Podcast Summary

Podcast: Cuerpos Especiales (EuropaFM)

Episode: La entrevista de Ariel Rot en Cuerpos especiales

Date: December 18, 2025

Hosts: Eva Soriano, Nacho García, Lalachús

Guest: Ariel Rot

Episode Overview

In this lively and nostalgic conversation, legendary musician Ariel Rot joins the Cuerpos Especiales team to reflect on his long career, the 25th anniversary of his iconic live album "En vivo mucho mejor," and the enduring legacy of his work with Tequila and Los Rodríguez. With humor, honesty, and warmth, Ariel shares stories from his decades in music, discusses the nuanced relationships among musicians, and looks forward to new musical adventures.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Celebrating 25 Years of "En vivo mucho mejor"

• Eva introduces the episode by acknowledging Ariel Rot's massive influence on Spanish music and welcomes him with playful banter about Christmas sweaters.
• The hosts note the upcoming reissue of "En vivo mucho mejor" in vinyl to mark its 25th anniversary.
• Ariel reflects on revisiting the album after so many years:
  • He realized he already had 25 years of experience even at the time he recorded it.
  • "Fue una manera de recuperar canciones que la verdad que había abandonado o nunca había cantado." [01:22]
  • Describes the recording as a "prueba de fuego" that went surprisingly smoothly, given it was recorded without computers:

    “Lo escucho ahora y me sorprende. Los relajados. No me puse nervioso.” [01:35]

2. Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Unforeseen Challenges

• Nacho and Ariel recall technical difficulties before the legendary live recording:
  • Venue problems resolved with creative solutions (e.g., curtains on the ceiling for sound quality).
  • The guitar he intended to use (belonging to Julián Infante) broke right before the show:

    “Se escuchó un ruido, se había caído la guitarra y se partió… Julián me tenía que joder este día también.” [02:56]

• Ariel admits that he tends to worry intensely in the weeks leading up to a concert, but on the actual day he’s calm:
  • “Un mes antes me puedo empezar a poner nervioso por un show que queda un mes por hacerlo. Ya cuando llegas estás tranquilo porque ya lo trabajas.” [03:07]

3. Re-adapting Tequila and Los Rodríguez Songs

• The reissue includes "Nena" (a performance from 2001 not originally included), showing how his relationship with old songs has evolved.
• On including classic songs in his solo repertoire:
  • Initially avoided playing Tequila or Los Rodríguez songs to establish his solo identity.
  • Eventually band members encouraged reviving hits:

    “No fue forzado…ya se habían incorporado a nuestros conciertos.” [04:23]

4. Collaborations, Camaraderie, and Musical ‘Family’

• The album features collaborations, notably with Carlos Tarque (M Clan).
  • Ariel praises the sense of musical family and mutual support among artists.

    “Siempre que se da la oportunidad…con todo tipo de colegas, se ha armado como una especie de familia… Es un gusto encontrarse.” [05:11]

• Nacho asks about the myth that musicians all get along:
  • Ariel acknowledges competition existed in the past, but today relationships are much stronger, thanks in part to modern connectivity:

    “Empezamos a valorar más todo…Se van creando vínculos que empiezan a ser ya históricos.” [06:11]

5. Touring and Setlist Creation

• Ariel describes having different bands for Europe and Latin America, leading to evolving setlists.
  • “Ahora voy a intentar recuperarla” – referencing a setlist he enjoyed from Argentina. [07:04]
• With so many hits, choosing songs is about discarding what doesn’t work and being surprised by some audience favorites.
  • “Esos temas que no son singles…de repente pasa algo y la gente le emociona.” [07:42]

6. Legacy, Longevity & Influence

• Hosts discuss the parallel anniversaries of "En vivo mucho mejor" and "Palabras más, palabras menos" (Los Rodríguez).
• Ariel is amazed by rediscovering old recordings and how raw, energetic performances were captured:
  • “Tocamos de una manera desaforada e increíble…en la televisión nadie ha tocado en directo como nosotros en ese concierto.” [08:53]
• He’s touched by the discovery of his music by young fans:
  • “De repente hay gente muy joven y eso sí que me sorprende…me llegan por redes, te acabo de conocer…” [09:59]
• Reflects on recording his first album at 17, his ongoing gratitude for an uninterrupted music career:
  • “Dentro de dos años se van a cumplir 50 años de que grabé mi primer disco…es muy fuerte no haber hecho otra cosa.” [10:24]
  • “La música siempre gana. Si tu foco está en la música, siempre bien.” [11:13]

7. Milestones, Mentorship, and the Rolling Stones

• Ariel laughs about the never-ending cycle of anniversaries and collaborations, including recently opening for the Rolling Stones with Leiva and Carlos Tarque:

  • “¿Qué le dirías a tu yo joven? Cuidado con lo que deseas, que lo puedes conseguir.” [11:53]

  • “¿Cómo me iba a imaginar yo que un día iba a ser telonero o invitado…de los Rolling Stones?” [12:18]

• The ongoing relevance of Los Rodríguez cited by new musicians:
  • “Los Rodríguez ha tenido un calado fuertísimo en España y en toda Latinoamérica.” [13:09]

8. The Digital Age & Universal Access

• Ariel marvels at how technology brings music to unexpected places:
  • “Disfruto muchísimo encontrando…cosas que escucho yo de jazz o de blues…nunca pensé que iba a poder ver. Un ensayo de los Rolling Stones…” [13:56]
  • Social media and streaming allow fans everywhere to discover even the unpolished sides of music legends.

9. Looking Forward

• Asked about unfinished dreams, Ariel emphasizes the thrill of new collaborations:
  • “Siempre se basan en encuentros musicales…ir sumando a esta familia que decía antes, nuevos miembros…” [14:50]
• Jokes about returning for his 50th music anniversary (“el mejor múltiplo de 5 que yo creo”). [15:23]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Ariel Rot, on old songs:
  “Fue una manera de recuperar canciones que la verdad que había abandonado o nunca había cantado.” [01:22]
• On unexpected technical hurdles:
  “Julián me tenía que joder este día también.” [02:58]
• On discovering the power of revisited performances:
  “Tocamos de una manera desaforada e increíble…nadie ha tocado en televisión como nosotros en ese concierto.” [08:53]
• Advice to his younger self:
  “Cuidado con lo que deseas, que lo puedes conseguir.” [11:53]
• Why music sustains him:
  “La música siempre gana. Si tu foco está en la música, siempre bien.” [11:13]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• 00:44 – 03:35: Revisiting the first live album, technical issues, and nerves
• 04:02 – 05:47: Evolving relationship with old songs, collaborations, and musical camaraderie
• 06:32 – 07:42: Touring, changing setlists, and surprises from the public
• 08:13 – 10:24: Anniversaries, legacy, and connecting with younger audiences
• 11:25 – 12:29: Rolling Stones collaboration, perspective, and mentorship
• 13:09 – 14:26: The lasting influence of Los Rodríguez, music in the digital age
• 14:44 – 15:41: Reflections on the future, ongoing musical dreams

Tone & Style

The episode is marked by warmth, nostalgia, and humor, with Ariel Rot and the hosts joking comfortably and sharing heartfelt reflections. Ariel’s humility and gratitude shine through, making this a valuable listen for fans and newcomers alike.

Conclusion

Ariel Rot uses this anniversary as a springboard to honor the past, revel in the connections forged through music, and eagerly anticipate the next stage of his career. He celebrates both the planned and spontaneous moments that make a musical life exceptional, reminding listeners—and himself—why he’s kept going for almost 50 years.