Take a trip down memory lane to the musical era of the 90s in Lima, Peru, featuring iconic performances by Grupo Niche, El Tri, Pedro Suárez Vértiz, and Cristian Meier. These unforgettable concerts left an indelible mark on the capital city’s music scene and continue to resonate with those who had the privilege of attending.
In the late 80s, Lima witnessed an unprecedented surge in international concerts, despite limited options for large-scale events in Peru. One such unforgettable moment was Grupo Niche’s concert, a Colombian salsa orchestra that made its debut in Peru on March 19, 1989. The warm reception from Peruvians left a lasting impression on the Colombian ensemble, inspiring them to create a song in honor of Peru titled “Me Sabe a Perú.”
Hits like “Cómo podré disimular” and “Nuestro sueño” were already popular on Peruvian radio stations. The announcement of Grupo Niche’s arrival generated tremendous excitement in Lima, with streets filled with eager fans hoping to experience an unforgettable night with the group live in concert.
The orchestra, led by Jairo Valera and featuring Tito Gómez, César “Albóndiga” Monges, Álvaro Cabarcas, and the newly added Javier Vásquez, was taken aback by the enthusiastic Peruvian reception. The fervor of the Peruvian audience was evident as they welcomed Grupo Niche with a press conference at the airport, thinking it was a welcoming for a politician.
The enthusiasm of the Peruvian audience materialized into a historic free concert organized by ‘Radiomar Plus.’ The attendance at the Campo de Marte, located on ‘La Peruanidad’ avenue, was unprecedented for a salsa event in Peru, with an estimated 300,000 people in attendance. The concert was also broadcast live on TV Perú, Channel 7.
El Tri, the iconic Mexican rock band led by Alex Lora, holds a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts. In 1986, their song “Vicioso del rocanrol” topped Peruvian radio stations, paving the way for significant concerts at the Acho Bullring in Lima. A decade later, on March 2, 1997, El Tri returned to Peru, this time for a massive concert called “Rock Beach” at Playa del Silencio.
This historic event drew nearly 200,000 people, making it one of the most attended music events in Peru’s history. The concert’s opening song was “Canción De Amor.” The event also featured performances by Peruvian artists Cristian Meier and Pedro Suárez Vértiz.
Cristian Meier, known for his versatility in music and acting, set the stage as the opening act for El Tri’s much-anticipated performance. Following Meier’s electrifying set, Pedro Suárez Vértiz, an iconic Peruvian musician, took the stage and delivered a set of his own. Suárez Vértiz later shared his experience of that iconic day on Facebook, reminiscing about the massive crowd at Playa del Silencio on March 2, 1997, where he performed at the height of his popularity alongside El Tri, who returned to Peru after a decade-long hiatus.
The 90s in Lima were marked by unforgettable musical events featuring Grupo Niche, El Tri, Pedro Suárez Vértiz, and Cristian Meier. These concerts remain etched in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to attend, serving as a testament to Lima’s vibrant music scene during that era.
