Mega hits such as Bamboleo and songs on soundtracks of the likes of The Big Lebowski have made Gipsy Kings France’s most successful group of all time.

The Grammy Award winners have been touring nearly non-stop with their rousing flamenco-pop for close to three decades while keeping the same line-up of stunning musicians from two bands of brothers: the Reyes and the Baliardos.

Ahead of their headline show at Greenwich Music Time on July 23, News Shopper caught up with lead guitarist, co-producer and writer Tonino Baliardo.

What are you looking forward to most about playing at Greenwich Music Time?

The fans. The UK has always had the best fans. They are really knowledgeable and very respectful to us when we play. They generate some great electricity for the event. People are dancing and having a wonderful time and it really inspires us.

What is it like at a Gipsy Kings gig? I imagine lots of dancing…

Dancing, partying, singing and shaking. The fans are non-stop, which inspires us to bring it to a higher level. It is a collaboration of life and enjoyment.

Why do you think Gipsy Kings are so popular in the UK when very little non-English language music is?

It is the music and the way the fans connect to it. We are all gypsies in some way and the sounds and rhythms from the world effect us all in different, but similar ways.


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There’s obviously a traditional element to your music, how important to you is it to celebrate your culture?

It is the base for what we do. Whenever I am down, I go back to my roots and culture which lifts me right back to why I do this and how it effects me and the place I am in.

In England, bands with siblings don’t always get along – I’m thinking The Kinks and Oasis as prime examples – what’s kept you together?

It is never easy with family. We care for each other very much.

It is important for us to keep that in mind. We are bringing our sons out to join us on this tour.  We have been including them in smaller ways for quite some time, but now we feel that it is time for them to bring more energy and opportunities in more creative directions.

Families are an important part of our life and we want the fans in the UK to see that.

Gipsy Kings' version Hotel California featured in The Big Lebowski (WARNING: strong language).

Have you noticed an effect on your fanbase when your music appears in films such as The Big Lebowski or Toy Story 3?

Yes, we have. It has been another aspect of how we get our music out to people. It was and always continues to be hard to reach everyone. Films / TV are a great way. Our music works in that way and helps us create in different ways.

Do you ever tire of playing your older hits?

No, we are grateful for our hits. Our audience comes to hear them. Every time we play our older songs, we do it differently. It effects us differently, so it is all new to us no matter how many times we play them. We have a lot of respect for what we have done and do not mind showing that, by playing them.

How do you explain your longevity?

Our fans. We are here because they appreciate us. It is as simple as that.

It has been a collaboration from the being. We can’t do what we do without them and we will show our fans in the UK how much we appreciate them when we come to perform, bring your spirit and zest for life!

Gipsy Kings perform at this year’s Greenwich Music Time, which runs from July 23 to 26. Tickets are available from greenwichmusictime.co.uk