Gipsy Kings feat. Tonino Baliardo Interview
Tonino Baliardo has spent decades bringing the sound of Gipsy Kings to audiences around the world, but Historia feels more personal than ever. Released alongside a new Amazon Prime documentary about his life, the album reflects not only Tonino’s musical journey, but the family and culture that have shaped it across generations.
In this interview, Tonino speaks about recording with his sons, honoring his late brother Paco, and seeing younger generations carry the music forward. The conversation reveals an artist still driven by the same passion that first inspired him: family, flamenco, and the joy of sharing music with the world.
Historia feels deeply personal. At what point did you realize this album was becoming a family story as much as a musical project?
Over the years it was always an ambition of mine to record the history of Gipsy Kings through new songs not so much for a musical project but just a piece of work with my historical feelings, emotions. Interestingly during the final months of recording Historia we were shooting a documentary for Amazon Prime about my life as a Gipsy King the crew followed us around for two years which reveals all on screen my life. The documentary, on the first week of release went to the No.1 spot, which I am very happy with. So it is an ideal situation: Historia album and documentary releasing at the same time.
What was different emotionally about recording with your sons compared to earlier Gipsy Kings records?
Cosso and Mikeal my two sons have of course always been around my music. It is one of my greatest pleasures to have them live on stage with me and in the studio. We keep the traditional Gipsy culture within in our music. Having young blood, I think inspires me to be more creative.
Did Cosso and Mikael bring ideas or influences that surprised you?
Oh yes. Like all youngsters they listen to and enjoy the latest trends from Rap, Rn'b, Dance, Pop etc so I listen to their ideas with the other young members of Gipsy Kings.
How do you balance preserving the classic Gipsy Kings sound while allowing a younger generation to shape it?
Take "Bambolea" for instance which was our first hit and of course we perform it on all concerts. We are always looking to change and update arrangements. Bamboleo has a great new opening. You cannot just play the same old songs without looking for change.
What does the title Historia represent to you personally?
My life which fortunately I have been blessed with.
Your grandson Milan contributed the title for “Big Bang.” What does it mean seeing three generations connected through this music?
I am now helping Milan with his singing and guitar playing. When he asked me to write a song about "Big Bang" I had no idea what he was talking about. Just a young mind. I wrote "Big Bang" as an uptempo dance track which has been very well received. Yes, why not let Milan become the third generation of Gipsy Kings.
“Cielo” honors your brother Paco. Was that song difficult to record emotionally?
I was very close to Paco who was one of the original Gipsy Kings. "Cielo" is an instrumental with a gentle feel to it. Yes it was a sad time for all of us—not only my family but our Gipsy community. I would like to think Paco would have liked "Cielo."
Do you feel music has become the way your family preserves memory and identity?
Yes, I do think that Gipsy culture is all about family life and music plays a very important part. The Baliardo family with many other Gipsy's had to leave Spain when Franco came to power as he did not accept our culture. We settled in the South of France in the Marsellies, Arles, Montpellier area we we all live and carry on our culture in a peacful manner.
What lessons from the original Gipsy Kings do you most want to pass on to your sons?
Look after your family, be kind to everyone, you are in a fortunate position in life be grateful for that.
You’ve performed for decades, yet audiences still react with incredible joy. Why do you think Gipsy Kings music connects across generations?
I am sorry to see the world is in a very sad and worrying time. At our concerts it gives me great pleasure to see the audience singing and dancing as soon as we hit the stage. It's that special magic that has covered all generations over the years.
How did Glastonbury 2024 feel compared to earlier milestones in your career?
Glastonbury was really very specail. Probably the biggest musical festival in the world. It was so magical as the crowd sang along to all our songs. There is some footage in the Aamazon Prime Documentary.
After selling millions of albums worldwide, what still motivates you creatively?
It's simple. I am a Gypsy King; music is a big part of my existence. My guitar is always with me and I love writing songs and lyrics.
When younger listeners discover Gipsy Kings today, what do you hope they hear beyond the rhythm and celebration?
We have such a large following of teenagers and fans of all ages and generations writing to us and attending our concerts. Apart from our music they are also learning on social media about our history and we receive many requests about this. Which is a wonderful compliment to us.
Do you think flamenco and rumba music are entering a new era globally?
Music changes all the time which is only a good thing. The basic elements of our music does not change.
Looking back, what would surprise the younger Tonino about where this journey has gone?
I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined how my life was going to change. All I wanted to do and still do is to write, perform, and let people enjoy my music.
