Maná discusses upcoming tour and reflects on being nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
After nearly forty years of topping the charts with songs like “Rayando el Sol,” “Oye Mi Amor,” “Mariposa Traicionera,” and “Labios Compartidos,” the iconic Mexican rock band Maná is finally receiving the recognition it deserves. Recently nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the group, consisting of lead vocalist Fher Olvera, drummer Alex González, guitarist Sergio Vallín, and bass player Juan Calleros, expressed their surprise and gratitude at this prestigious honor.
Reflecting on the nomination, Olvera shared, “Getting to this point in our career is like a dream… If you had told me a few years ago that this would happen, I wouldn’t have believed it.” The significance of this milestone is not lost on the band, considering they are the first Spanish-language group ever nominated for this accolade. Among this year’s esteemed nominees are music legends like Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Oasis, and Cyndi Lauper.
Throughout their journey since their formation in 1986 – the same year as the inaugural Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class with inductees like Elvis Presley and James Brown – Maná has released eleven albums, including their 1992 record “¿Dónde Jugarán Los Niños?” which became the highest-selling Spanish-language rock album in history. This recognition is not just for the band, according to Olvera, but also for the loyal supporters who have been with them from the start.
González, who contributes as a songwriter for Maná, expressed gratitude towards the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame committee for acknowledging a band that sings exclusively in Spanish. He stated, “For them to look our way and say, look at the musical impact this band has had… is an honor.” The band, regardless of induction, views this nomination as a significant milestone not just for themselves but for future Latinx artists in the industry.
Looking ahead, Maná is preparing for a groundbreaking North American tour, “Vivir Sin Aire,” slated to kick off this fall with shows scheduled in various cities. Olvera expressed excitement about reconnecting with their fans, emphasizing the healing power of music that the band embodies. The tour, which includes a record-breaking number of shows, will make stops in Los Angeles, where Maná’s career in the United States began. Calleros reminisced about their humble beginnings in the city, highlighting the band’s journey from small venues to sold-out arenas, attributing their success to their dedicated fan base.
As they set off on their tour, spanning multiple cities and culminating in North Carolina, Maná remains committed to using their platform to shed light on pressing issues impacting the Latino community. With their captivating lyrics and electrifying performances, the band continues to champion environmental, social, political, and human rights causes. González stressed Maná’s role not just as a band but as advocates for the Latino community, expressing pride in representing their Mexican heritage and standing in solidarity with Latinos worldwide.
In conclusion, the nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a testament to Maná’s enduring influence and legacy in the music industry. With their upcoming tour, the band looks forward to connecting with their fans across North America while reinforcing their commitment to social activism and community engagement. Maná’s impact transcends borders and languages, resonating with audiences worldwide and solidifying their place as one of the most iconic bands in rock history.