Jaguares are no less than rock royalty in their native Mexico, as well as throughout Latin America. Lead singer Saul Hernandez and drummer Alonso Andre formed the group in 1995 after their band, Caifanes, a late-'80s outfit credited with pioneering Latin rock, broke up. A few cast changes in their formative years eventually led to the permanent lineup, including Marco Renteria on bass and Cesar Lopez Garcia, better known as "El Vampiro," on lead guitar.
Grungy and driven by fast, distorted riffs and heavy drums, Jaguares are not to be confused with some of their peers in Mexico. They've forged a sound that's pure rock and all their own, marked by creative lyrical imagery. It has won them a number of heavyweight worldwide fans, including Morrissey, the Rolling Stones, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who have all shared the stage with them. The group even recently won a Grammy for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album for its latest record, 45.
And the band members have put their fame to good use. In 2007, they took part in Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur by contributing a version of John Lennon 's "Gimme Some Truth," and they are active supporters of Amnesty International. Friday's gig at The Fillmore Miami Beach marks the last stop on their 45 tour.
