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Barón Rojo

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Barón Rojo
Original lineup of Barón Rojo, reunited in 2010
Background information
OriginMadrid, Spain
Genres
Years active1980–present
Labels
Members
  • Armando de Castro
  • Carlos de Castro
  • Rafa Díaz
  • José Luis Morán
Past members
  • José Luis Campuzano
  • Hermes Calabria
  • Máximo González
  • Pepe Bao
  • José Antonio del Nogal
  • Niko del Hierro
  • José Luis Aragón
  • Valeriano Rodríguez
  • Ángel Arias
  • José Martos
  • Tony Ferrer
  • Gorka Alegre
  • Óscar Cuenca
  • Javier Rodríguez
Websitebaronrojo.net

Barón Rojo (Spanish pronunciation: [baˈɾon ˈroxo]) is a Spanish heavy metal band from Madrid that achieved international success in the 1980s. The band is led by siblings Carlos and Armando de Castro, previously from the band Coz, and is considered one of the most important representatives of Spanish hard rock. Barón Rojo in Spanish means "red baron", the name of the band being an homage to Manfred von Richthofen; the 1981 eponymous song "Barón Rojo" is about him.[1] In 2017, they were ranked number 18 on Rolling Stone's "50 Greatest Spanish Rock Bands".[2]

History

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Early years, first album: 1980–81

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The original lineup of Barón Rojo consisted of brothers Armando and Carlos De Castro, both guitarists, who had just left the hard rock band Coz. José Luis Campuzano, nicknamed "Sherpa", who came from the prog rock band Módulos, joined them as bassist and vocalist. They eventually added Uruguayan drummer Hermes Calabria, who after touring Spain with his prog rock band Psiglo decided to stay in the country.[3] Songwriting duties were divided between the de Castro brothers and "Sherpa" and his wife Carolina Cortés (who wrote the lyrics for his songs).[4] This lineup remained stable until 1989.

Barón Rojo released their debut album, Larga Vida al Rock and Roll, in 1981,[5] with the first single being "Con Botas Sucias". The record achieved moderate success, earning them coverage from the media after winning Gold certification.[6] It also strongly influenced the Spanish rock band Héroes del Silencio.[7]

In addition, it caught the attention of the Australian hard rock band AC/DC, who invited the Spaniards to accompany them on their 1981–1982 U.S. tour. Barón Rojo turned down this offer, because they considered the travel costs too high, a decision they would later regret, as they never managed to enter the U.S. market.[8]

Two albums, global success: 1982–83

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Barón Rojo moved to London for the recording of their second album, Volumen Brutal (1982),[5] at Kingsway Studios, owned by Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan. This album was released in two versions: one with the lyrics in Spanish and another sung in English.[5] Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden is credited for helping them with the translation.[9]

Volumen Brutal led the band to international success, especially in the UK, where they were featured on the cover of music magazine Kerrang!,[10] and it influenced numerous future metal musicians, such as Michael Amott (Carcass, Arch Enemy), who has stated that Barón Rojo is one of his favourite bands,[11] or Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Elegant Weapons), who says Volumen Brutal is the first album he ever bought.[12] The record sold two million copies worldwide.[13] It is considered one of the very best metal albums ever released in Spain, and one of the band's best releases.[9]

On 27 August 1982, Barón Rojo played at the Reading music festival, along with Iron Maiden, Twisted Sister, and Marillion.[14]

In 1983, Metalmorfosis, their third studio album,[5] also recorded in London, was released and contained, among many other tracks, the well-known ballad "Siempre estás allí". Together with Volumen Brutal, it is considered one of their best albums.[15]

Fourth album, live releases, international tours: 1984–86

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In 1985, Barón Rojo released their fourth studio album, En un lugar de la marcha, which included the popular song "Hijos de Caín",[16] as well as two live albums, titled Barón al Rojo Vivo (1984)—produced by Chris Tsangarides[17]—and Siempre Estás Allí (1986).[5] Their international tours continued through Europe and Latin America; in 1984–1985, they had Metallica, at the time a relatively young band, open for them at a number of shows.[18][19] As of 2018, the American band still played live cover versions of Barón Rojo songs.[20]

Changing style, band tensions, fluctuating lineup: 1987–89

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From then on, the band began experimenting with new musical elements, including orchestral compositions, as can be heard on their 1987 album, Tierra de Nadie,[5] which includes their well-known song "Tierra de nadie". This album, the band's fifth, rounded out what are considered to be Barón Rojo's best releases.[21] Meanwhile, the mood between band members, described by them as "pure hatred", kept on getting worse.[22]

By the end of 1989, after they released their albums No va más and Obstinato,[5] bassist/singer/composer José Luis Campuzano ("Sherpa") and drummer Hermes Calabria exited the band, leaving the De Castro brothers with an ever-changing lineup, with a turnover ranging from one to several years.

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The album Desafío, released in 1992 and recorded in Madrid, was produced by guitarist Carlos de Castro, with Niko del Hierro on bass, José Antonio del Nogal on drums, and the de Castro brothers sharing vocal duties. The new bassist and drummer would not last long in the band, and these new lineups without all the original members would receive mixed reviews, beginning with Desafío.[23]

After two compilation albums, the studio album Arma Secreta (1997), and legal disputes with their label (Zafiro) about royalties, BMG released a double compilation album called Cueste lo que cueste, which included 31 hits by the band plus four new songs.[24]

2001 saw the release of the album 20+, an allusion to more than twenty years of existence.[25] In 2002, Barón Rojo were honored with a tribute album, Larga Vida al... Volumen Brutal, by such Spanish and Latin American bands as Rata Blanca, Mägo de Oz, Tierra Santa, and Los Suaves.[26] In 2003, they issued the covers album Perversiones, featuring renditions of songs by artists including Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and AC/DC.[27]

Drummer Vale Rodríguez left the band in 2005 and was replaced by a returning José Martos.[28]

In 2006, Barón Rojo released Ultimasmentes, an album sung entirely by Carlos de Castro.[29] That same year, the band was honored with another tribute album, this time exclusively of Argentine bands, titled El Barón vuela sobre Argentina.[30]

Ángel Arias and José Martos left Barón Rojo in 2007,[31] just after the live CD and DVD Desde Barón a Bilbao was released,[32] and Tony Ferrer departed in September 2008. He was replaced by former Ñu bassist Gorka Alegre.[33]

Reunions, final album, documentary film, touring: 2009–present

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Barón Rojo held a reunion concert on 20 June 2009 at the Metalway music festival in Zaragoza in their original formation, including José Luís "Sherpa" Campuzano on vocals.[34] That same year, they released the live album En Clave de Rock.[35] After this concert, they reunited again for a tour, starting and finishing in Madrid, with the first show being held at "La Riviera" on 30 January 2010 and the last at the former bullring Palacio de Vistalegre on 22 October 2011, where they announced the filming of a Barón Rojo documentary.[36] The film was released in 2012. The same year, they also released their latest studio album, titled Tommy Barón, a cover album of Tommy featuring Spanish musician Eva Amaral.[37][38][39] In 2020, on their 40th anniversary, Barón Rojo decided to finally disband.[22] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their final tour was postponed and as such, their farewell concert rescheduled to December 2021. It featured guest appearances by artists such as Graham Bonnet, Mel Collins, Jørn Lande, and Aurora Beltrán (replacing Doro Pesch, who was unable to travel due to pandemic restrictions).[40][41][42][43][44]

Despite having announced that this would be their last show, claiming that their farewell tour had been shorter than they would have liked because of the pandemic and appealing to the proximity of the 45th anniversary of their founding in 1980, Barón Rojo played further live shows in 2023,[45] toured Latin America in 2024,[46][47] and they have continued to put on shows occasionally in 2025. This decision was criticized by the media, especially due to Carlos de Castro's poor vocal performance.[48]

Band members

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Current

  • Carlos de Castro – vocals, guitar (1980–present)
  • Armando de Castro – guitar, vocals (1980–present)
  • Rafa Díaz – drums (2007–present)
  • José Luis Morán – bass (2020–present)

Past

  • José Luís "Sherpa" Campuzano – bass, vocals (1980–1989, 2009–2011)
  • Hermes Calabria – drums (1980–1989, 2009–2011)
  • Máximo González – vocals (1991)
  • Pepe Bao – bass (1990–1991)
  • José Antonio del Nogal ("Kamakhan") – drums (1991–1995)
  • Niko del Hierro – bass (1991–1992)
  • José Luis Aragón – bass (1993–1995)
  • Valeriano Rodríguez – drums (1998–2005)
  • José Martos – drums (1996–1998, 2005-2007)
  • Angel Arias – bass (1995–2007, 2016–2017)
  • Tony Ferrer – bass (2007–2008)
  • Gorka Alegre – bass (2008–2015)
  • Óscar Cuenca – bass (2015–2016)
  • Javier Rodríguez – bass (2017–2020)

Timeline

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Discography

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Studio albums

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Live albums

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  • Barón al rojo vivo (1984)
  • Siempre estáis allí (1986)
  • Barón en Aqualung (2002)
  • Desde Barón a Bilbao (2007)
  • En Clave de Rock (with the Mislata symphony orchestra) (2009)

Compilations

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  • Larga vida al Barón (1995)
  • Cueste lo que cueste (1999)
  • Las aventuras del Barón (2006)

DVDs

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  • Barón en Divino (2002)
  • El Rock de nuestra transición Barón - Obús - Asfalto (2004)
  • Desde Barón a Bilbao (2007)
  • Barón Rojo 30 Aniversario (2010)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Baron Rojo reviews, music, news – sputnikmusic". sputnikmusic.com. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  2. ^ "Las 50 mejores bandas de rock españolas, según 'Rolling Stone'" [The 50 best Spanish rock bands, according to Rolling Stone] (in Spanish). Diario El Periódico.
  3. ^ CMTV. "Biografía de Barón Rojo" [Barón Rojo biography]. CMTV (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  4. ^ Alonso, David (9 August 2013). "Sherpa, de Barón Rojo, en 'Sin Complejos'" [Sherpa, of Barón Rojo, in 'Without Complexes']. esRadio (in European Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Colin Larkin, ed. (1999). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Heavy Rock (First ed.). Virgin Books. pp. 49–50. ISBN 0-7535-0257-7.
  6. ^ "Sherpa recibe el disco de oro por Larga vida al Rock n Roll de Barón Rojo 32 años después" [Sherpa receives the gold record for Long Live Rock n Roll by Barón Rojo 32 years later] (in Spanish). manerasdevivir.com. 27 January 2013.
  7. ^ Aragón, El Periódico de (8 May 2013). "Bunbury, en 'Barón Rojo, la película'". El Periódico de Aragón (in Spanish). Retrieved 27 August 2019.
  8. ^ Ramos, por Sergi (16 September 2024). "Los momentos más polémicos del Rock en España: Cuando Barón Rojo se quedaron sin girar con AC/DC" [The most controversial moments of rock in Spain: When Barón Rojo couldn't tour with AC/DC]. The Metal Circus (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  9. ^ a b "Por qué 'Volumen brutal' es la obra maestra del heavy metal español. 35º aniversario" [Why 'Volumen Brutal' is the masterpiece of Spanish heavy metal. 35th anniversary]. MariskalRock.com (in Spanish). 22 February 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  10. ^ "Kerrang magazine – Baron Rojo cover (21 October – 3 November 1982 – Issue 27)". CrazyAboutMagazines. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  11. ^ Perera, Albert (15 April 2025). "Entrevista con el líder y fundador de Arch Enemy Michael Amott" [Interview with Arch Enemy leader and founder Michael Amott]. Metal Hammer España (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  12. ^ Amorós, Jordi Tàrrega (29 December 2024). "Ronnie Romero: El primer disco que compré con mi propio dinero" [Ronnie Romero: The first record I bought with my own money]. Stairway to Rock (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  13. ^ "Barón Rojo reedita 'Volumen brutal' con motivo del 25 aniversario del grupo" [Barón Rojo reissues 'Volumen brutal' to mark the band's 25th anniversary.] (in Spanish). los40.com.
  14. ^ "Reading Rock Festival 1982". ukrockfestivals.com. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  15. ^ Rock (16 May 2018). "35 años de 'Metalmorfosis', la última gran obra de Barón Rojo" [35 years since 'Metalmorfosis', Barón Rojo's last major work]. MariskalRock.com (in European Spanish). Retrieved 27 August 2019.
  16. ^ "Canciones perfectas: "Hijos de Caín" de Barón Rojo" [Perfect Songs: "Hijos de Caín" by Barón Rojo]. Science of Noise (in Spanish). 26 December 2024. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  17. ^ Camacho, Pablo (7 January 2018). "Fallece Chris Tsangarides a la edad de 61 años" [Chris Tsangarides died at the age of 61]. MariskalRock.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  18. ^ "Barón Rojo: "Tuvimos a Metallica tocando antes que nosotros en un festival de Bélgica"" [Barón Rojo: "We had Metallica play before us at a festival in Belgium"]. La Voz de Galicia (in Spanish). 12 August 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  19. ^ "Barón Rojo". stubhub.ca. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  20. ^ "VÍDEO: Metallica versionan a Barón Rojo en su segundo concierto en Madrid" [Video: Metallica cover Barón Rojo at their second concert in Madrid] (in Spanish). Europa Press. 6 February 2018. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
  21. ^ "5 Discos de Barón Rojo que cambiaron el Heavy Metal Español" [5 Barón Rojo Albums That Changed Spanish Heavy Metal]. El Blog Rock&Tipo (in Spanish). 12 November 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
  22. ^ a b Marcos, Carlos (10 April 2019). "Barón Rojo: jamás un grupo 'heavy' español tan grande, jamás un final tan triste" [Barón Rojo: Never has a Spanish heavyweight band been so big, never has an ending been so sad]. El País (in Spanish). ISSN 1134-6582. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  23. ^ Redacción (25 June 2021). "Barón Rojo: "Desafío", el primer disco de una nueva etapa" [Barón Rojo: "Desafío", the first album of a new era]. MariskalRock.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  24. ^ Aliscar, Pablo (24 February 2020). "Barón Rojo. Monográfico, parte 2" [Barón Rojo. Special issue, part 2.]. Esquirlas de Metal (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  25. ^ "Barón Rojo "20+" (2001) | The Sentinel". thesentinel.es (in Spanish). 9 March 2014. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  26. ^ Various – Larga Vida Al... Volumen Brutal (in Spanish), 2002, retrieved 20 May 2025
  27. ^ "Perversiones – La Factoría del Ritmo" [Perversions – The Rhythm Factory]. lafactoriadelritmo.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  28. ^ Estr3lla (3 October 2007). "José Martos nos envía su comunicado sobre su marcha de Barón Rojo" [José Martos sends us his statement regarding his departure from Barón Rojo.]. rafabasa.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ admin (4 February 2007). "Barón Rojo – Ultimasmentes". rafabasa.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  30. ^ Various – Tributo A Baron Rojo (in Spanish), 2006, retrieved 20 May 2025
  31. ^ "Comunicado de Ángel Arias sobre su salida de Barón Rojo" [Statement from Ángel Arias regarding his departure from Barón Rojo]. rafabasa.com (in Spanish). 18 September 2007. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  32. ^ "Barón Rojo – Desde Barón a Bilbao" [Barón Rojo – From Barón to Bilbao] (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  33. ^ Ramos, por Sergi (26 February 2023). "Dentro de Barón Rojo: malas decisiones y muchos ensayos" [Inside Barón Rojo: Bad decisions and many rehearsals]. The Metal Circus (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  34. ^ Ramos, por Sergi (18 September 2023). "La reunión tóxica de Barón Rojo del millón de euros que salió regular" [The toxic million-euro Barón Rojo reunion that went badly wrong]. The Metal Circus (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  35. ^ "Barón Rojo "En Clave de Rock" (2009)" (in Spanish). 25 June 2014. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  36. ^ "Barón Rojo voló sobre Vistalegre" [Barón Rojo flew over Vistalegre] (in Spanish). Mariskal Rock. 2 November 2011.
  37. ^ "Barón Rojo – Tommy Barón". discogs.com. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  38. ^ "Eva Amaral con Barón Rojo" [Eva Amaral with Barón Rojo]. Amaral (in European Spanish). 12 April 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  39. ^ Hellpress, Redacción (8 January 2013). "Barón Rojo – Tommy Barón". Hellpress (in Spanish). Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  40. ^ Hellpress, Redacción (28 December 2021). "Barón Rojo no contará con Doro en su concierto de despedida" [Barón Rojo will not have Doro at their farewell concert.]. Hellpress (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  41. ^ "El último vuelo – Barón Rojo – La gran fiesta final" [The Last Flight – Barón Rojo – The Grand Finale]. El último vuelo (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 17 June 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  42. ^ Marcos, Carlos (28 December 2021). "La espartana historia de los hermanos De Castro, contra viento y marea al frente de Barón Rojo" [The spartan story of the De Castro brothers, against all odds at the helm of Barón Rojo]. El País (in Spanish). Retrieved 29 December 2021.
  43. ^ "El último concierto de Barón Rojo: "Ojalá que Ómicron no mande al garete nuestra gran despedida"" [Barón Rojo's final concert: "I hope Omicron doesn't ruin our grand farewell"]. abc (in Spanish). 27 December 2021. Retrieved 29 December 2021.
  44. ^ rafabasa (28 December 2021). "Barón Rojo dijeron adiós en el Wizink Center de Madrid, en su "El último vuelo", tras más de 40 años en los escenarios" [Barón Rojo said goodbye at the Wizink Center in Madrid, in their "El último vuelo", after more than 40 years on stage.]. WWW.RAFABASA.COM – Noticias en español sobre el heavy metal y los grupos de heavy metal (in Spanish). Retrieved 29 December 2021.
  45. ^ Allué, Ivan (15 December 2022). "Barón Rojo dilata su gira "El último vuelo", esta vez junto a Obús" [Barón Rojo extends their "Last Flight" tour, this time with Obús]. Metalcry.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  46. ^ "Barón Rojo sobrevolará Sudamérica en 2024" [Barón Rojo will fly over South America in 2024]. tracktohell.com (in Spanish). 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  47. ^ Duarte, Sebastián (5 November 2024). "Barón Rojo: cuando el heavy metal sale de gira, pero se preocupa por los nietos" [Barón Rojo: When heavy metal goes on tour, but worries about the grandchildren]. Clarín (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  48. ^ Hammer, Redacción Metal (20 May 2025). "Barón Rojo o como mancillar un legado en dos horas" [Barón Rojo or how to tarnish a legacy in two hours]. Metal Hammer España (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
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