Chetes: The voice of alternative rock returns to Guadalajara
For more than two decades, Chetes has been one of the most representative voices of alternative rock in Mexico. His career, which began as the frontman of Zurdok and Vaquero and continued as a solo artist, has garnered him countless fans from different generations of listeners. Currently, while preparing a series of new projects, he returns to Guadalajara with an intimate, acoustic concert this July 26th at the Foro Barbanegra .
This format, designed for a small audience, allows Chetes—the stage name of Luis Gerardo Garza Cisneros—to approach his repertoire in a different way.
“It's a very heartfelt show,” the musician assures in an interview with EL INFORMADOR . “Right now I'm bringing a very complete set: I'm bringing songs from my entire solo career, obviously, and also several from the Zurdok era. It's a setlist designed for all fans.”
For the Monterrey native, Guadalajara has been a particularly welcoming city: “The last time I was there, I felt a lot of affection from all the fans. The truth is, they've treated me very well in Guadalajara . I feel more and more affection every time, and I'm very excited to return,” he says.
A show for the fansThe process of selecting the songs he'll perform is based primarily on the tastes of his audience: "I choose the songs I see the fans like the most , because it's a truly special performance for them. I see which songs have the most plays on the platforms and I give them priority," he explains. "The songs translate very well to the acoustic format because most of them are composed that way, with guitar and vocals."
This close encounter with his audience also allows him to notice how his audience has changed over time.
“Yes, it's something I've noticed; in fact, my manager and staff have also mentioned it to me. There are people of all ages: people of my generation, much younger people, older people. I've always wanted that with my music: for it to be universal, for it to connect with everyone.”
A full moment2025 finds Chetes in a state of personal and creative fulfillment. “I'm increasingly happier and more at ease, especially because of the affection of all my fans. I'm constantly seeing my platforms grow, and I'm still actively making new music,” he says.
Her schedule is packed with plans: in 2024, she released "Polvo de Estrellas," a collaboration album with the band Calexico ; she's preparing the release of a soundtrack for a dark comedy film; and she's also celebrating the twentieth anniversary of "Blanco Fácil," her iconic solo debut.
The latter, in particular, makes him nostalgic and surprised.
"It's dawning on me, especially seeing my children grow up, now that they're both grown. It's incredible how time flies. It fills me with pride to see that people continue to listen to the 'Blanco Fácil' album, that it's becoming more and more popular," he says.
Regarding this anniversary, the musician announced a special reissue: "Next year we're going to do a really cool reissue, remastered and with some new versions. There's also a tour coming up with the whole band playing the album live in its entirety."
A connection that never runs outThroughout the conversation, Chetes reiterates the value he finds in staying connected with his audience . In every acoustic show, there's an intention of closeness and honesty. His music, he insists, seeks to convey good vibes, without posturing or distance.
“I'm always busy and always doing what I love,” he summarizes. “I feel very in tune with what I love to do and with my work. I'm, let's say, happier than ever.”
20 years after a spontaneous collaborationOne of the most memorable moments in Chetes ' career was the creation of "16 de febrero," a song he composed with Meme del Real that was featured on the soundtrack of the 2006 film "Fuera del Cielo." That collaboration, which also celebrates its 20th anniversary next year, was born by chance.
“Meme had this project to do the soundtrack for this film, and he invited me to write the main theme,” he recalls. “The next day I went to his studio, which happened to be February 16, 2006, and we started writing. I had some ideas, he had others, we started putting together the song, and that's where the idea of adding the date in the title came from. We wrote it that day, made a demo, and the next day we started production. I recorded my vocals and returned to Monterrey. It was a very quick turnaround, and a song that came about very spontaneously.”
That song not only remains in the memories of fans, but also strengthened a bond between the two musicians. “Personally, it was one of my favorite collaborations of all time. It was something very special. We remain very good friends to this day. This year we got together to sing the song at the Pal Norte festival.”
Long-term rewardsTwo decades after its release, “Blanco Fácil” not only maintains its emotional relevance among Chetes' fans, but has also earned him new accolades. “It looks like it's going to go platinum and gold for the song 'Completamente' and for the entire album. For me, it's a very special recognition because, well, 20 years later, people are still listening to it, and it's still popular.”
These achievements are in addition to other projects he has in progress. Among them, the soundtrack for a film stands out, the title of which has yet to be determined. “They had a tentative release date for August. I already have all the music ready. The idea is to release an EP or a full album with part of the score, a selection, and two unreleased tracks. When I have more information about the film's release date, I'll coordinate that release ,” he says. Although he can't provide too many details, Chetes says he's excited about this production, which he composed entirely.
Chetes in concertChetes returns with an intimate acoustic concert this July 26th at the Foro Barbanegra (Justo Sierra 2194-A, Guadalajara) at 9:00 PM. Tickets are available at Roomers.mx and at the box office, with a general price of 750 pesos.
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