Caifanes

Early Years
The seeds of what was to later become Caifanes were planted in 1984 with Las Insolitas Imágenes de Aurora (The Unusual Images of Aurora), a band that included Saúl Hernández, AlfonsoAndré and Alejandro Marcovich. According to Marcovich, Insólitas started out as a side project for the purpose of performing as a party band for the filming of his brother’s film project, (Marcovich’sbrother went on to direct various videos for Caifanes). At the time, both Hernández and Marcovich were playing in different bands. The members enjoyed the experience of playing in Insolitas and decidedto continue. As the seriousness of the project grew the band began to play in different spots in Mexico City like Rockotitlán, High Tower, and El Jabalí. In May 1986, Insolitas recorded a live demoperformed at Rockotitlán. Insólitas developed a strong cult following in Mexico City.
Insólitas broke up in 1986. Saúl and Alfonso reformed as Caifanes with bass player/producer Sabo Romo and DiegoHerrera on keyboards and sax. Caifanes’ first live show was April 11, 1987, in Rockotitlán. The building was filled to capacity and many people were left outside. Their popularity began to growthroughout Mexico City. By late 1987 Caifanes had carved a niche for themselves as a dark contrast to the corporate pop/rock and light ballads that dominated Mexican radio and television during the 1980s. Attimes the image and the sound were considered radical for the Mexican music industry. Between December 28, 1986 and January 3, 1987 Juan Aceves produced a four song demo for the band using "free"studio time at night at Arco Studio (where Aceves was chief engineer). The demo was showcased on the independent radio program Espacio 59 (Space 59), a show that promoted up and coming rock bands. Withdemo in hand Caifanes approached CBS Mexico. The musical director at the time shunned them for dark new wave attire and said, “You look like fags.” At the time, Caifanes’ sound and look was influenced...