Los Pacaminos was formed in summer 1992, when UK pop star Paul Young’s love of all things Tex-Mex led to exploratory discussions with some like-minded musician friends. Within a few weeks, Los Pacaminos was born and rehearsals had begun.
The band was originally a six-piece. Joining Paul were guitarist and singer Jamie Moses, accordion/keyboard player Matt Irving, singer/songwriter Drew Barfield, bassist Steve Greetham and drummer Mark Pinder.
In November 1992, the boys took to the stage for their first ever gig at the White Horse in Richmond, Matt’s local watering-hole. They went down a storm.
Despite expectations that the band would fall apart when something more important came along, the exact opposite happened. With every show, their friendships grew stronger, the band played tighter, and the seeds of their loyal fanbase had been sown.
While Paul’s name was used in gig promotion, the Los Pacaminos name and the boys’ trademark stetsons made it clear this wasn’t a Paul Young show. In time, the band started writing and performing their own songs, and the boys knew this wasn’t going to be a short-term project.
In 1997, after five years of gigging, Jamie introduced Paul to Melvin Duffy, a pedal steel player he’d played with, and suggested Melvin play on a few songs at the next show. Paul remembers it well: “As soon as Mel took the first solo, we all melted. He had to be in the band, the decision wasn’t his to make!”
In 2002, as an established seven-piece band, the Pacs delighted their fans with the release of their eponymous first album. Comprising 12 original songs that ran through their influences, including the Texas Tornados, Doug Sahm, Flaco Jimenez, Roy Orbison, The Band, Chuck Berry, Ry Cooder and Calexico, ‘Los Pacaminos’ pulled in an impressive array of positive reviews. These songs, together with a number of acclaimed covers, became the backbone of their set list over the coming years.
In 2015, the boys lost their dear friend and founder member Matt Irving after a long battle with cancer. Although Matty’s boots were very big boots to fill, Steve “Woody” Oakman stepped in as the band’s accordionist a year later. Woody has been a key member ever since.
Los Pacaminos are now in their 30th year and show no signs of hanging up their boots. With an unmatched live reputation, two acclaimed studio albums and two live albums under their belts, they continue to explore and perform the music of the Southwest.
Throughout 2023, Los Pacaminos are lining up a series of 30th anniversary shows across the UK. To coincide with the tour, and to celebrate the milestone of three decades together, the band will also be releasing a brand new album.
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