The Catalan pop rock band, known from the 80s by the name of Pirats, up to this day as Los Glosters, gives us an account after thirty years of career on the field, of their track, the changes they have endured and also their coming projects as artists.
How was going for it and becoming a band and then giving crowded concerts just from a single idea?
The idea of bringing forth a music band started back in the beginning of October 1988. Based on some friends’ idea.
In one week’s time we put this idea into practice. Some paint cans and bleach bottles, a cookie box with rice inside worked for a snare, a metal sheet was cut as a cymbal, two acoustic guitars and a low-cost microphone plunged into an old radio cassette player were sufficient to start up this adventure.
In this way we worked for nine months (right now it would be unthinkable if someone did that), until one month and a half before our first concert, that we bought the first instruments and gave our opening concert in April 1989 in the Marti i Franques Highschool, in Tarragona.
Playing all these gigs we have played during all these years has given us the chance to meet many and varied people, places and also cultures. This is priceless.
You started being three members. How was the path until you became the current Los Glosters? Have you experienced many changes in the band?
The road has definitely been a blast, we began by the name of Pirats (1988-1996), the original formation was of five members: Ramón Cueca (voice), Ferran Arce “Tito” (voice),
Carlos García (guitar), Tatu (bass), Evan Dedes (drums) until the end of 1989.
Later in the year (89) Alex Dedes joined us in bass and Héctor Mir in the organ, who remained till the end of 2016.
Until the band breakup in the 96, would also participate through different periods: Albert Caballé (saxo & guitar), Kiko Méndez (bass and rod trombone), Albert Anguela (bass) and Xavi Torne (Trumpet)
With the breakup of the Pirats, Puri Pedrola, as bassist, became part of Los Glosters. Besides, due to Héctor’ departure, Miguel Zanon also became part of the band as guitarist and Jorge Varela as organist. During 2017 Albert Basora replaced Miguel Zanon.
Your music was kind of weird for the moment, did you have too much criticism or did you feel rather supported?
Between 88 and 89 the music we played was punk rock of the time, barely without knowing how to play. It was the music we listened to, a group of teenagers of almost 16 years old who were not reluctant to be exposed to influences which could have helped us.
We attended a myriad of concerts and also our temple during the night; Tucan Pub. And it was during one of these concerts that we listened to Los Canguros, and with Héctor and Alex turning up, we started working on our steadfast sound which we carved out during the years.
Between the end of the 80s and the beginnings of the 90s, in Catalonia originated the so-called Catalan rock. Out of which, aroused a vast number of bands, within them ours, singing in Catalan. Although we also wanted to pursue both a sextie style and its image.
At that time there were a lot of concerts. However, over the years we kept on playing in the same places and this dissatisfied us, since, although our music was likeable, we felt that no one grasped our philosophy and our way of doing.
All this ended up, towards the end of the year, breaking up the band and starting a new project, that is, take the plunge and start from scratch. The feat was tough, and nobody comprehended why, if we had what every band would wish. But it was worth the try. Looking back, what we have done is not bad at all.
Which bands or artists would you say that inspired the creation of your band and style?
Artists or bands that have influenced us suit all tastes, we’ve never closed the door to any kind of band, no matter how different the style, if there was something we could have learned from them, even insignificant.
As many people well know, in our CDS and concerts we have arranged several covers and versions, always customized with our sound. From artists such as The Who, Small Faces, Rolling Stones, Los Salvajes, Raphael, Los Gritos, etc.
After 30 years you keep having fans listening to you and also attending every of your concerts, how do you feel about that? Could have you imagined your music getting that far?
Yes, after all these years we keep sweeping along people from the beginnings and also new ones have joined in. Just imagine that some of them bring their children to the concerts, including myself. As well, it is nice to come to any place and meet again with friends and acquaintances that you have been building through the years. It makes us feel proud and sometimes it moves us when we realize how time flies.
We would have never thought we would be here today. The only dream of those teenagers was the mere fact of going up on a stage and having a concert.
You have too many songs but, which one would you say is the most representative of you?
I believe there is not a single song that defines and represents the band. However, we have reached one thing that not too many bands have done in their trajectories, and that is having a loyal sound, a sound that distinguishes from others with just two chords and a touch on drums.
I think each period has one song that has left a mark on us. Sandy, El Tren, Somni d’Estiu, Modesty Blaise, Vestida de Negro, Discos Olvidados, Sha la la (fin de Semana), la Fiesta Terminó, etc.
Which are your projects for the future? Has in any way the present-day circumstances affected your plans?
Well, just as everything is conditioned by the COVID-19 issue, it is difficult to develop new projects. We have yet to edit the live CD of the 30th anniversary in the Sala Zero (Tarragona). Despite the obstacles, we actually edited and projected our documentary in some places, and it displays these thirty years.
All the concerts in this year have eventually been called off by means we all know. We keep rehearsing as far as we can due to restrictions and, for the time being, we will keep on fighting. Culture is safe.
