La Oreja de Van Gogh

La Oreja de Van Gogh is a Spanish pop band from San Sebastián, active since 1996. They've released nine studio albums, all of which have gone platinum or multi-platinum in Spain, and have sold over 8 million records worldwide. The band is known for their melodic pop-rock sound, romantic lyrics, and the distinctive voices of their two lead singers.

As of 2026, the band is in the middle of a major reunion era. Amaia Montero, the original vocalist, returned in October 2025 after a 17-year absence, and the band performed two sold-out shows in their hometown in August 2026. They've announced a world tour for 2027, with Latin American dates first. Guitarist Pablo Benegas is on a temporary break, but the core lineup of Montero, Xabi San Martín, Álvaro Fuentes, and Haritz Garde is back together.

Their music has been a constant companion for fans across generations, with songs like "Rosas" and "La Playa" becoming anthems of Spanish pop. The band's official website is laorejadevangogh.com, and they maintain active social media profiles on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Their YouTube channel has amassed 797,000 subscribers, contributing to their enduring digital presence. [edit]

La Oreja de Van Gogh came together in San Sebastián in 1996, but the story starts a bit earlier. Xabi San Martín and Pablo Benegas were childhood friends who shared a passion for music. They started writing songs together in the mid-90s, and soon recruited Álvaro Fuentes on bass and Haritz Garde on drums. The missing piece was a vocalist. They held auditions, and that's where Amaia Montero walked in. She was a psychology student with a powerful voice and an immediate chemistry with the group. The band named themselves after a quirky anecdote about Vincent van Gogh cutting off his ear, a nod to their artistic aspirations.

Their first demo tape caught the attention of Epic Records, a label under Sony Music, and in 1998 they released their debut album, El viaje de Copperpot. It was an instant success, with singles like "El 28" and "Cuídate" becoming radio staples. The album sold over a million copies in Spain alone, an incredible feat for a debut. They followed up with El viaje de Copperpot in 2000, which was even bigger, cementing their status as the biggest pop band in Spain.

For the next few years, the band rode a wave of success. Albums like Lo que te conté mientras te hacías la dormida (2003) and Guapa (2006) produced hits like "Rosas" and "Muñeca de Trapo." But in 2007, Amaia announced she was leaving to pursue a solo career. The remaining members decided to continue and held a casting to find a new vocalist. Leire Martínez, a young woman from San Sebastián, won the spot, chosen from over 3,000 applicants. Her debut with the band was A las cinco en el Astoria (2008), which spawned the hit "El Último Vals." The band continued to release albums with Leire, including Cometas por el cielo (2011) and El planeta imaginario (2016).

In 2024, Leire left the band under circumstances that were never fully clarified. Fans speculated about a reunion with Amaia, and on October 15, 2025, the band made it official: Amaia was back. The announcement also revealed that Pablo Benegas would take a temporary break. The reunion was a massive moment for Spanish pop, and the band's first concerts back in 2026 were emotional affairs. [edit]

La Oreja de Van Gogh's music is rooted in melodic pop-rock, but they've never been afraid to experiment. Their early albums have a bright, jangly guitar sound, with Amaia's expressive vocals carrying the romantic, often melancholic lyrics. Xabi San Martín and Pablo Benegas write most of the songs, drawing from personal experiences and everyday emotions.

Over the years, they've incorporated electronic elements, especially on albums like Cometas por el cielo, and have dabbled in folk rock. The band's sound is often described as "dreamy," with layered harmonies and lush production. Lyrically, they explore love, friendship, and the ups and downs of relationships, avoiding clichés in favor of genuine feeling.

Their signature song, "Rosas," is a perfect example: a simple piano riff, building to a soaring chorus about giving someone roses. It's become a wedding staple and a karaoke favorite across the Spanish-speaking world. [edit]

La Oreja de Van Gogh has been a defining force in Spanish pop since the late 90s. They helped shape the sound of Latin pop-rock, influencing countless artists who followed. Their success proved that a band from a small city could top charts across Spain and Latin America without changing their identity.

The band's reunion in 2025 was a cultural event in itself, dominating headlines and social media. Amaia Montero's return, after years of personal struggles, resonated deeply with fans. Her openness about her mental health journey has sparked conversations and offered hope to many. She has stated that "there has been a very positive progression and I feel one hundred percent comfortable" in this new stage.

Beyond music, the band has been a source of pride for the Basque Country, often singing in Spanish but maintaining their roots. Their concerts in Donostia in 2026 were more than just shows; they were homecomings. [edit]

Fans of La Oreja de Van Gogh are known as "orejeros" (a playful twist on the band's name). They are a passionate community, especially active on social media, where they share memories, cover songs, and analyze lyrics. The fandom has a strong nostalgic streak, with many fans having grown up with the band's music.

Fan projects have included tribute concerts, charity initiatives, and massive streaming campaigns for their favorite songs. The return of Amaia Montero sparked an outpouring of fan art and emotional posts. The band's official social media accounts are a hub for this activity, with their Instagram, X, and Facebook pages serving as gathering points for fans worldwide. [edit]

During the 2026 Donostia concerts, Amaia Montero and Xabi San Martín shared a discreet kiss after performing "Tan Guapa," which Spanish media didn't miss.

Amaia surprised the audience by singing "Ilargia," a song by the Basque band Ken Zazpi, during the same concert.

Montero has acknowledged the pressure of her comeback, stating she "knew there were people waiting for my fall."

The band's first joint interview following the Leire Martínez departure controversy was granted in late July 2026, ahead of their Donostia concerts.

Leire Martínez was chosen from a casting of over 3,000 applicants to replace Amaia in 2008.

The band's YouTube channel has accumulated over 4.7 billion total views, a staggering number for a Spanish-language act. [edit]