Rodrigo y Gabriela and C.U.B.A.

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The 2012 Line-up

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Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero have been playing guitar together for more than fifteen years. Their acoustic, nylon stringed instruments produce a unique sound which is not easy to classify; encompassing influences from both rock and world music. While there are timeless Hispano-classical influences, the fire in the music comes from their joint devotion to the power of thrash metal and hard rock. From the tenative steps of their first self-released album in 2001, Rodrigo y Gabriela have grown in stature to be recognised as an international recording artistes with over one million albums sold; and a string of sold out concert tours around the world.

Rodrigo and Gabriela met as teenagers at the Casa de Cultura (Culture House) in Mexico City, sharing an interest in the music of Metallica and Led Zeppelin. They played together in a thrash metal band called Tierra Acida (Acid Earth) and flunked their entrance to the Conservatory. Tierra Acida enjoyed some local success on the Mexico City thrash scene, and were offered a recording contract. Sensing that this what not their destiny, the duo left the band and with it the hustle and hassle of Mexico City to the more peaceful environs of Ixtapa, on Mexico's Pacific coast.

After a period of hanging out, playing thrash metal covers cunningly disguised as bossa nova in hotels to unsuspecting American guests; they decided to broaden their horizons and travel overseas. A friend suggested they try Ireland first, as the Emerald Isle was a good place for visiting musicians. Avoiding the obvious destinations (language and temperature wise) of Spain or Portugal, they arrived in Dublin with two acoustic guitars and a few words of English in 1999. Quickly running out of money, they started playing on Dublin's busy Grafton Street for spare change; and found gigs in pubs, house parties and once again in hotel lobbys. Every day honing the playing skills which would enhance their repute as instrumental virtuosos.