Musical nostalgia works: an agenda to be young again

The music that defined Generation X and the early millennials dominates the agenda in Malaga. From now until the end of summer, we will hear live performances by the original artists of hits like 'Como un burro amarrado a la puerta del baile' by El Último de la Fila, '28' by La Oreja de Van Gogh, 'El aire de la calle' by Los Delinqüentes, 'Historias de amor' by OBK, 'Devuélveme a mi chica' by Hombres G, 'Ahí estás tú' by La Mari de Chambao, 'Bienvenidos' by Miguel Ríos, or 'Never gonna give you up' by Rick Astley. In some cases, these concerts are sold out or about to sell out.

Musical nostalgia is a rising value among promoters and the bands themselves who design 'revival' tours for reunions, farewells, or anniversaries. Proposals that almost always work. And there is a scientific explanation for this: according to various neuropsychological studies, the music we listen to between the ages of 12 and 30 – especially around 20 – is linked to our identity formation (what they call the reminiscence bump). It leaves a mark on our memory, and people constantly return to it in adulthood.

According to various studies, the music we listen to around the age of 20 is linked to identity formation

According to this rule, those born in the 60s, 70s, and 80s are now replaying those songs that became popular in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Concerts by bands from that era of adolescence and early youth become the perfect excuse for the reunion of old friends, with a musical bond that turns sentimental when mixed with memories from the past. It is important to note that this audience has more purchasing power than a teenager, knows what they want, and buys in advance. Moreover, they tend to spend freely at the bar without worrying too much about the expense (and that increases revenue).

This Saturday's reunion on the Marenostrum stage of Manolo García and Quimi Portet, El Último de la Fila, is the first of several that will follow in the province. One of the most anticipated, undoubtedly, will take place on June 27th, also at Marenostrum: Amaia Montero reunites with her former bandmates for a new chapter of La Oreja de Van Gogh. The band is reuniting its original lineup on its 30th anniversary and 25 years after 'El viaje de Copperport', one of their most emblematic albums. Two months before the event, all the grandstand and general track tickets are already sold out, with only 'deluxe' tickets available for 120 euros (includes priority entry, exclusive lane, and tour gift).

A month later, on July 25th, another return in Fuengirola. After fifteen years of absence, Los Delinqüentes are back on tour to celebrate the quarter century of 'El sentimiento garrapatero que nos traen las flores', the album that made them a part of popular music history. Without el Migue since 2004, they will revive that garrapatero spirit with el Canijo de Jerez and el Ratón. Marenostrum is the last stop on a tour with concerts like the one in Madrid already sold out.

More birthdays

OBK is also celebrating an anniversary: 35 years ago, they burst onto the scene with innovative electronic pop. Jordi Sánchez keeps the project alive, and after twelve years without new material, has just released 'Vértigo'. He will present it in Malaga on a double date: at the Brisa festival (July 25th at the Port) and at the Teatro Cervantes (October 10th). The same goes for Miguel Ríos. Talking about a farewell with the tireless rocker is always a risk, but this tour is titled 'El último vals' (like his most recent work). The singer-songwriter from Granada will perform tonight at the Teatro Cervantes with all tickets sold out, but anthems like 'Bienvenidos' or 'Santa Lucía' will be heard again on July 25th at the Starlite Occident.

And the musical memories continue. Dani Martín is bringing to Marenostrum on June 16th a tour that commemorates his quarter-century on the road (already sold out). The same anniversary is celebrated by La Mari de Chambao, with an album featuring multiple collaborations and a tour that will stop at the Solaris Nerja Festival on June 19th.

On August 1st, it will be Hombres G's turn in Fuengirola: as their story jumps to the screen with the documentary 'The best years of our life', the band from Madrid offers a live "tribute to all these years lived together", a party for fans who have been with them from the early 80s to today.

And without the need for returns, farewells, or anniversaries, many other names from the music scene will travel back in time through their songs: Sting (July 13th, Marenostrum), Lenny Kravitz (June 29th, Starlite), Deep Purple (July 9th, Starlite), Rick Astley (July 10th, Starlite), Jean-Michel Jarre (July 13th, Starlite), Juan Luis Guerra (July 15th, Starlite), and Kool & the Gang (July 23rd, Starlite) will make many feel young again.