Cuban singer, guitarist and songwriter and Buena Vista Social Club member Eliades Ochoa brings his 80th birthday show Como Nunca to Dublin's National Concert Hall on 19 October. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Tickets on sale here.
One of the original members of Buena Vista Social Club, having famously lent his vocals to that album’s iconic opener Chan Chan and he often called 'Cuba’s Johnny Cash’.
At the National Concert Hall, Eliades will perform a career-spanning set featuring classics alongside material from his most recent album, Guajiro, which features collaborations with renowned artists including Rubén Blades, Joan As Police Woman and Charlie Musselwhite.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I love traditions. It’s important to me to keep them alive through my music. That’s why I keep playing traditional Cuban music. I want to share our culture with the world and pass this Cuban music on to future generations.
I’m connected to the earth, always keeping my peasant guajiro roots and never forgetting where I come from. I believe authenticity is essential to evolving my art and music.
My guitar is my passion. She is part of who I am, my story, and my legacy. She has been with me wherever the music takes me. We have shared happiness and sadness together.
How would you describe your music?
My music resembles a rainbow, vibrant with colour, stories, and cultural traditions.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I like traditional music. I admire artists like Celia Cruz, Benny More, Los Compadres. I also enjoy the repertoire of Rubén Blades and Juan Luis Guerra; they bring joy to my days.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Since then, it has rained a bit. The event was the first show that I played in 1968 at La Casa de la Trova in Santiago de Cuba. Although I used to play on the streets when I was a child the first time I went to a gig was the first time I played a gig.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I used to live very humbly. I couldn’t afford to buy records.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Chan Chan will always be my favourite song. I was given the song by its author Compay Segundo back in Santiago de Cuba in the 1980s. I recorded it then and subsequently it was the emblematic song of Buena Vista Social Club.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Chan Chan.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chan Chan.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My music is available on all music platforms, and we keep touring, I am at the National Concert Hall in Dublin on October 19. I’m currently recording new music. You will hear more from me in the future. I am on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, YouTube and my website is here.
Alan Corr
