For nearly four decades, the Gipsy Kings have existed outside the usual rules of pop success, singing in their own language, rooted in flamenco tradition, and somehow becoming global without ever sanding down their identity. Led by founder Tonino Baliardo, the group helped open Western ears to non-English music long before “world music” became a marketing category, with songs that felt as joyful as they were timeless.
As they prepare to release Historia this spring, the band sounds anything but nostalgic, blending rumba, jazz, dance, and deep cultural memory into music that still feels alive on stage. Ahead of their Spring 2026 U.S. tour, which includes a Bay Area stop on March 19 in Oakland at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, we spoke with Tonino Baliardo about legacy, family, cultural persistence, and why Gipsy Kings shows are still, at heart, a celebration.
When Gipsy Kings broke through in 1987, U.S. and U.K. charts were rarely open to non-English music. Did the industry underestimate how ready audiences were for something culturally authentic?
Initially the UK was very difficult, our Label A.1.Records an independent tried for nearly a year to get plays on BBC Radio 1 their policy was not to play non-English records. They persisted and finally made the breakthrough with “Bamboleo”. The US was difficult but a lot easier than the UK as America has a large Hispanic population. Through our breakthrough world music started to gain recognition, which is a wonderful thing.
Nearly forty years later, Historia sounds alive rather than nostalgic. At this stage, does “history” feel like something you protect or something you’re still writing?
Of course, I am very proud of our music and Gipsy culture. Part of Gipsy culture is music and family life. Over the years I have written many songs and today I am working on new ideas. Going back to when I was a young, I still remember and play all the old songs they are part of the landscape of my life. Yes, Historia is very much a new sounding album with many influences, Rhumba, Jazz, Dance. I listen to modern music today with my sons Cosso and Mikeal who play on stage with me. For me music is a moving piece of art with so many different influences.
“Señorita” radiates joy in a way that feels almost defiant today. Was reconnecting with childhood memories of music and dance a conscious creative choice?
“Señorita” is a joyous happy track and is receiving great reaction when we perform it live. We were fortunate to get Brian Rawlings (Cher’s “Believe”) to do a mix for us and it is becoming a great popular dance track.
California, and especially the Bay Area, has long embraced global sounds. As your Spring 2026 tour begins on the West Coast, do Northern California audiences feel distinct in how they listen and respond?
We love Touring the US with so many cultures, and the audiences are very warm and welcoming. Our shows are fiestas. As we hit the stage, we can feel this amazing energy in the auditorium which of course brings out the very best in us. We do have a set list and that can change on stage. All the live antics are completely unrehearsed so who knows what will happen. It gives a great joy to play our Gipsy King music.
Your music has appeared everywhere from The Big Lebowski to Toy Story 3. How does it feel when Gipsy Kings songs become emotional shorthand in popular culture?
I am very privileged to have certain tracks in wonderful movies and advertisements that are seen across the globe. In May of this year, with the release of the album Historia we are releasing at The Cannes Film Festival a Documentary on my life as a Gipsy King which will be available on Amazon Prime and other platforms.
You’re now sharing the stage and studio with your sons, Cosso and Mikeal. How has hearing the Gipsy Kings’ music through the next generation changed the way you think about the band’s future?
Well, I have been playing guitar since I was about seven years old. I learned and watched my cousin Manatas de Plata play around campfires with my family. With Cosso, Mikeal and our cousins on stage all young guys and wonderful musicians is a dream come true. How many artists today play with their next generation?
Watching your Glastonbury 2024 set, it’s clear the audience becomes part of the performance. After decades on stage, what still moves you most about that communal exchange?
I often think about how fortunate I have been. Originating from a Gipsy tradition family with very little money but a lot of love and security. The Glastonbury Festival was unique. I have travelled the world many times and played in front of royalty and world leaders. Yes, after decades I never tire of playing and meeting all our fans and chatting to them.
Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo // March 19 in Oakland at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts
