August 27, 2000 - Miami

The Watcha Tour arrived in Miami for its 2000 edition. This time the festival was held in the city of Miami and not in Pompano Beach like it was last year. A lot of fans were not able to attend the first edition because of the distance between the cities. Although last year's festival had more bands, that was not enough to bring in the amount of people that was expected. This year's show was held at the AT&T Bayfront Park Amphitheater. A lot fans were waiting to see some of their favorite bands. This year's lineup included (in order of presentation):

Fulano (Miami, Florida)
Aterciopelados (Colombia)
A.N.I.M.A.L. (Argentina)
Molotov (Mexico)
Café Tacuba (Mexico)
Enanitos Verdes (Argentina)

The Sunday afternoon began with the pop-rock sound of local Miami band, Fulano, which has made them a crowd favorite. They played songs from their first album, Normal, which was released by BMG U.S. Latin along with songs from their latest album, etc., which is on the Radio Vox label. The band played pretty well and a lot of fans were pleased to the hard-edged sound that the band produced. Fans were treated to favorite hit singles like "Cristina María", "Los Demás (The Rest)," and "Caramelo (Candy)." This last track is one of the singles from their latest release that is getting heavy airplay on several of the Latin Rock programs across the nation.

Immediately following them, it was time for Andrea Echeverri and Hector Buitrago better known as Aterciopelados (The Velvet Ones). This was one of the most anticipated bands especially by the large amount of Colombians present. Their stage presence is excellent and this was not going to be the exception. They performed songs that have made them famous like "Baracunatana" and "Florecita Rockera." One does have to say that a lot of their songs were performed in new ways with some interesting twists. They also performed songs from their upcoming 5th album. Their melodic trip-hop sound mixed with Latin rhythms was contagious and people started dancing and screaming during their set. Andrea is a diva and her interaction with audiences is a sight to see.

A band that to many was sort of mystery was Argentine hard-rock outfit, A.N.I.M.A.L., which had joined the Watcha Tour after being the only Latin band on this year's Warped Tour. Their appearance was something that a lot of the Argentinean fans were waiting for. With a heavy sound and fun attitude, they ignited a wild atmosphere. They performed tracks from their latest release, Usa Toda Tu Fuerza (Use All Your Force), along with old favorites. The energy that this band creates and injects into audiences is something really special. Their lyrics contain a positive message and protest injustices which fans love. There were a lot of people wearing A.N.I.M.A.L. t-shirts and many were Mexican. That just shows their impact in Latin America. People screamed and sang along with the band hits like "Loco Pro", "Revolución (Revolution)", "Poder Latino (Latin Power)," and their Spanish version of rapper Ice-T's controversial song, "Cop Killer."

People who enjoyed the hard-core sound got more of it when Mexican band Molotov took the stage. Molotov with their explicit lyrics and comical attitude were definite crowd favorites. They performed hits that have become hymns to many like "Puto", "Rasta Man-dita", "Gimme tha Power," and "Parasito (Parasite)." They got the crowd jumping immediately. We do have to mention that during the Mexican band's set, the power went out. People immediately began whistling and booing, as they got mad. However, this was a problem that was resolved after several minutes and the band was able to continue and finish their set. The band and their manager, Jorge Mondragón, are behind the creation of this important tour.

Following them, their compatriots, Café Tacuba, took the stage. They were part of this year's tour as well as last year's inaugural tour. To see Café Tacuba perform live is a true experience that no one should miss. With their unique and really alternative sound, Café Tacuba, has consolidated themselves as the most experimental band in Mexico. This has led them to tour with artists such as Beck. Their set was a very fun and diverse one where they mixed classic favorites like "María" and "Como Te Extraño (How I Miss You)" with new hits like "Revés (Reverse)" and "La Locomotora (The Locomotive)" from their critically acclaimed release Revés/Yosoy (Reverse/I am). The spontaneity of Nrü mixed with his voice is something that makes the crowd happy and gets them going. Everyone present especially the Mexican fans sang along to the songs. This was particularly evident when they performed their version of Juan Luis Guerra's "Ojalá Que Llueva Café (I Hope That It Rains Coffee)." They make a very folkloric version of the song with its ranchero sound. People danced and you could hear a Mexican charro yell often. Their performance was amazing and people asked for an encore.

The closing act was the classic and romantic rock sounds of the Argentinean band from Mendoza, Enanitos Verdes (Little Green Elves). This band can already be considered a legend in its own right in Latin America. They have had some huge hits that they performed like "La Muralla Verde (The Green Wall)", "Dale Pascual (Go On Pascal)," and "Lamento Boliviano (Bolivian Lament)." The band made a lot of fans happy and once again the big Argentinean community of Miami was able to see one of their own. Enanitos Verdes (Little Green Elves) also played new songs from their latest Universal release, Nectar, like the super hit "Cordillera (Mountain Chain)." With the classic guitar talent of Felipe Staiti and the special voice of Maricano Cantero, the Enanitos were able to give closure to a pretty exciting evening.

The concert general was very entertaining and worth attending. The bands were of excellent quality and have pretty long careers under their belts. There was a lot more attendance than last year. However, there were still 2 big problems that need to be confronted. These happen often with Latin Rock concerts in the United States: Lack of promotion and cost of tickets. Each ticket was around $25 a pop. That is a lot for a lot of people especially for teens. The lack of promotion doesn't help the situation. Although it was better than last year, they still have the demons of last year's mistake and committed it again with too little time to create awareness for the event. The promotion aspect was so bad that people heard a radio commercial announcing the concert the day after on one of South Florida's Latin radio stations. A whole day after! The bands aren't at fault here but maybe they should realize this and should add a little more pressure to promoters in order to insure the success of this tour for years to come.

During the concert, RE-USA.COM was able to interview Andres Gimenez, lead singer of A.N.I.M.A.L. This is what he had to say:
Xavier: It's the first time I see you guys live. I can tell you that you guys rocked. What is your opinion?
Andres: Well thanks a lot. We are extremely happy of being able to be part of this tour. It is an excellent tour and we are ready and willing to work. It's really nice to be able to carry this out and thank God, things have gone really well.
X: How were you able to join the Watcha Tour since you guys were part of the Warped Tour?
A: Well, yes, we were on the Warped Tour but we were offered this as well and we didn't think twice. This tour is for our people, Latin people, and that's why we're here.
X: How was the experience of being on the Warped and how has the Watcha been so far?
A: The Warped is a really difficult tour but we were received with open arms. It was something really special to experience. On the Watcha, well great, you have just witnessed it.
X: The brand new album, Usa Toda Tu Fuerza (Use All Your Force), what can you tell me about the changes from Poder Latino (Latin Power) to this one? How was the structure for this one different?
A: It was really fun, we were able to record in better conditions, and we did at Indigo Ranch Studio Recording in Malibu, California. We had a lot more time to record this album. 11 tracks were recorded for this one. We recorded a cover of AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" and well we had the honor of having Lemmy Kilmeister of Motorhead participate on that track. The truth is that with Richard Kaplan, who was the producer, we were able to create something really good and we're happy with the results.
X: You just finished playing the song "Cop Killer." You guys weren't scared to get arrested for playing that song?
A: Not at all. It's a way of feeling something. We all know that there are some abusive people in this world and we dedicate that song to them.
X: In Argentina you guys are very heavy, very vocal. You have never had problems with the government?
A: Thank God that we haven't had problems with anybody. Absolutely no one. Thank God that in Argentina we have been able to grow as a band and as people. We are proud that Argentina is our home and that from there we have been able to go to other parts of this world with our music.
X: How about your struggle for indigenous peoples?
A: It's a cause that we strongly believe in and fight for. We do what we can and what's within our reach. Everyday we try to help the important indigenous communities, which is important. We worry about what happens to them.
X: Thanks a lot Andres.
A: No thank you and to all those people who have always supported us. A big hug to them.