Like the music they play, Nuclear Valdez are a dichotomy. Each of the four members of the band are of Latin descent; all born outside of the United States. And, similar to many young Latinos raised in South Florida, " The Nukes" grew up listening to American Rock n' Roll as well as the mixture of Latin sounds they heard in their parents homes. Their soulful, passionate vocals, hot edge guitars, memorable melodies and driving rhythm section are the results of the fusion of these sounds and is what makes Nuclear Valdez so unique and exciting.
Their music speaks of a generation and a cultural exchange that emerged from the streets of Miami. Here, they developed a strong local following and became an essential live band, capable of sharing the stage with artists as diverse as The Hoodoo Gurus, Jane's Addiction, Ron Wood & Bo Diddley, Living Colour, The Smithereens, The Dead Milkmen and The Mavericks among others.
In the early 90's, the band released two critically acclaimed albums on Epic Records. Their debut album, "I Am I" produced the radio hit, "Summer". MTV were early believers in the band and proved critical to their early success. Early on, "Summer" was put into Active rotation. The band then filmed a promotional clip for MTV with director Paula Grief and were invited to appear on one of the early episodes of their groundbreaking show, "Unplugged" with The Alarm. Featured guest performers on the album included Bruce Brody of Lone Justice, Benmont Tench of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers and Meredith Brooks.
After touring extensively throughout Europe and the United States, Nuclear Valdez went back into the studio to work on their second album, "Dream Another Dream" with producer Steve Brown (The Cult, George Michael, Manic Street Preachers). Many critics commented that this album sounded more like a third or fourth release for such a young band because it showed their ability to arrange and produce beyond the basic guitar, bass and drum roots of their first album. More experimental and diverse, this album highlighted the cultural and musical diversity of the band and showed off the percussive and rhythmic melodies of their Latin roots. The single "Dance Where The Bullets Fly", aired on a season finale of the popular television show, Melrose Place and was the bands foray to commercial Top 40 radio.
After pursuing other musical endeavors individually, the band decided to reform in the beginning of 2000 and recorded 12 new songs which clearly show that their chemistry is stronger than ever. Joined by new lead guitar player Rafael Tarrago who previously played with various Miami artists, the band has a newfound energy . As a long-time fan, Rafael has made the transition easy and "In A Minute All Could Change" is really a return to the earlier sound of the band; pure, raw and guitar-driven. There are songs like "Wonderland", "Stem Of Tragedy" and "Goodbye Mary", each with something different that distinguishes them among themselves as well as other compositions which communicate whatever happens to anybody in one of the million days of his or her life. Evidence, that "in a minute, all could change".
You guys ROCKED last night!!! It was great to see all of you, can't believe 17 years had gone by!!! I had a great time, thanks for the friendship and for bringing back some fun memories!
WOW,HAD NO IDEA YOU GUYS WERE PLAYING OUT!GLAD TO HEAR IT,THAT'S FUCKING GREAT! WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU GUYS JAM IT BUT WE'LL BE ON TOUR DURING YOUR SHOW. ARE YOU GOING TO PUT OUT A NEW ALBUM?
Now I know where my last set of CD's disappeared to, Tao of Timmy... Well atleast I turned him on to you guys, too long ago? Timeless, Still trying to find replacements....
Nuclear Valdez is perhaps the greatest greatest band to come out of South Florida. The albums are timeless,the musicianship superb,the songs unforgettable. What a memory it is to have seen you guys so many times. I feel that from time to time I have to write as a testimony to the greatness of these four musicians.
I still bust out the cds, have some of the mp3s stored on my phone and my GPS as well. Timeless rock and roll, some of the best tunes I have ever heard
