Los Saicos: Peru’s Punk Rock Pioneers Who Shocked the World
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If you’re reading this article, you probably are into rock music as much as your favorite writer is. When you talk about punk movement bands, people bring up names of legendary bands such as Sex Pistols, Ramones, or The Stooges. But what if I told you that one of the earliest punk bands—possibly the first—came not from London or New York, but from Lima, Peru?
If you haven’t met them yet, we introduce the first proto-punk band “Los Saicos”, a wild, rebellious band from the 1960s that played loud, aggressive music decades ahead of its time. Join us as we see their story, one of youthful defiance, unexpected fame, and a legacy that continues to grow.
The Birth of a Revolutionary Sound
Los Saicos (pronounced “Los Psychos”) was formed in 1964 in the Lince district of Lima, Peru. This garage rock band consisted of:
Erwin Flores (vocals and rhythm guitar)
Rolando “El Chino” Carpio (lead guitar)
César “Papi” Castrillón (bass and vocals)
Francisco “Pancho” Guevara (drums)
Unlike most Latin American bands of the time, which focused on romantic ballads or covers of British and American hits, Los Saicos had a completely different approach. Their music was raw, fast, aggressive, and full of wild energy, with lyrics about fights, dead people, and demolishing everything.
They weren’t trying to sound like The Beatles or The Rolling Stones. Instead, they screamed, howled, and played loudly, creating a sound that wouldn’t fully emerge in North America or the U.K. until a decade later. Jokingly, Flores stated that his mother thought he was possessed, as he screamed loudly while performing.
A Name That Stuck
Originally, they wanted to call themselves “Los Sádicos” (The Sadists), but they felt it was a bit too extreme. Instead, they settled on Los Saicos, a name that still suggested madness and chaos. It cleverly played on the English word “psycho” while also referencing Seiko watches, which were trendy at the time.
Lima’s Music Scene Gets a Shock
Los Saicos started performing in small venues but quickly became famous in Lima’s underground rock scene. Their wild stage presence, combined with lyrics about destruction, madness, and escape, made them a sensation. One of their biggest breaks came when they played at the Tauro Cinema, catching the attention of TV producers. Soon, they were invited to perform on El Show del Diana, one of Peru’s biggest music shows.
“Demolición”: The First Punk Anthem?
In 1965, Los Saicos released their most famous song: “Demolición.” The song starts with pounding drums and a fast, distorted guitar riff. The track was loud, raw, and full of rebellious energy. It felt almost dangerous—which was exactly why fans loved it. Then, Erwin Flores’ voice erupts in a fierce chant:
“Ta-ta ta-ta, ya-ya-ya-yaTa-ta ta-ta, ya-ya-ya-ya” “Echemos abajo la estación del tren” Let’s tear down the train station Demolish, demolish the train station! Nos gusta volar estaciones del tren We like to demolish train stations Demoler, demoler, demoler, demoler Demolish, demolish, demolish, demolish“
Even today, “Demolición” is considered one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded in Latin America, and some even call it the first true punk song in history. “Demolicion” is used as an anthem for political protests.
More Hits, Then an Abrupt End
Between 1965 and 1966, Los Saicos released six singles, each packed with raw energy:
“Demolición” – The anthem of destruction.
“Fugitivo de Alcatraz” – A song about breaking out of prison.
“El Entierro de los Gatos” – A dark, eerie track.
“Salvaje” – A wild, untamed rock explosion.
“Ana” – Their only romantic catchy tune.
Los Saicos sounded more like The Stooges or The Ramones, but they came first. However, despite their rising fame, the band broke up in 1966. The members moved on with their lives, thinking their time in music was over.
They said that they never disbanded, it was just that they chose different ways. For example, Flores is a successful entrepreneur, Guevara is involved in the construction business, and Castrillon is a retired musician. Unfortunately, Carpio died before the band’s comeback.
The Unexpected Comeback
In 2010, surviving members Erwin Flores, César Castrillón, and Francisco Guevara reunited for a series of concerts in Spain and Argentina, proving that Los Saicos’ music still had the same raw energy more than 40 years later.
Unfortunately, Guevara passed in 2015, since then Los Saicos have been performing sporadically around Argentina, Peru, or Spain.
Want to Experience Los Saicos’ Lima? Here’s How!
If you’re visiting Lima, Peru, and want to feel the spirit of Los Saicos, here are some must-do activities:
Walk around Lince – This is where the band was born. The streets have changed, but their rebellious energy is still in the air. A mural honoring them is in this district.
Catch a live rock show – Venues like La Noche de Barranco and Vichama Rock Bar showcase Lima’s underground music scene, carrying on Los Saicos’ rebellious spirit.
Dig through record shops – Some stores still sell Los Saicos’ vinyl records and other Peruvian rock gems.
Just listen – Whether you’re in Lima or not, the best way to experience Los Saicos is simply by playing their music.
The Undemolishable Legacy of Los Saicos
Los Saicos weren’t just another band—they were a phenomenon. They broke the rules, played music that was decades ahead of its time and left a legacy that still inspires musicians today. Their story proves that great music knows no borders.
It doesn’t matter where you’re from—if you have something to say and the passion to say it loudly, the world will eventually listen. So next time someone asks, “Who invented punk rock?” you might just have a new answer: Los Saicos, from Lima, Peru.
Stay tuned to our blog to learn more stories about contemporary or historical Peruvian culture! Viagens Machu Picchu invites you to the country of Los Saicos to discover what it has to offer. Feel free to contact our specialists, so they can give you more information about our packages and best deals! The adventure of your dreams in Peru awaits, don’t be late!
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