Alex Lora and El Tri: An unstoppable force of Mexican rock
Given their longevity and the overwhelming stage presence of their frontman, El Tri is often referred to as the Mexican Rolling Stones. Here is why you should brave the crowds and check out this legendary band when they play the Xmatkuil fair on Nov. 29
Simply put, El Tri and its 71-year-old founder, Alex Lora, are synonymous with Mexican rock music. Lora’s raspy voice, rebellious lyrics, and energetic performances have captivated audiences for decades.
El Tri’s roots trace back to the 1960s when Lora was a member of the band Three Souls in My Mind. After leaving the group, Lora founded El Tri, a name inspired by the slang term for the Mexican national soccer team. The band’s early sound was influenced by rock and roll, blues, and psychedelic rock, incorporating elements of traditional Mexican music.
The band’s musical legacy is dominated by raw energy, socially conscious lyrics, and irreverent humor. Their songs often addressed issues such as poverty, corruption, and social injustice, reflecting the realities of Mexican society. Lora’s distinctive voice and passionate delivery made him a powerful voice for the disenfranchised.
El Tri has released numerous albums throughout their career, many of which have achieved gold and platinum status in Mexico. Though El Tri has far too many hits to list, some of their most influential tracks include the timeless ballad, Triste Canción, which perfectly captures heartbreak during youth, Las Piedras Rodantes, a rock anthem celebrating rebellion and friendship, as well as Todo Me Sale Mal, that features self-deprecating lyrics but never ceases to find humor.
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The band is also never shy from taking on religious themes and their love for the Virgin of Guadalupe, as in their 1997 hit, Virgen Morena.
El Tri’s concerts are known for their high energy and passionate performances. The band has headlined massive festivals and sold-out stadiums throughout Mexico and Latin America. Their ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level has made them one of the most beloved bands in Mexican history.
Their larger tours usually also include a handful of dates across Latin America and the United States, especially in LA, Chicago, and other cities with large Mexican populations.
Aside from being the main singer, Lora also plays bass — often his signature cream-and-black maple “middle finger” model.
Alongside Lora, Chela Lora, his wife, has often been involved in the band’s management and has even lent her voice to some tracks. Aside from Lora himself, Rafael Salgado, a multi-instrumentalist, has perhaps been the most key member of the band for his exquisite saxophone and harmonica solos, which add something special to El Tri’s sound.
With most band members (including Lora) in their 70s, El Tri does not tour as much as they once did, so their upcoming concert at Xmatkuil is the perfect opportunity to see them in action.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
