Los Lobos: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert From The Archives

We've been filming Tiny Desk concerts for more than 10 years. While revisiting our archives, we discovered that some of our earliest concerts never made it to KZbin!
Watch Los Lobos’ Tiny Desk concert from 2010: www.npr.org/20...
Felix Contreras | November 10, 2010
Los Lobos has proven time and again that a universal shared experience will always trump culture and language. The group writes music that speaks to all of us as individuals, yet can make us feel connected when we pack ourselves into a club to watch them perform.
I've been a fan of Los Lobos since I was 18 and the band was playing mariachi music on the campus of UC-Davis. I'm 52 now. I've seen many, many Los Lobos shows and even interviewed the band a handful of times, and yet I still get excited when I get a chance to see its members play.
This past summer, the group released a new album called Tin Can Trust. Thankfully, for Los Lobos, there's always a new record: songs to sing along to, stories to compare our lives to, cumbias to dance to. This short blast from behind Bob Boilen's desk has something new, something old and something to dance to. So pull the chairs back and grab a partner - it's time to dance.
Set List:
"Burn It Down"
"Yo Canto"
"Don't Worry Baby"

[@danielchavez8005]

Criminally underrated. Period.

[@webkahmik]

Not by us! Just got a royal gift/royal find of their acoustic CD, signed by them. Reminds me of my other favorite, Los Tres MTV Unplugged.

[@mtroy0620]

Are you kidding? By whom?

[@robertoherrera5957]

Los Lobos are a national treasure. Period. They can rock BIGTIME!!!!! Hidalgo is a serious blues master and can make a strat cry.

[@markshear7767]

National treasure is correct. They can do it all and make it look easy. Seen them many times and never disappoint. Way overdue for R&R Hall of Fame.👍🏼

[@davidmata4786]

Cannot agree enough..

[@ChrisSmith88love]

They can PLAY ANYTHING! I saw them transform into the Beatles on a beautiful Lake in North Idaho AND so many years ago when they used my College Cafeteria as their Practice Studio. East Los Angeles College = "Just Another Band From East L.A." They mean it.

[@webkahmik]

Totally, extremely deserving. Real innovators, real Americana. When one sees the talent poor acts admitted to the ' Hall of Fame', it is almost an accolade to be snubbed.

[@dodgedandle8311]

Your spot on 👊 one thing Greatness has in common with greatness = They make it Look Easy, When ya know it’s not 👍🏻❤️🌞⭐️👊🎸

[@5k33k]

Since I couldn't find em listed anywhere else, here are the band memebers David Hidalgo - Vocal Guitar Louis Pérez - Vocals/Guitar Cesar Rosas - Vocals Guitar Conrad Lozano - Bass Steve Berlin - Syth/Holding the Cowbell/Saxophone Cougar Estrada - Multi-Purpose Corrugated Plastic Mail Tote

[@kevinmurphy5878]

The most underrated instrument these days

[@adammartinez3149]

These guys are my dads friends . Grew up seeing them and stopping by to visit them at home or backstage

[@davidmata4786]

I remember hearing this band for the first time, How will the wolf survive hit me like a ton of bricks.. I've been listening ever since. This band is amazing, diverse, talented and I cannot stress how much of an impact they've had on me throughout my life.

[@Steely_Fran]

I'll never forget seeing Los Lobos for the first time. It was July 4th 1996 on the Furthur Fest. The only songs of theirs I was familiar with were their cover of "La Bamba" and "Kiko and the Lavender Moon". The video for the latter was in rotation on MTV in the early 90s. Honestly, I wasn't really expecting to care much for them... But I couldn't have been more wrong. They blew me away and left me speechless. They were so good that I was kind of bored the rest of the day. Whoever's idea it was to have Los Lobos go on so early should have been sacked. The engery, attitude, and musicianship they brought to the stage was unmatched. I've been a big fan ever since and have been fortunate enough to catch them live 4 other times since then. They are, without a doubt, one of the best live bands I've ever seen.

[@michaelnoller3441]

I just bought tickets to see, what ever is left of that band opening for Taj Mahal in Bend, Oregon. I know it will be major awesome. Live music Rocks.

[@Formula-602]

Seeing them..4th time in 1 week!Stoked!

[@Theweeze100]

Same here!

[@amatingmind7258]

Los Lobos is the best American band since The Band.

[@Formula-602]

The Band were Canadians eh

[@AaronSpielman]

Still one of the greatest American bands, ever.

[@Treseden]

Aaaandas have a Spanish name 👌🏾 inclusion baby

[@Tusk_III]

I love this band so much. We’re so lucky.

[@GlenGoodwin-l7w]

The Wolf rules, got the bomba (pump). Ritchie behind the vale

[@GlenGoodwin-l7w]

So seriousl for a treasure. Like Benito

[@gibby6904]

One of America's greatest period......

[@neldadon]

Los Lobos Spanish for "the Wolves is a 🇲🇽Mexican-American rock band from East Los Angeles, California. Their music is influenced by rock and roll, Tex-Mex, country, zydeco, folk, R&B, blues, brown-eyed soul, and traditional music such as cumbia, boleros and norteños

[@teejaysea]

Loving these vatos since mid 80s when KFOG in SF started playing them. Took my wife to see them in 97 for our first date at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga CA. I also had the pleasure of seeing them open for the Grateful Dead at Laguna Seca. They are a big part of my musical journey!😃

[@PentameronSV]

0:11 - *Burn It Down* (4:22) 4:40 - *Yo Canto* (7:34) 7:57 - *Don't Worry Baby* (11:14)

[@rebeccaromani2160]

For me, they're the voices I follow up and down the Five- they truly are the voice of California.

[@gerryleb8575]

One of the supremely-talented ensembles produced by rock n roll. The truly great bands are always best live.

[@meedily]

These guys are insanely talented. Could listen to them for hours.

[@jrsanchez1315]

I heard Los Lobos back in the day playing in Cleveland Ohio in the Flats entertainment area. My best friend, Ruben and I were part of handful of Chicanos there who understand the lyrics when they sang the Spanish songs. We made our presence known to the band, spoke to them and they acknowledged our support! They played a great gig and gained a big following that day in the Midwest.

[@lish2559]

Effortlessly cool, nonchalantly talented. Their music speaks for itself...love the vibe!

[@neldadon]

Los Lobos Spanish for the wolves is a🇲🇽 Mexican-American rock band from East Los Angeles, California. Their music is influenced by rock and roll, Tex-Mex, country, zydeco, folk, R&B, blues, brown-eyed soul, and traditional music such as cumbia, boleros and norteños

[@JohnCran]

The coolest band on the planet.

[@1apeture]

Timeless music from a band of brothers.Talent flows as effortless as the california breeze.

[@PatHenshaw]

Absolutely love this group! We've seen them in big venues and small ones. I've learned all my Spanish through their songs. (LOL) Thank you for the decades of entertainment and making us get up and dance!

[@YuzuAndGin]

Got to sit in the front row at one of their concerts when I was 12. I may have fallen asleep during it (11pm is pretty late!), but it was a lot of fun!

[@johnbalderston5646]

¡Viva Los Lobos! The first time I was fortunate to see these guys was at CSU Northridge Student Union. . . in 1982. Blew us away. And have made a lifetime of great and meaningful music. Muchas gracias, you guys. ¡Siempre super bueno!

[@abaneyone]

Tiny Desk never gets old 🙂

[@davidmarsalis1522]

I love these guys. They are just so real and Organic. Great Band great vibes. ❤

[@neldadon]

Respect honor n love always Salute 🫡 🙏 🙌 Mi gente hispana de la RAZAS

[@leo440gonzalez]

Gracias por los grandes artistas que nos hacen escuchar y disfrutar

[@roflcookies]

Love Hidalgo's grin at the mail tote drum

[@trippellol]

This drummer was beating on USPS 10 years before Trump!

[@ralphtouch8962]

Y 2

[@kevinoh1270]

Cougar!!

[@juanrodriguez7729]

😂🤣

[@ellie_m_j]

Hey, my dad's favorite! He always goes to see them live when he has the chance!

[@joseantoniofernandezgonzal5449]

Que cantidad de registros musicales utilizan Los Lobos y todos a la perfección.

[@marin1699]

Thanks for uploading this awesome Tiny Desk concert!

[@franklinzappa7043]

Just seen these Fabulous Musicians 3x in 2 months. 3-4-22 Fort Collins CO. 3-7-22 Boulder CO 4-23-22 Silver City N.M. Maybe Memorial Day 2022 at Carlsbad Caverns N.M.🤘😎

[@juanrodriguez7729]

Los Lobos never disappoint

[@cindypaul1127]

Muchas gracias Los Lobos buenos vatos!

[@alexsalinas32381]

Big love for this big family band💜

[@Aleakwe]

love. need to see Los Lobos live

[@scrumhalforegon]

Saw them for the first time at the Taste of Chicago, July '88 or '89, can't remember. I've been a fan ever since.

[@Aleakwe]

@@scrumhalforegon 🙂

[@riccardomusiu510]

Oh yeah!! Amazing. David the best!! Thank you so much

[@MitchellKarp123]

Excellent! Thanks for posting.

[@kevinb3812]

Thanks for hosting these Latin Legends, NPR! They only time I tried to see Los Lobos was in Boulder's Chautauqua Auditorium and the local sound guy buried their sound under many feet of reverb "mud". They always sound great on recordings and they sound great Here!

[@skyrider9749]

Muchas Gracias!

[@tastychai5817]

Using an upturned mail tote as a drum is pretty creative

[@kickflip1972]

I love this band!

[@loneranger8343]

What a great song!

[@bentsai6849]

I somehow ended up here while this video had no views. Dunno how no one else has seen it yet, but it's great!

[@ralphtouch8962]

What min ago way strange!

[@sylvielopez2686]

Tank you very much tiny desk for sharing this great musicians, los Lobos so beautiful creatures me gustaba las canciones, in 12 September everybody on street with masque , for insurance health hopefully they paid money for the families lost fader mother friends a little message for all around the world tank you very much love kindness merci beaucoup

[@markbirchette8740]

Always a great band. We need more cowbell !😆

[@karendurant4981]

Please stay fit dear David, we want you to come around again to our neighborhood

[@IgnominiousRex]

Again and again.....

[@glenjo0]

Respect! What a GREAT BAND!

[@tomas5376]

Los Lobos always good! Love the Postal drum!!!👍✌️😊🙏🏼🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶🎵🎶🎵

[@marywatkins6798]

Love Los Lobos.

[@MrRogsmart]

An especially cool Tiny Desk.

[@Theweeze100]

Wonderful Band!!!

[@virgferna]

Fantastic! Thank you.

[@CP-kb1du]

Tight Band Legends

[@philipscannell9220]

Cumbia is Alive and Well in Northwest Pennsylvania thanks to Los Lobos

[@thor3022]

The Los Lobos are the natives to the land that we call the Americas. 🕊️🌾🦋...

[@neldadon]

Exactly 🫡✊️💪👏 RespetA la RAZAS

[@MortLaViva]

Tiny Desk has come a long way! This is still awesome though.

[@dodgedandle8311]

Great Great Band 👊⭐️🌞❤️ would love to know what the stringing/tuning is on that Acoustic 😉

[@karendurant4981]

A little gem here 💎

[@marcpuyuelograndas1005]

Great basslines

[@robertjimenez5877]

One big was needed it was More Cowbell !!!

[@TomCook1993]

Aside from the Yo-yo Ma video this is my favorite tiny desk

[@itsmeyoufool37]

I cry

[@ricardocolin4177]

They are better than the best!

[@raymondlawson2301]

Bring them back. 👍👏🍻

[@ralphtouch8962]

That was fun

[@AustenSummers]

Give that man a real drum set for the love of god

[@itsmeyoufool37]

So good

[@jimbanda]

Legends

[@Emi_Alvarez]

2:45 casually tuning the guitar in the middle of a solo.

[@jvpascual3211]

yeah, David Hidalgo is one of the best under the radar guitarists

[@Emi_Alvarez]

@@jvpascual3211 I agree and lools like a super chill guy

[@jvpascual3211]

@@Emi_Alvarez yeah, would be an honor to jam with him, he is a talented guitarist

[@MUCH-x4s]

good song boys

[@JackFrost-g5v]

Viva Los Lobos!

[@Kiss__Kiss]

NPR Music If this was created in 2010, why air it 10 years later.. Okay I'm here now, let's watch it.

[@streetteams]

This has been published before on KZbin. They air this performance again now for those that may have missed it 10 years ago. 'From The Archives' is a good format to plunder the vaults and replay the best of the best.

[@JesusGonzalez-tu2nr]

Rip Francisco

[@antoine-antoine]

The guy on the keyboard : "I wonder how it would sound like if someone plugged this funny little piano"

[@bigpapachance]

And I'll play it with one hand so I can hold the cowbell for you

[@Formula-602]

@@bigpapachance He has a name….Steve Berlin……

[@rocknrollramblers4051]

Is the drummer using a cat box ha ha quality band

[@kpadvice]

America's Beatles!

[@neldadon]

Not to disrespect but this band is way more superior to the Beatles. There bilingual Mexicans Americans that play many American and Latin American genres Master musicians

[@Keepemshwacked57]

East Los 💝

[@Nonaps512]

Here to help the algorithm

[@gallino258]

What is the name of the 8-string guitar that David hidalgo plays?

[@martinkelting]

This is Amerika! So much more than USA.

[@gregoryvarnam1088]

someone get this man a drum set

[@rocqitmon]

in drumming as in marksmanship; it isn't the gun it is the shooter

[@RobertSlover]

more "drummers" should be able to play a cardboard box.....

[@smoothstyleds]

Thanks for releasing this gem! It also made me wonder: at what point did the tiny desk background get some professional design help?

[@amandawilcox9638]

SmoothStyleDance. Lol-professional help with design? I don't think so! I do think the staff wiggled desks around until there were a few more square feet to play, dance & sing. Love Los Lobos! 💞

[@smoothstyleds]

Amanda Wilcox I was referring more to the arrangement of items on the shelves! Compare the items on the shelves in this video to an early 2020 one...I am curious when that transition occurred 🙂

[@2010whiteman]

❤️

[@vickiebrowning5844]

Excellence!

[@ralphtouch8962]

Ok. All together now

[@tunefish6]

Homeboys!

[@adamarcher7847]

🥰

[@andrepearson537]

Can Brent Fayaiz get the next tiny desk concert please

[@RosaGamboa-u1f]

My homeboys never seem to disappoint a crowd. ELA 13

[@igorsantos5108]

😍

[@canalchinto1625]

❤️‍🔥

[@gosekinz]

dirty lens .. pretty average camera work .. but the SOUND !!! that's why we come ;)

[@Hennacrone1]

Bomb!

[@stanleydubroca2626]

Hold my cowbell!

[@euchrewacko]

Ok I give up, what is the 8 string instrument he is playing?

[@allaboutgeorge]

Maybe a requinto

[@hectordominguez8632]

a cuatro cubano

[@fightvale57]

Yes let's burn it down🤷🏾

[@ralphtouch8962]

What is going on

[@Kyza-up2xb]

get DOMi & JD Beck on here!