El Canto del Loco were one of Spain’s most popular pop-rock bands of the 2000s, fusing fast guitars, playful lyrics and a restless energy that spoke directly to young audiences. The group was formed in Madrid in the mid-1990s by Dani Martín and his cousin David Otero. They were later joined by Chema Ruiz on bass and Jandro Velázquez on drums, with Carlos Gamón replacing Velázquez in 2008.

Their debut self-titled album, El Canto del Loco (2000), introduced their style, but it was their A contracorriente (2002) album that marked their first breakthrough. With tracks like “Puede ser,” recorded with Amaia Montero of La Oreja de Van Gogh, they reached a much wider audience and became one of Spain’s most talked-about new bands.

The real turning point came with Estados de ánimo (2003). Songs such as “Volver a disfrutar,” “La madre de José,” and “Una foto en blanco y negro” made them household names and placed them at the centre of a new wave of Spanish pop-rock.

Their success reached its peak with Zapatillas (2005). The title track and “Besos” became anthems, filling stadiums and festivals across Spain and establishing the album as one of the defining Spanish records of the decade.

By the time Personas (2008) was released, El Canto del Loco had matured without losing their trademark energy. Singles like “Peter Pan” and “Eres tonto” showed their ability to stay relevant while keeping the same youthful spirit that had carried them from the start.

In 2010 the group announced a break as members pursued solo careers. Dani Martín and David Otero both went on to enjoy individual success, while the band’s catalogue remained part of everyday Spanish life.