Pedro Botero’s story began in 1973. Abel Bartolomé (guitar), Antonio Aguín (bass), and Dámaso Casans (drums) formed the band. They initially called it Pedro Botero y Las Infamias del Pecado. However, this lineup did not last long. In 1977, Abel reformed the trio with his two brothers. Rubén played guitar and sang, while Chirri played drums. The new lineup gave its first concert at Colegio Mayor Pedro Cerbuna. Two other bands, Patito Feo and La Codorniz, also performed.
Pedro Botero’s reputation continued to grow. In 1980, the band entered the national Bocata-Rock competition and reached the final. A record followed that included the band’s only song featuring Abel, “El Maca.” However, no serious record deal arrived. Disappointed, Abel left the band. He handed control to his brothers.
The lineup then changed several times. By the mid-1980s, only Rubén Bartolomé remained from the original formation, handling vocals and guitar. Charlie Colás joined on guitar, Nano Pérez played bass and provided backing vocals and Chirri Bartolomé remained on drums.
Their growing reputation eventually attracted Snif Records. Julio Castejón, from Asfalto, owned the label. He would later produce every Pedro Botero album. In 1987, Pedro Botero released their self-titled debut album. The record combined classic heavy metal with rock and roll influences. The band soon gained recognition beyond Zaragoza and they began performing in other major Spanish cities.
The band followed it with Guerrero in 1988. Snif Records released the album with more polished production. The musical style remained close to their debut, yet heavier, with better songwriting and arrangements.
Three years passed before the band released another album. In 1991, they returned with La llave del alba. Julio Castejón released the album through his new label, Libélula. The record also introduced two new members. José Luis Arrazola replaced Charlie Colás on guitar. Sergio García replaced Chirri on drums. The album also featured Miguel Ángel Collado on keyboards. Collado had played with Ñu, Santa, Topo, and Asfalto.
In 1993, Pedro Botero recorded their fourth and final album. They called it Oro y cenizas. Miguel Isaac joined the band as the new drummer. The band recorded and mixed the album at Kikos Studios in Zaragoza. They also worked at La Factoría Studios in El Molar, Madrid.
With Julio Castejón’s support, the band released an EP in 1993. It also carried the title Oro y cenizas. The EP contained five songs from the full album.
The band continued performing successfully during the following years. However, its story eventually came to an end. After four albums and almost 24 years together, Pedro Botero stopped performing regularly. They played their final concert in May 1997. Despite this decision, the band made occasional appearances in their home region. Zaragoza remained their main base.
In 2007, Pedro Botero reunited for the Leyendas del Rock festival. Four years later, they joined an Asfalto tribute. For that event, they performed their own version of “Ser urbano.” In 2012, they reunited again for the Pozal Rock Festival. On May 17, 2013, Abel Bartolomé died. The band’s founder was widely regarded as the father of Zaragoza’s heavy metal scene.
In 2015, El Pozal Producciones acquired Pedro Botero’s recording rights. The label released a remastered compilation titled Volverás a escuchar su llamada. The collection covered every period of the band’s history. It also received an especially careful physical release. The first 1,000 copies sold out in little more than a month. Strong demand forced the label to release a second edition. The success encouraged the band to consider a comeback. Rubén Bartolomé became the driving force behind the project. He was also the only member to remain throughout every lineup. Rubén ultimately signed with El Pozal Producciones.
The label’s new producer, Leonardo Gil, began assembling a new lineup. Their goal was to record a new studio album. The task was challenging, but the project quickly gained momentum. Rubén first reconciled with Nano Pérez. Nano had played bass and provided second vocals on the band’s first three albums. The reunion restored an important link with Pedro Botero’s early years. Leonardo Gil then recruited guitarist Cesarito Royo. Gil also found the new drummer. He recruited Alejandro Duarte, a 22-year-old musician from Napalm Storm.
In January 2016, Pedro Botero released “Todo me da lo mismo”. The single served as the first preview of their new album. The band also released a music video. The song became an immediate success among their fanbase.
One month later, Pedro Botero released 17/50. Critics praised the album widely. The comeback also earned the band a second appearance at Leyendas del Rock.
