In a night brimming with nostalgia and rock-and-roll fervor, El Último de la Fila delivered their second and final concert of their comeback tour at the BEC in Barakaldo, drawing an audience of 16,000. Fronted by Manolo and Quimi, the band performed for over two hours, captivating fans with their poetic lyrics and upbeat melodies that blend rock, pop, flamenco, and psychedelia. Classics like Insurrección, Soy un accidente, Aviones plateados, Sara, and Como un burro amarrado en la puerta del baile resonated deeply, proving their enduring appeal.
Thirty years after their last performance in 1996, the duo, a testament to friendship and creative genius, once again triumphed in Bizkaia. The concert featured no surprises in its repertoire or staging, but the band's unbridled energy showcased the power of their songs, which have become anthems ingrained in the collective imagination and served as the soundtrack to many lives, evoking both joy and nostalgia.
The concert opened with Huesos by Los Burros, a nod to their early days, delivered with an almost hard rock intensity. Following a greeting in Euskera from Manolo, who gradually shed layers of clothing throughout the evening, the band performed Conflicto armado, possibly referencing Iran, and Querida Milagros, a pacifist anthem enhanced by Pedro Javier González's guitar work. With the powerful drumming of Ángel Celada, they also played Mi patria en mis zapatos, featuring Andalusian echoes and flamenco palmas.
The band confirmed that a significant portion of the setlist would focus on their early albums, particularly the acclaimed Enemigos de lo ajeno. This was evident in performances of tracks like Aviones plateados and El loco de la calle. The palpable joy and friendship evident in their reunion were central to the performance, especially during songs like No me acostumbro, with its raw, electric riff, and Soy un accidente, a poignant reflection on human fragility. The emotional ballad Mar antiguo was also a highlight.
Supported by a powerful and pristine sound, and accompanied by original band members including bassist Antonio Fidel and guitarist Josep Lluís Pérez, they navigated through their discography. From the youthful Disneylandia to the sole track from their latest album, Sin llaves, the performance spanned their career. A special moment occurred with the guest appearance of Martin Larralde and Ruper Ordorika, who performed some of their own songs to an enthusiastic audience.
The clean stage design and lack of unnecessary embellishments allowed the band to move freely. While Quimi remained in a more subdued role, Manolo intensely connected with the audience, even walking through the aisles during Canta por mí. Other notable songs included Cuando el mar te tenga, with its psychedelic echoes, El que canta su mal espanta, and Llanto de pasión. Manolo's daughter, Sara, joined as a guest guitarist for the song bearing her name.
The final act of the concert was explosive. After expressing gratitude to the Basque and other regional audiences, the band launched into Dulces sueños, Lejos de las leyes de los hombres, Ya no danzo al son de los tambores, Los ángeles no tienen hélices, Como un burro amarrado en la puerta del baile, and the iconic Insurrección. The show concluded with El rey, a Navarrese jota performed by the drummer, and an environmental message from Manolo, leaving the audience filled with cherished memories and a profound sense of gratitude for the shared nostalgic experience.
