Los Illegals

Los Illegals stands as a notable American Chicano punk band hailing from Los Angeles. Formed in 1979, the band comprises artist/muralist Willie Herrón (keyboards, vocals), civil rights activist Jesus “Xiuy” Velo (bass), drummer Bill Reyes, and guitarist brothers Manuel and Antonio “Tony” Valdez, who also perform with their Mariachi parents and relatives. A key contributor to the early development of U.S. Roc en Español in the early 1980s, Los Illegals made a significant impact on the East L.A. music scene.

Background

Released in 1981, the track “El Lay” played a pivotal role in the band’s trajectory. Written by Herron, the song narrates his stepfather’s arrest for washing dishes in L.A. and became a Raza Anthem, elevating the group’s recognition internationally, particularly in Europe and Japan. The band’s debut album, “Internal Exile,” produced by David Bowie’s Mick Ronson, was released on A&M Records in 1983.

However, their association with the major label soured after the rejection of their next LP, “Burning Youth,” and their collaboration with UK’s Stiff Record’s producer Wally Brill. This rejection stemmed from the LP’s experimentation with Mexican instrumentation and the band’s refusal to resort to stereotypical icons for publicity. The band, facing label challenges, distributed the album on cassette only in Mexico—for free.

Club Vex and Beyond

Los Illegals played a vital role in the East L.A. music scene by striking a deal with Franciscan nuns to open and run the legendary Club Vex at Self Help Graphics in East Los Angeles. This venue facilitated cultural exchange by introducing Eastside to Westside groups, broadening horizons for both the band and other local acts. They performed alongside major 1980s groups like The Clash, Bauhaus, The Motels, and Berlin.

In the early 1980s, Los Illegals toured into Mexico, facing initial hostility both in the U.S. and Mexico. Despite challenges, they earned respect on both sides of the border, winning the first “Outstanding Roc En Español Artist” California Music Award (BAMMY). The band actively engaged in the Chicano rock scene, sharing experiences with other pioneering bands like El Tri, Tijuana No, Jaguares, and Maldita Vecindad.

Recognition and Collaborations

Outspoken diplomatically and politically, Los Illegals began receiving long-overdue accolades, featuring in prominent music history and university textbooks. Their contributions extended to film soundtracks, including Agnès Varda’s “Mur Murs,” “Stand and Deliver,” and the D.A. Pennebaker documentary “Searching for Jimi Hendrix,” where they collaborated with Chuck D. of Public Enemy, Laurie Anderson, and Cassandra Wilson.

Despite facing anti-illegal immigrant legislation, Los Illegals continued their musical journey, becoming “cultural collaborators.” Their collaboration with Concrete Blonde, titled “Concrete Blonde y Los Illegals,” received attention, with a performance at the House of Blues in 1997.

The band, maintaining a commitment to their roots, collaborated with Tijuana punk legends “Mercado Negro” for the Rockefeller US/Mexico Culture Fund-sponsored compilation CD, “MexAmerica.” Further collaborations included working with Emmy-winning journalist Ruben Martinez and Rock en Español stars “Maldita Vecindad” for the theater piece “Border Ballad.”

Discography

Albums

• Internal Exile (1983)
• Concrete Blonde y Los Illegals (1997)

Singles

• Ellay (1981)

Los Illegals remains a force, transcending boundaries and actively proving the power of music to unite people.