Rodrigo y Gabriela (Rodrigo and Gabriela) are a Mexican musical duo who specialize in playing fast, rhythmic acoustic guitars. The duo's members are Rodrigo Sánchez, lead guitar, and Gabriela Quintero, rhythm guitar.
The musicians gained a reputation by playing in the pubs and bars of Dublin, and despite their unusual style, gained a cult following. Reviewing one of their gigs, The Independent notes that "Rodrigo y Gabriela's secret is maybe quite simple. They are resourceful musicians who can really play, and open-hearted, happy entertainers. That, very often, is what people want.
The duo met in Mexico City while playing in a thrash metal band called "Tierra Ácida". Growing frustrated with the limited scope of the domestic music scene, they pulled up roots and moved to Europe, where they have met considerable acclaim.
They took up residence in Dublin, Ireland, after hearing it was particularly welcoming to travelling musicians. Playing live gigs in various pubs and busking on Grafton Street and Temple Bar allowed them to practice their sound. They received their break when Damien Rice approached them to provide the support for Oxegen. In 2005 they toured extensively in festivals around the United Kingdom and beyond.
The duo has released six albums - Foc, re-Foc, Live in Manchester and Dublin, the self-titled album Rodrigo y Gabriela, Live in Japan and 11:11.
The self-titled album Rodrigo y Gabriela entered the Irish Albums Chart at #1 beating Arctic Monkeys and Johnny Cash to the top spot. It was released internationally on 13 March 2006, having been given an earlier Irish release. Rodrigo y Gabriela which was produced by John Leckie includes covers of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" and Metallica's "Orion". The duo list Metallica as being among their key influences, alongside other heavy metal bands such as Megadeth, Slayer, Testament and Overkill. The other tracks are original works inspired by the places they have been and the people they have met.
Live in Japan was released on 20 October 2008 (UK), and includes 14 tracks, and a bonus DVD containing 5 videos. The Led Zeppelin cover can be found on the album Rhythms del Mundo Classics.
Their feature on MTV gave them a huge boost in popularity in the U.S.A.
They are featured on Nightmare Revisited, a tribute album to the music from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. The duo perform an instrumental version of "Oogie Boogie's Song".
They are due to perform at this years Electric Picnic Festival on the 4th, 5th, and 6 September 2009.
They released a new album, entitled 11:11 in September 2009. Alex Skolnick of Testament guests on the album, as do Strunz & Farah. Upon the release of the new album, they have received much mainstream American popularity and were the featured music on Monday Night Football on October 12, 2009 as they celebrated Latino Heritage Month.
Their song Santo Domingo was chosen as the Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week for November 10, 2009.
They are also due to play on the Jools Hollands New Years Eve show.
Stairway to Heaven
cover of Metallica's Orion
"The Late Late Show"
Diablo Rojo
"Hanuman"
"Hora Zero"
Gabriela Solo Live
Viking Man
