Argentine rock circuit: music and tourism

In the loom of Argentine cities, where notes resonate in alleys and the chords are whispers among ancestral buildings, a magical circuit is interwoven, a staff that traces the soul of Argentine rock. Fito Páez tells secrets on the banks of the Paraná River, while Charly García, among cosmopolitan avenues, gives chords that are beacons of Buenos Aires fury. Argentine rock is a blue and white trademark and, without a shadow of a doubt, is part of the intrinsic culture of the country of the End of the World. The bearers of this art are many, and they all did their part in their passage through different Argentine cities.

Rosario: the birthplace of Fito Páez and his art

"Rosario was always close," says one of the most important musicians who has transcended in the blue and white territory. Three hundred kilometers away from the capital, Buenos Aires, the city of Rosario is the epicenter not only of art, but also of sports –figures such as Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María were born in these lands–. Its streets breathe culture, theater, cinemas and literature, making it a must-see destination. Street art, embodied in various murals, is also a fundamental part of the city's cultural proposal. A prominent example is the Pasaje Poeta Fabricio Simeoni, located between Mitre and Sarmiento streets, which seeks to be a tourist attraction in its own right. This passage not only houses a multicolored mural that pays tribute to the iconic musician from Rosario, Fito Páez, but also includes the reopening of the emblematic Bar Berlín, the presence of a museum dedicated to Che Guevara, and various cultural interventions that enrich the visitor's experience.

In addition, after the Netflix series El amor después del amor, the artist's childhood in Rosario became even more evident. The house where he grew up is today a health center at 681 Balcarce street. Within those walls, one of the most significant events in the musician's life took place: his grandmother and aunt were murdered while he was on tour in Brazil at the age of 23. 

Charly García: from Buenos Aires to the pool of the Aconcagua Hotel in Mendoza

To explore the life and artistic footprint of Charly García in Argentina is to delve into the very essence of the country's music and culture. From the beginning, when he lived in the Caballito neighborhood in Buenos Aires to his consecration as a musical icon, Charly García left an indelible mark that translates into unique tourist experiences. His birthplace is located at José María Moreno 63 (Caballito), and he used to live on the fifth floor of an apartment building with his family. Some years later, he had his first meeting with Nito Mestre at school, more precisely at the Dámaso Centeno Social Military Institute (Rivadavia 5550). Time went by and they formed the iconic band Sui Géneris together.

In terms of bars, the classic temple of rock is Prix D'Ami, a venue that used to have 3 venues –all in the Belgrano neighborhood– and witnessed some national and international artists. One of them was Charly García, who would come in the small hours to start the acclaimed zapadas, some artists’ musical improvisations.

In addition, Charly has performed in absolutely all the stadiums, theaters and clubs: Luna Park, the Obras Sanitarias Stadium, the Opera and Gran Rex theaters, the Ferrocarril Oeste stadium and more.

Now, one of the most shocking stories of the musician took place in the province of Mendoza, more precisely at the Aconcagua Hotel. On March 3, 2000, Charly jumped from the ninth floor directly into the outdoor pool of the place: he landed fine, unharmed. The event marked a turning point in the history of Argentine rock, being remembered to this day not only as a fact, but even captured in street art, clothing and different items. 

Soda Stereo and their indelible mark in Buenos Aires

A journey that fuses the history of the legendary band with the vibrant essence of the city. A nostalgic journey to immerse yourself in the musical essence of Buenos Aires. Because every corner of the city of fury -nicknamed after a song by the group- tells a story that interweaves notes, culture and a lot of music.

The Belgrano neighborhood is home to the magical corner of Victorino de la Plaza and Almirante Sixto Barilari, baptized as "Soda Stereo" in 2018. This corner full of history was the home of the family of Charly Alberti, the band's drummer, and served as the epicenter where Gustavo Cerati, Zeta Bosio and Alberti gave life to the first chords that would resonate in the history of Argentine rock.

The Galileo Galilei Planetarium, with its imposing spherical architecture and 20-meter diameter dome, hosted one of the band's best-known videos: Zoom. Moreover, the graffiti on the street also finds its splendor in the Agronomía neighborhood. The Gustavo Cerati under-level tunnel stands as an artistic tribute to Soda Stereo and their immortal leader. On Avenida Beiró, between Terrada and Zamudio, this 300-meter-long tunnel displays a gallery of murals that capture the essence of the album covers, portraits and songs that marked the musical history of the band.

Music, poetry and lyrics: Luis Alberto Spinetta

One of the great Argentine musical geniuses. His influence resonated in 376 songs and 31 studio albums, and left an indelible mark on the history of international rock. Affectionately known as "El Flaco," Spinetta has not only transcended musical genres, but also left his mark in the poetry of his lyrics, his reflections on art and life, and his commitment to noble causes. Luis Alberto Spinetta was born in Núñez on January 23, 1950, in the bosom of a family steeped in musical traditions. His musical legacy began to take shape in this neighborhood, influenced by the richness of the tango that his father sang and his connection with the world of music.

In 1967, young Spinetta was part of the founding of Almendra, one of the most relevant bands in the history of Argentine national rock. His house in Belgrano (Arribeños 2853) became the epicenter of creativity, where Almendra met to give shape to the musical magic that would define an era.

For more than 20 years, Luis Alberto Spinetta was a prominent neighbor of Villa Urquiza. The memory of his presence lives on in his old home at 5000 Iberá Street. In addition, the Congreso and Tronador Underpass bears his name, an artistic intervention that pays tribute to his legacy. Here, 30 album covers adorn the tunnel, capturing the musician's distinct stages.

Charly García, Gustavo Cerati, Fito Páez and León Gieco together