Huesca, Spain – For a generation of Spaniards, the music of Fórmula V is inextricably linked to summer. A recent concert in Huesca, part of the band’s 55th-anniversary tour, proved that the group’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and, as frontman Paco Pastor puts it, “procure happiness for people.” The performance at the Palacio de Congresos, described as “absolutely packed,” offered a vibrant trip down memory lane for a largely mature audience.
Fórmula V, formed in 1965, rose to prominence during Spain’s burgeoning pop music scene, alongside contemporaries like Los Diablos. Their sound, heavily influenced by 60s rock acts like The Beatles and The Monkees, resonated deeply with audiences across Spain and Latin America. While the band’s lineup has evolved over the years, Pastor remains the sole original member, carrying the torch and leading the group through its continued success.
The Huesca concert saw Fórmula V backed by a younger band, with Gianni Scavini on keyboards serving as a de facto musical director. Pastor, at 77 years old, reportedly charmed the audience with his “sympathy, closeness and cordiality,” demonstrating a self-deprecating humor and maintaining impressive vocal abilities. While his dancing may have lost some of its youthful agility, his stage presence remained captivating.
The setlist largely mirrored previous performances, focusing on the band’s greatest hits. The concert opened with “Cuéntame,” arguably their most recognizable song, followed by other beloved tracks like “Cenicienta” and “Tengo tu amor.” The performance flowed through a mix of upbeat numbers like “La playa, el sol, el mar, el cielo y tú” and more melancholic ballads such as “Solo sin ti.” The band also included the playful “Loco, casi loco,” consistently engaging with the enthusiastic crowd.
A highlight of the evening was a rendition of “Busca un amor,” a song penned by Juan Pardo, a name Pastor specifically acknowledged. Described as a “jewel” with “fantastic vocal harmonies,” the song featured a particularly energetic guitar solo. Pastor playfully acknowledged the audience’s surprise at the band’s continued vitality, prompting a joyful response.
The concert also featured less familiar tracks, including songs composed during the band’s time in Venezuela – a period Pastor noted as a first for Spanish groups venturing across the Atlantic. “Dime amor,” with its Andean influences, and the poignant ballad “El camino que lleva el viento” offered a glimpse into the band’s broader musical explorations.
As the concert neared its conclusion, Fórmula V launched into a string of hits, including “Vacaciones de verano,” complete with Pastor recreating iconic dance moves, “Tu amor, mi amor,” and “Carolina.” However, it was “La fiesta de Blas” that truly ignited the crowd, prompting a standing ovation and a collective singalong that continued long after the song ended.
Pastor playfully teased keyboardist Gianni Scavini, the composer of “La fiesta de Blas,” about the song’s simplistic rhyming scheme. However, he acknowledged that this very simplicity is part of the song’s charm, embodying the carefree spirit of summer pop. The concert culminated in a rousing performance of “Eva María,” the band’s signature summer anthem, with the audience singing along with unrestrained enthusiasm.
A final, more rock-infused version of “Cuéntame” served as the encore, bringing the concert full circle. As attendees left the Palacio de Congresos, it was clear that Fórmula V had achieved its goal: to provide a night of happiness and nostalgia, transporting the audience back to a cherished past. Pastor himself proclaimed, “We are an unrepeatable generation!” – a sentiment that resonated deeply with the crowd.
Fórmula V’s tour continues with performances scheduled for in Mallorca, in Badajoz, and in Cáceres, promising to deliver the same dose of musical nostalgia to audiences across Spain.
