English, performing successfully in the United States and Europe, and have opened for emblematic groups such as Guns and Roses, KISS and Maneskin.
Their second studio album "My Life, My Canvas" (2020), produced by Frenchman Dimitri Tikovoir, earned them the recognition of "Rock Artist of the Year" at the Pulsar 2021 Awards, "Best Rock Album 2020" at Radio Futuro and "Album of the Year" at iRock.