Mecano

Formed in Spain during the early 1980s, the techno-pop group Mecano originated with brothers Nacho Cano and José María Cano, who recruited vocalist Ana Torroja to complete the lineup. At the height of the Movida Madrileña movement, the trio entered the domestic spotlight via the 1981 CBS single “Hoy No Me Puedo Levantar,” followed later that year by the release of “Perdido en Mi Habitación.” Their first album received a live unveiling at Madrid’s Palace Hotel in March 1982, after which the band embarked on national tours supported by drummer Javier de Juan and bassist Manolo Aguilar.

In 1983 Nacho Cano expanded his work beyond the group by writing material for other artists, beginning with Rubin’s “Me He Enamorado de un Fan,” while also producing Betty Troupe and collaborating with La Unión; José María Cano subsequently contributed songs to established figures such as Ana Belén and Massiel. The emotionally charged 1986 ballad “Me Cuesta Tanto Olvidarte” achieved widespread chart success throughout Latin America, and the next year “Cruz de Navajas” earned Spain’s Best Song of the Year accolade. Simultaneously, the French adaptation of “Mujer Contra Mujer,” titled “Une Femme Avec une Femme,” held the top position on major French charts for seven consecutive weeks.

Following an extensive worldwide tour in 1991, the members chose to pursue individual paths. The three reunited briefly in 1998 to issue the double-disc retrospective Ana, Jose, Nacho, which included eight newly recorded tracks, before parting ways again within months. Speculation surrounding a fresh single and global tour planned for 2012 ultimately came to nothing.