Riff (Argentine band)

Riff

Riff in 1986. Left to right: Oscar Moro, Vitico, JAF, Pappo
Background information
Origin Buenos Aires, Argentina
Genres Hard rock, Heavy metal
Years active 1981–1991
(hiatus: 1984)
1992
1995–1997
Labels CBS
DBN
Associated acts JAF, Pappo's Blues, V8, Viticus, Seru Giran
Past members Pappo
Vitico
Héctor Serafine
Michel Peyronel
Danny Peyronel
Oscar Moro
JAF
Jota Morelli

Riff was an heavy metal/hard rock band formed in 1980 in Argentina.[1][2] After separation of Pappo's Blues and Aeroblus, Norberto Napolitano formed in 1980 a new band called Riff. Influenced by AC/DC, Motörhead and Black Sabbath imposed the heavy metal music in 1980s in Argentina.

Biography

1981–1983: Early shows, success and peak

On November 14, 1980, Pappo organised a recital entitled "Adiós Pappo's Blues, Bienvenido Riff" (Goodbye Pappo's Blues, Welcome Riff). This band emerged as successor of the Pappo's former group, who would change the Argentine rock scene. Riff debut album Ruedas De Metal was released in 1981, widely distributed, not only in radio, but also by ATC. Although they had played with Plus (another band), their first show itself in works took place in December 1981 at the launch of Macadam ...3, 2, 1, the second album. By then long hair, leather clothes and strikeouts were hallmarks of the band, and aggression toward other musicians. There began the violence that characterized this group.

The increasing success and great scenic display went accentuating in 1982 appeared again at the Obras Sanitarias stadium, attended the B.A. Rock Festival registered there. Then, the band released their new LP Contenidos, with popular songs as "Susy Cadillac" and "La pantalla del mundo nuevo". By 1983, in La Falda Festival '83 made one of his best shows, according to the chronicles of the time, where Riff was one great on stage act. In March, joined Danny Peyronel (Michel's brother) on keyboards, who came from USA. The first performance as a quartet took place in April, at the stadium Obras Sanitarias, which was used to record a double live album titled En acción. In these concerts were one of the most violent incidents in the Argentine rock remember: the newspapers called it a "scandal" and detainees exceeded 150. There began to be referred to as Riff "damn band", and all the heavy-metal is considered violent by nature given the situation arising in the recitals.

Trying to change his image, a concert was held at the Ferrocarril Oeste Stadium, with Los Violadores as support, called "Riff termina el año sin cadenas". That December 17, incidents were also reported, forcing even finish the show ahead of schedule. Reviews increased again, to the point of making impossible any presentation of the band without associating it with violence. Danny Peyronel returned to the U.S., Boff started rehearsing with the group Boxer and Pappo resumed his solo career, like Michel Peyronel. Officially unannounced, Riff was virtually dissolved.

1984: Temporal hiatus and solo projects

By 1984, after the band break-up, Pappo released his first solo album, En Concierto recorded alive with Enrique "Avellaneda" Diaz (former Vox Dei) on bass, Juan "Locomotora" Espósito on drums and Boff Serafine on rhythm guitar. Michel Peyronel recorded and published A Toda Makina, with Stuka (guitarist from Los Violadores), Alex "Le Noir" Oucinde on bass and his brother Danny on keyboards, and Vitico too releaded his first solo LP Ha Llegado El Momento in 1985.

1985–1991: Comeback, period of decline and break-up

In 1985, was completed the return of the band, with Pappo, Vitico, Juan Antonio Ferreira and Oscar Moro (former Pappo bandmate during their days with Los Gatos). Without changing his signature style, recorded Riff VII and presented at Obras Stadium again, without the impact of the past gigs. Performed a series of shows in pubs and clubs, and with Jota Morelli on drums, to enter a period of infighting that culminated in a new dissolution of the group in 1991.

1992–2005: Short reunions and Pappo's death

Then with presentations to be the Black Sabbath and Motörhead support band, Riff met again in 1992 and then a brief return between 1995 to 1997, as support to AC/DC at the River Plate Stadium.

In mid-2004, prior to a show in Cordoba, Pappo, Michel Vitico and hinted that they would continue with these meetings, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band. On 25 February 2005, Pappo Napolitano died in a motorcycle accident in Lujan, ended any possibility of a full reunion. The municipality of the City of Buenos Aires dedicated a monument in his honor.

Discography

Studio albums
Live albums
Compilation

References

  1. ↑ Riff's biography at Allmusic.com
  2. ↑ Riff at Rock.com.ar
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