Enrique Banbury: “There will be no more tours like before”

Enrique Banbury thought all was lost when, a few months ago, a strange sore throat prevented him from continuing his 35th year tour. His difficulties with singing in concert were often discussed, until one day he abruptly canceled all performances.

Some time later, after exhaustive tests, it was discovered that the cause of his illness was contact with glycol, a substance given off by artificial smoke used on stage. Hope returned to the life of the Spanish singer who, while “inactive”, devoted himself to making music and writing a collection of poetry.

And a few days ago he announced his return, but on his own terms. There will be 10 shows in total, five in Latin America, four in the US including Los Angeles and New York, and one in Madrid. This is “Greta Garbo”, a record with bright and even dance rhythms, which is not heard in the artist’s latest works. In a conversation that he asked to be done in writing, he touched on the subject, what left him with this experience and what his next shows will be.

While you were off stage, you were composing and recording. What other activities have kept you “normal”? How did you get over that traumatic moment as you describe it?

Of course, it was a difficult year. The cancellation of all shows and commitments left a huge void. On the one hand, the entire technical team and musicians returned to Spain, and I returned to Los Angeles to rethink everything. While I ran tests and tests to find out the origin
problem. Gradually I began to rebuild my activities with a collection of poems (MicroDosis) and finished writing the songs that are part of this new album.

New circumstances also required a change of perspective, and I changed direction for the new adventures I was undertaking. Of course, yoga and meditation have become fellow travelers not only in recent months. I have been practicing for many years and they help a lot, at least for me they were.

Have you ever given up hope of getting on stage again?

Yes, by May 2020, hope was completely lost. After canceling everything, I thought that I would never go on stage again, and somehow I got used to it. I thought that I had already had a lot of tours and concerts, that I had stepped into the best and worst scenes and that not much would happen if I took my career in a direction that I really care about and that is the basis of everything. Creativity is something that continues to fascinate me to this day and I feel privileged to be able to continue to pursue my passion.

What was your reaction when it turned out that the gas used on stage was the cause of your illness?

It was a relief. On the one hand, knowing that evil does not live in me, that I do not have an illness that limits my daily activities. On the other hand, I have had moments of anger knowing that the companies that make the smoke hide its ingredients and include chemicals and toxic elements that are not healthy or safe.

I find “Alaska” very bright (buzzword) and upbeat. I found your music quite introspective for a while. But this work, even the video, is very light and even joyful. What do you think?

I like what you’re saying because yes, it’s thoughtful and deep, but also light and light. I like it because I’m not exactly known for writing these kind of songs. This is a new face that has not been offered so far. Besides, I think it’s a good song. But hey, this should probably finally be decided by the public. Hope you like it.

I read that Greta Garbo is your most personal record. However, I think that your music in general is quite personal. How is Greta different from your other productions?

Right, right. But in recent years, he has made a series of recordings that have a more social content, look outward, at the world in which we had to live. For this reason, it can be said that Greta Garbo is my most personal album in recent years. In addition, the circumstances surrounding the composition of this album gave it a deeper and more sensitive component.

Do you plan to resume your 35th anniversary celebration or will this new tour be dedicated to “Greta Garbo”?

The truth is, I have no plans to resume touring. Basically, my idea is to do several shows, very carefully selected, in different cities and far apart in time. Nothing that suggests a commitment to spending time away from home and wistfully offering so much every night. I prefer to give very few concerts and give myself completely. Focus on quality, not quantity.

Will Greta Garbo be a full length album? With how many themes?

It’s an old-fashioned analog tape record, no clapperboard, all musicians play
at the same time, without computer plug-ins, mixing directly to tape. Thus, its length is dictated by the capacity of the vinyl: 45 minutes, ten songs. I think concentration is very important and longer recordings lose the listener’s attention.

As for your books MicroDosis and Exilio Topanga, I see that they have been successful. Did you expect this? Moreover, new generations read less and less.

Both albums outperformed two editions to reach number one in sales of poetry. This is a very big compliment, and I feel honored by the reception. But above all, knowing that the comments that come to me from the trade press and the public are very positive. It is true that new generations read less because they have more distractions. Phone and Internet, first of all. Apart from video games and other online entertainment. Reading is one of the greatest pleasures and a source of knowledge and
knowledge. In addition to the safest way for free and critical thinking.

How will your concerts be now when you are back?

We are going to play some shows at the end of the year. Five. We’ll do five more next summer. Nothing more. There will be no such tours as before.