Video- Julio performs with Hati's President

(Source: YouTube)

Haitian President Rocks Out with Julio Iglesias in the DR

ALTOS DE CHAVON, Dominican Republic – Before becoming the president of Haiti, Michel Martelly was better known for his singing prowess and on-stage antics as singer "Sweet Micky." 

On late Friday, "Sweet Micky" returned to the stage in the Dominican capital to perform alongside crooner Julio Iglesias in a celebrity-studded concert in the Dominican Republic to help raise money for impoverished children. 

Among the attendees were Dominican fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, Venezuelan fashion designer Carolina Herrera and U.S. journalist Barbara Walters. SUMMARY An estimated 5,000 people filled an open-air amphitheater in the Altos de Chavon, a high-end residential complex east of the capital of Santo Domingo. Ticket prices ranged from $50 to $1,000. 

 Martelly thanked Iglesias for dedicating a concert of his "1 World Tour 2012" to Haiti's children. The proceeds will go to the Pink and White Foundation, a charity run by Martelly and his wife, Sophia. 

The duet represented Martelly's first performance outside Haiti since he was elected in May 2011. He was previously known for often bawdy performances before becoming president. "I've been a singer my whole life, but I never thought I'd be here next to you, singing," Martelly told Iglesias. 

Between laughter, jokes and hugs, the two men sang "Corazon, Corazon" in Spanish and "To all the girls I've loved before," in English. 

 Iglesias had visited Haiti following the devastating 2010 earthquake that officials say killed an estimated 300,000 people and left hundreds of thousands of people homeless. 

 "That's why the Dominicans are here today, with love, so that your children will be taken care of," Iglesias said. "This will show you, my president, the love of the Dominicans for Haitians." 

An estimated 5,000 people filled an open-air amphitheater in the Altos de Chavon, a high-end residential complex east of the capital of Santo Domingo. 

Ticket prices ranged from $50 to $1,000. 

 Based on reporting by the Associated Press. Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/entertainment/2012/12/29/haitian-president-rocks-out-with-julio-iglesias-in-dr/#ixzz2GXn7VD4p

Merry Christmas

 "Little Drummer Boy" performed by Julio Iglesias and Family.

Best Wishes for a very Happy Holiday and a great 2013!

Updated 2013 Tour Dates

March 2013 
2nd – Krasnodar, Russia 
5th – Rostov-on-Don, Russia 
8th – Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine 
11th – Kiev, Ukraine 
14th – Moscow, Russia 
17th – Saint Petersburg, Russia 

April 2013
6th – Manila, Philippines 
10th – Seoul, South Korea 
14th – Shanghai, China 
17th – Chengdu, China 
19th – Shenzhen, China 
21st – Beijing, China 
27th – Singapore 
30th – Taipei, Taiwan 

June 2013
 22nd – Albacete, Spain 
25th – Barcelona, Spain 
29th – Santander, Spain 

July 2013
3rd – Logroño, Spain 
6th – Alicante, Spain 
13th – Roquetas de Mar, Spain 

(Source: julioiglesias.com)

Haiti leader to join Julio Iglesias in DR concert

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti —

A spokesman for Haitian President Michel Martelly says that the former musician will share the stage with Spanish singer Julio Iglesias at a fundraising concert in the Dominican Republic.

Enrique Mari of Haiti's National Palace says Martelly will join Iglesias for two songs at the concert. The songs' titles won't be revealed because the promoter wants them to be a surprise but one will be in Spanish and the other in English.

The show will take place Dec. 28 in the tourist city of La Romana. Proceeds will go toward a charity of Haiti's First Lady, Sophia Martelly.

Michel Martelly was a popular, globe-trotting musician who performed under the stage name "Sweet Micky" before he took office last year. He still enjoys breaking out into song at public events.

Copyright The Associated Press

Asia Tour 2013

Asia Tour 2013
 

April 6th – Manila Hotel, Manila (Philippines) 
April 9th – Olympic Gymnastics Arena, Seoul (South Korea) 
April 14th – Grand Stage (Shanghai Gymnasium), Shanghai (China) 
April 17th – Sichuang Provincial Gymnasium, Chengdu (China) 
April 19th – Shenzhen Gymnasium, Shenzhen (China) 
April 21st – The Great Hall of The People, Beijing (China) 
April 27th – Hard Rock Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa (Singapore)

Source: julioiglesias.com

Julio Jr. gets married

After a seven-year engagement, the second child of Julio Iglesias and Isabel Preysler, Julio Iglesias Jr. and the model Charisse Verhaert said "I do" to one another at the El Rincon estate. The wedding was off-limits to the media, and reporters could only watch from the edge of the highway as the cars of some guests arrived at the estate in Aldea del Fresno outside Madrid. Charisse Verhaert arrived at 3:30 p.m. in a white Mercedes, while her bridegroom, Julio Iglesias Jr., showed up 40 minutes later in a green SUV. However, neither the singer Julio Iglesias nor Isabel Preysler, parents of the groom, were seen entering by the front door of El Rincon, and of the sisters and brothers only Ana Boyer was observed driving her car up to the estate. It was known, however, that the eldest of them all, Enrique Iglesias, could not attend because of work commitments. The wedding capped the seven-year engagement of the 39-year-old singer, model and actor, and the Belgian model, 30, who said "I do" dressed in a romantically styled classic design by Manuel Mota for Pronovias. The bride and groom chose Ana Boyer and Tamara Falco as bridesmaids, as revealed earlier by the latter who was the wedding planner at El Rincon, an estate owned by her father, Carlos Falco, marquis of Griñon. The wedding was all Tamara Falco hoped for, having brought together the three men who "have been such a part of the life" of her mother, Isabel Preysler: Julio Iglesias, Carlos Falco and present husband Miguel Boyer. EFE 

Source: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2012/11/03/julio-iglesias-jr-charisse-verhaert-say-do-among-family/#ixzz2BwVKBOzi

Julio Iglesias gives himself a musical do-over

Julio Iglesias hasn’t just gotten older; he’s gotten better.

“I sing now much better than I used to,” claims the 68-year-old balladeer. “You know, I was not a natural singer. I was not born a singer. But over the years I have learned. And crooners, at my age, it’s the best moment in their life. Tony Bennett is 86 and he sings like a bird. If I tell you the truth, now, on the stage, I’m 100 times better than I was.”

Trouble is, his old studio recordings aren’t. So Iglesias has become the latest artist to give himself a musical do-over by redoing the vocals on a score of his chart-topping signature songs for the just-released compilation 1. Recorded over the last few years in his home studio, the disc — which includes hits in English, Spanish and French, depending on your language of choice — includes both his solo recordings and his duets with everyone from Willie and Dolly to Sinatra and Paul Anka.

From his beachfront home in the Dominican Republic, the avuncular Iglesias called up to talk about singing all the songs he’s sung before, who he’d like to duet with next and what he plays to get in the mood. Some highlights:

Where did this idea come from? Was there a specific song you wanted to redo?

Let me tell you a story: I started to record music in 1969, when recordings were only four tracks and the sound was very primitive. Especially the songs that I did before 1982, when I came to America. The sound was not good. And when I was listening to that music more recently, I was thinking, ‘My God, it sounds horrible.’ I felt that I could do better. It’s not a question of ego, it’s a question of quality. So I recorded them again and now when I listen and compare, the sound is 100 times better.

Was it just the vocals or did you refurbish any of the music too?

All the basses are new. All the strings are new. Of course, you always respect the composition of songs that are No. 1 in half the world. It wasn’t like we made them more rock or pop or whatever. No. I was concerned that I could disappoint people in that way. But we did make much better sound in the music. It’s more deep, the bass.

Was it tough to reconnect with the original emotions in some of the songs?

No. Music, for me, is my life. I have a great family. But truly, the only moment in my life when the passion, the brains, the blood, the strength are together is when I’m singing. The only place I am genuine — when I feel alive and complete — is on the stage. And I would not have done this if I could not reach the passion that I had when I was young.

Are there young, contemporary singers today you admire and would like to sing with?

I don’t understand what contemporary means for me anymore. If you told me I would be able to do a song with Justin Timberlake, I would say yes. If you told me I could do a song with Bruno Mars, I would say yes. If you would tell me I could do a song with my son Enrique, I would say yes. But if you told me I could do a song with Lady Gaga, I would tell you, ‘I don’t know. What will the song be about?’ I don’t want to go to extremes that I cannot handle. I will not do something I cannot do good. I don’t want to be a comic. At my age, there is not too much time to lose.

What mountains would you still like to climb?

The goal I have now is to live as long as possible. Because you know, I am a very alive person. But I know I’m not on the top of the mountain. I know I’m going down. But I go slowly. I don’t want to go in a fast way. I know I cannot be the artist I was 25 years ago. But still the passion is alive. In my soul and my brain, I am much better than ever. Of course, physically I’m not a guy of 35 years old. I’m 68. But I want to be the best I can in front of the people. My life is to be on the stage until my last.

What about writing new songs or making a new album?

I will be making a new album next March or April. The idea is to do a global album — take an African singer, an Asian singer, a Canadian singer, a Latino singer, three or four Americans, and do an album that touches all the communities. It’s a very interesting idea. I don’t know yet who the Canadian singer will be. I would like to do it with Celine because she is my friend, but I don’t know. But if you ask me, ‘Julio why you don’t write new songs like you used to write 40 or 30 years ago?’ I will tell you that it is impossible. Even Paul McCartney — who is an incredible writer — or Billy Joel or Neil Diamond cannot write any more big songs.

Whose music do you put on when you’re trying to close the deal?

I make my babies without music.

(Source:  http://www.torontosun.com/2012/09/04/julio-iglesias-gives-himself-a-musical-do-over)

New 2012 Tour Dates

September 2012- 

29- Medellín, Colombia 

October 2012- 

4- Bogotá, Colombia 

28- Antwerp, Belgium

(Source: julioiglesias.com)

Julio Iglesias wraps Spanish tour at Marbella's Starlite Festival

Singer Julio Iglesias gave the last concert on his Spanish tour at the Starlite Festival here in this resort city on the Costa del Sol.

The curtain went up at 10:15 p.m. Sunday on the artist singing "Amor, Amor," followed by "Natalie" and "La Gota Fria" (The Drop of Cold), before a packed audience some 3,000 strong, mainly older people from the Spanish-speaking world, the organization told Efe.

The world's most famous Spanish-speaking artist offered his fans in Marbella a repertoire of greatest hits from his 43-year career of singing in different languages, notably Spanish, English and French.

Iglesias asked the audience to put their "hands up" to sing "My Sweet Lord," and though they didn't sing along, they did clap to the rhythm of the music.

With "Me Va, Me Va" (I Like It, I Like It), he brought the audience to its feet and dancing down the aisles and into the orchestra pit, a space soon crowded with fans taking advantage of the chance to take photos of the artist with their iPhones and take pictures of themselves with the singer in the background.

Julio Iglesias has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide, has won a Grammy Award and an American Music Award, and has been honored with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. EFE


Source: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/entertainment/2012/08/13/julio-iglesias-wraps-spanish-tour-at-marbella-starlite-festival/#ixzz23oK4L1cC



(Video Source: YouTube - Starlite)

Mar del Plata 2012

(Source: YouTube)

UK Interview

Julio Iglesias is one of the most enduring music stars as he has had a career that has so far spanned over forty years. But he is set to return with his new album 1 and we caught up with him to talk about his new record. 

 - You are about to release you new album 1 so what can we expect from the record this time around? 

The Audience has given me TIME to learn and TIME to do things right. You can find in this double CD the greatest hits of my career, in Spanish and English and some of the duets I keep in my heart and memory, such as the ones with Diana Ross, Sting, Stevie Wonder or Frank Sinatra. It’s a whole lifetime in this record. The songs of my life! 

 - This album really has been a labour of love as you have been working on it for three years so why did you decide to re-record the tracks? 

Despite all sales figures and the achievements during the years with these songs, I honestly think that they could be improved. In the seventies and beginning of eighties, the studios were not as good as they are today, and lets says it; I have been able to learn to sing better throughout the years . So, at the end of the day I felt the need of improving these songs, of re-recording them again. Life has given me the time to do sing them again.  

- And there are new arrangements on the tracks so how exciting has it been for you to breathe new life into your most famous records? 

Getting into the studio is always exciting but since I am such a perfectionist, it can be a real challenge. And this means hard work. I am indeed a lucky person. Having the opportunity to sing these songs, and being able to make a living from music for more than 40 years, up to the point that I can re-do them, it’s a real pleasure. A privilege. 

  

- How have you found the response to the album? 

I have felt the response from audiences throughout the world. Of course, my natural regions are the Spanish speaking countries, but also the French territories, and all continental Europe. Nordics, Germans, Italians, eastern countries, and last month it was released in Asia and Australia. I love those countries at the east. I have lived there, my sons have Philippines blood and I have a deep respect for those far away cultures. On top of that, I have great friends in Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, China & Taiwan, Indonesia. The best reward I could imagine for so many years of work and dedication in all the planet, is the love I receive at the shows in all countries across the world. I am very proud of having my music released everywhere. This makes my career global, and allows me to visit many countries and meet so many people. All that love and friendship keeps coming back. 

 - Why did you decide that now was the right time to produce an album like this? 

 I just had the time, and confidence to revisit this repertoire. To face my whole life in songs needed a huge amount of time that I did not have until recently.  

- While 1 is an album that sees you return to your most famous tracks do you have any plans to release an album of new material in the near future? 

My company, my friends, my fans asked me for this for such long time. There are some plans coming for a new release. Maybe a duet project could be the next thing but I need to have it well thought out in my head before moving forward. But either way, I cannot stop being in music. I will continue until the audience tells me to stop.  

- You have enjoyed a career that has spanned over forty years so what is the secret to your longevity? 

Passion. My secret is passion in doing my job. I really love what I do, and I is gift that I have. We latin people are passionate for life. The right and duty of expecting the best of myself each and every day is also a must in my way of doing and seeing things.  

- What has made you keep making music for all these years? How much do you still enjoy recording and performing? 

The curiosity of learning. The perseverance. Keeping the faith in what I do every day. My love for music and this job. I still love performing. When I get on stage, my heart beats stronger than ever. Getting in the studio is today, less thrilling, since it steals so much time from my life.and today, time is a sacred concept I protect constantly. I am very jealous of my time, and studio recordings means tons of time. 

 - As I say you have had a very long and successful music career but how have you seen the industry change in that time? And has it changed for the better? 

I have had known up to 10 or 12 chairman in my life, overseeing Sony Music, which has been my company since I started. I have worked with all kinds of executives in music business. The industry of content, not only the music industry, has to deal with a very changing world. In the past it was a very powerful industry, and today, sometimes I feel they are trying to find their place. Life is movement, and we all have to find new models, new ways of touching people´s hearts. Still I must say that the essence of music has not changed; when a song is a good song, it reaches people no matter what are the systems, or ways of distribution, etc music travels beyond these concepts.  

- You have a massive fanbase all over the world and here in the UK so for any of the fans reading this interview do you have a message for them? 

  I thank my fans every day - and people that bought my records or went to my concerts. They are the one and only reason to keep on going and they gave me the time to learn, so I am twice thankful. My respect and love to them all.  

- Finally what is coming up for you? 

My day to day life is my family and my music. My concerts, and going from one place to another. Seeing my kids grow up, with my lovely wife beside me is what occupies my heart and my mind. On the professional side, as I said...new material will come along in the near future, but today I would like people to embrace these songs which I am so proud of, and I hope they help people, or at least make them smile a little in this world of ours. 

1 is released 20th August

(Source:  http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/interviews/JULIO+IGLESIAS-250558.html)

US Tour Date

Julio Iglesias comes back to Hard Rock Live in Ft. Lauderdale, FL for two dates - Sept. 21st and 22nd at 8PM. 

 

 

Tickets on Sale on Aug 3rd at Noon:

 hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com

 

(Source: julioiglesias.com)

Julio in Barcelona- July 2012

Source: YouTube

Julio Iglesias gives emotional concert featuring hits in Barcelona

Julio Iglesias aimed directly at the hearts of his fans and found the target with an emotional concert in which he performed many of his greatest hits and encouraged Spaniards to trust in the country's ability to overcome its current economic woes. 

Wearing a white shirt and jacket, the 68-year-old heartthrob raised the passions of the audience, especially when he took off his jacket and his fans were unable to restrain their shouts of "guapo" and "te quiero" ("handsome" and "I love you"). 

Both women and men in the audience sang along almost the entire time with Iglesias, and the performer held the microphone out to the crowd a number of times whereupon the fans repeatedly proved that they knew the lyrics to all the songs. In fact, Iglesias' musical tour that arrived in Spain on Wednesday night is designed to promote "1," a double CD on which he has once again recorded the most popular numbers from his lengthy career. 

The Spanish crooner stirred the audience with his music but also with his words, speaking a number of times directly to the public. He became emotional when he spoke about his daughter Chabeli before performing "De niña a mujer" and when he recalled his father before singing "Un canto a Galicia." 

But his family was not the only subject he talked about onstage, although his wife and his five children were in the audience, also referring to his love for Spain and to his concern about the country's economic situation. "It's not fair for a country as beautiful as this one, with such wealth and talent, to be suffering so much. I believe in the future of this country," he said. EFE 

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/entertainment/2012/07/05/julio-iglesias-gives-emotional-concert-featuring-hits-in-barcelona/#ixzz1zu950gfj

Julio in Romania 2012

(Source: YouTube)

Me Va, Me Va live in Barcelona July 4, 2012

(Source: YouTube)

Julio to close out the Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival

Julio Iglesias will bring the 2012 edition of the Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival to its close with two exceptional concerts on August 17th and 18th, 2012.

His son, Enrique Iglesias, will have inaugurated the world's greatest live music festival just a few weeks earlier. A moving and touching way of ending the Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival 2012.

As far as emotion goes, there will certainly be plenty to go around with these two "Latin lovers". With the son, of course, representing the new generation, then with his father, this extraordinary crooner with 80 albums to his credit, capable of singing in French, German, Italian, English, Portuguese and even Mandarin ! Which has led to his being listed in the book of records as the "artist who has sold the most records in the highest number of languages". He is also the Latin star who has sold the most records in the world.
During these two exceptional concerts, Julio Iglesias will perform some of his countless hits, including some from his latest album entitled "1".

(Source:  http://en.sportingsummerfestival.com/!Julio-Iglesias-Monte-Carlo,2227!.html)

Julio Iglesias: I'll rest in 30 years

Julio Iglesias, despite his 43 years in music, said that he is still motivated to go onstage, that he would not sing if it did not move him and that he will rest "in 30 years when I'm on the other side."

His reason for singing is none other than "feelings," he said, adding that "if I didn't sing what would I do, I don't know how to do anything else," his remarks coming in an interview with Efe in the southern resort city of Marbella before beginning a concert tour in Spain.

For an artist, he added, the public is "a commander and boss in our lives," who decides "if it's OK or not OK."

He said that he wants "to continue creating and producing" because the jobs of "thousands of people" depend on him.

Regarding the music in Spain, he said he likes "the authentic, that which is born in the roots, flamenco, copla, that mixture of the electric with the ancestral, with the acoustic; to see Chick Corea with Paco de Lucia" and he lamented the fact that the economic crisis is affecting music and "the commitment the record company has to the artist."

He also said he was concerned about "the marginal situation that Spain has within the European community," although he said he did not want to give a sense of catastrophe and emphasized that "much money has been spent, much energy has been spent and now that money and that energy must be recovered." EFE

Source: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/entertainment/2012/06/06/julio-iglesias-ill-rest-in-30-years/#ixzz1xQM7zsNB

European Tour- Summer 2012

(Source: julioiglesias.com)

Singer Julio Iglesias victim of hotel room theft

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan authorities say thieves stole cash and other items from the hotel room of Spanish singer Julio Iglesias while he was performing a concert.
The Venezuelan Prosecutor General's Office says the 68-year-old artist and his nephew returned to their rooms after the concert in the city of Valencia and found that $1,600 in cash was missing, as well as items including three iPads and a suitcase containing video cameras, a computer and personal documents.
Prosecutors said in a statement on Thursday that detectives had questioned hotel employees and were examining video from security cameras after the robbery on Sunday night.
Iglesias performed two concerts in Venezuela on a tour promoting his latest album, "1."

Source: http://www.seattlepi.com/entertainment/article/Singer-Julio-Iglesias-victim-of-hotel-room-theft-3551798.php#ixzz1veLAzDhI

The Chilean President declares himself a huge fan of Julio Iglesias

Julio Iglesias and the President of Chile, Sebastian Piñera, coincidently bumped into each other yesterday at the Carriel Sur airport in Talcahuano. The chance encounter gave the Chilean President the opportunity to confess the admiration and affection he has had all his life for the singer, and that he also knows all his songs rather well. 

 “I grew up listening to Julio Iglesias. The first time I saw Julio Iglesias was in the Festival de Viña del Mar, when he was a contestant and he took all the awards. An incredible career”, stated Piñera. 

(from: www.julioiglesias.com)

"A Mi Manera" live in South America

Julio performs "A Mi Manera" during his South American tour dates in April 2012. 

 (Source: YouTube)

Julio Iglesias Buys a Home North of Miami for $15.2 Million

Spanish singer Julio Iglesias has paid $15.2 million for a 5,504-square-foot house next door to a 4-acre lot he owns in Indian Creek Village, an exclusive island community on the Intracoastal Waterway just north of Miami Beach, Fla.

Earlier this week, Mr. Iglesias—father of pop star Enrique Iglesias—said he plans to renovate the six-bedroom house on the 2-acre property and live in it with his wife and five young children while a 20,000-square-foot Spanish-style hacienda is being built next door. He said he plans to move to the combined property in about six to eight months.

"After a lifetime of traveling the world, I can say that Indian Creek is my favorite place on the planet," said the 68-year-old singer, who currently splits his time between another home on Indian Creek and properties he owns in the Dominican Republic and Spain.

Iglesias's 5,504-square-foot house next door to a 4-acre lot he owns in Indian Creek Village, an exclusive island community on the Intracoastal Waterway just north of Miami Beach, Fla.

Mr. Iglesias bought the home in a private transaction from the estate of late Baltimore developer Paul Frederick Obrecht, who died last fall. Mr. Obrecht bought the property in 1981 for $775,000, according to public records.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303302504577323691355840740.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Hola! Magazine

Julio Iglesias, his wife Miranda, and the 5 children of the couple are posing exclusively in their new home in Miami for the Spanish magazine Hola!. (Number 3532,on sale on April 4, 2012).

The photos are accompanied by an interview with the artist.

Julio: 'Michael and Rodrigo want to be musicians.'

'The wedding has not changed anything. I have been married to my wife for twenty-two years, since the day I met her. '

Hola! magazine link here

(Source: www.julioiglesias.com)

Julio Iglesias, honorable member of Real Madrid

Julio Iglesias has been named as honorable member of Real Madrid on March 15th. The team wished to publicly acknowledge 'the professional career of this wonderful madridista (Real Madrid fan)'.

In the press release on their website, Real Madrid highlighted the singer's leadership for many years at the head 'of music from our country around the world', making him an icon 'shaped by his spirit of constant improvement'.

(Source: www.julioiglesias.com)

King Hamad awards medal to singer Julio Iglesias

King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa has bestowed Bahrain’s Medal of Competency upon Spanish singer Julio Iglesias in recognition of his outstanding artistic achievements.

The superstar has given two concerts in Bahrain are part of the Spring of Culture Festival, an annual event where a large range of international artists perform.
Andrea Bocelli is also performing in the event hosted by the culture ministry.

“HM King Hamad praised Iglesias’ remarkable songs in several languages and highlighted the significance of fine art in promoting cultural and artistic standards,” Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

The singer said that he was grateful for the award and that the Andalusian origins of his mother, Maria Del Rosario de la Cueva y Perignat, made him feel at home whenever he visited Arab countries.

Julio Iglesias, short for Julio José Iglesias de la Cueva, is one of the top 15 bestselling music artists in history and has sold over 300 million records worldwide in 14 languages and released 77 albums.

His next four concerts will be held in April in Chile where he broke a record for an audience in 1977 when more than 100,000 people gathered for his concert at the National Stadium in Santiago.

According to the discography on his website, Julio became in 1999 the most important foreign artist in the history of Brazil, performing for more than 150,000 people in the “Parque do Ibirapuera” in Sao Paulo, the country’s most famous park.

(Source: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/bahrain/king-hamad-awards-medal-to-singer-julio-iglesias-1.990791)

Julio’s passion will shine
By Charlie Holding
Posted On » February 29 - March 6, 2012 (Volume:10 / Issue 61)

With a career spanning over four decades Latin crooner Julio Iglesias has performed in 600 cities around the world and in front of more than 60 million people … and now it is Bahrain’s turn to see the ‘Spanish Frank Sinatra’ on stage.

The Godfather of Latin pop said he was excited to be performing in Bahrain for the first time and is looking forward to entertaining his fans here in the kingdom during the Spring of Culture Festival in March.

“I’ve played in almost every country in the world but I’ve never been to Bahrain before. It will be nice to visit somewhere different because I love seeing new places and meeting new people,” he said.

Mr Iglesias has sold more than 300 million copies of his 80 albums released worldwide, including original versions in various languages, compilations and live albums, which make him the best-selling Spanish-speaking artist in history.

Language is no barrier for Mr Iglesias and he attests that people can still enjoy his music even if they don’t understand the words.

He said: “I think it just comes down to my passion and it’s a universal passion for music. When I performed in China and sang in French, it didn’t matter for the Chinese because it was about the emotion – they may not have understood the words but they understood the feeling behind them.”

Mr Iglesias discovered his love for music late in life. Throughout school, he enjoyed playing football but his dreams of playing professionally were shattered after a car crash in 1963 which left him with a devastating spinal cord injury.

Over the next year he worked hard in physiotherapy to regain his mobility. To help pass the time and increase the dexterity of his hands, he began playing guitar and his musical talent began to shine.

In 1968 he won the Festival de Benidorm song contest with the song La Vida Sigue Igual and signed a contract with Spain’s Columbia Records company ... the rest, as they say, is history.

He has since performed and recorded with some of music’s biggest stars including duets with Willie Nelson (To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before), Diana Ross (All of You) and Stevie Wonder (My Love).

In 1971, he married Spanish-Filipino journalist Isabel Preysler and had three children, Chabeli Iglesias, Julio Iglesias Jr. and Enrique Iglesias. Their marriage was annulled in 1979. On August 24, 2010, Julio and Miranda Rijnsburger got married after a 20-year relationship. The religious ceremony was celebrated in the Parish of the Virgen del Carmen of Marbella. The couple has three sons and twin daughters – Miguel, Rodrigo, Victoria and Cristina and Guillermo.

Enrique has become as famous as his father. Within five years of beginning his musical career in the 1990s, he became the biggest seller of Spanish-language albums of that decade. He made his crossover into the mainstream English language market before the turn of the millennium and has since sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling Spanish language artists of all time, earning the title of The King of Latin Pop.

Enrique did not want his father to know about his plans for a musical career and did not want his famous surname to help advance his career. He borrowed money from his family nanny and he recorded a demo cassette tape which consisted of a Spanish song and two English songs.

Although there have been many reports in celebrity magazines claiming that their relationship is strained Julio has been quoted as describing his son as ‘a lovely, wonderful guy and a great artist’.

Now in his 68th year he shows no signs of slowing down and aims to keep perfecting his craft and performing for as long as he can. He said: “I will continue to perform until the day I die, hopefully. My life is about music and I don’t know what I would do without it.

“It’s that simple, my passion has always been music and when I’m on stage I feel alive. It’s not like I need the money anymore, I just do it because it’s what I love to do and as long as people still want to see me do it, I’m going to continue to perform.”

His last album Julio Iglesias Numero 1 is a greatest hits package with a difference. The CD contains re-recordings of some of the biggest hits of his 43-year career, and also new versions of songs, such as Eu Nunca Te Esqueci (Always On My Mind).

According to the artist, his new CD is ‘an album that emerged from the desire to sing better the most representative songs of my career’.

He said: “As I have gotten older I think my voice has become stronger and more powerful and that’s one of the reasons I wanted to re-record my songs for the album.

“Even if you listen to Frank Sinatra as a young man, and then again later on in life, you can hear the difference in his voice, it’s a muscle that gets stronger over time.”

Although every artist likes houseful stadiums, having performed for millions of people during his illustrious career, Mr Iglesias says the size of his audience doesn’t make a difference to him.

“It could be a crowd of 500 or 50,000, I still perform the same way with the exact same passion ... and besides, I sing with my eyes closed so I wouldn’t know how many people are there anyway!

“For me, the important thing is being on stage because it makes me feel alive, I may have gotten a little older but my passion for music is as young as ever.”

Mr Iglesias says fans in the kingdom can expect an impassioned performance from him, adding: “Everyone who comes to the show can expect a lot of love and a lot of appreciation from me. It will be a show to remember, I hope people walk away feeling entertained.

“They can expect me to love them and to be grateful for letting me perform for them. I hope they let me sing for them again and again.”

Mr Iglesias will be performing as part of the Spring of Culture 2012 festival which starts on March 1 with a tribute to Umm Kulthum, performed by Egyptian singer Riham Abdul Hakim at the Bahrain National Museum.

Tickets for Julio Iglesias’ performances at Arad Fort on March 3-4 cost between BD20-BD40.

For further details, call the festival’s hotline 39900630, or visit www.springofculture.org

(Source: http://www.gulfweeklyworldwide.com/Articles.aspx?articleid=28357)

2012 European Tour Dates

June 13- Sofia, Bulgaria
Arena Armeec Sofia

June 21- Bratislava, Slovakia
Stadion O. Nepelu

June 23- Prague, Czech Republic
O2 Arena

June 30- Bucharest, Romania
Zone Arena

(from: julioiglesias.com)

Julio Iglesias captivates 40,000 souls in Lomas de Zamora (Argentina)

An Idol. Last night, Julio Iglesias returned to Argentina and got a huge crowd up and rocking in Lomas de Zamora.

Last night the Spanish celebrity singer captured a crowd that easily exeeded 45,000 people with a huge free concert in Plaza Grigena, on the occasion of the 150 years of the locality of Lomas.

At 68 and with a very long and acclaimed career to his name, the musician from Madrid gave free rein to his greatest hits on top of a gigantic stage set up by the Council, especially for the festivities. There, he performed “Baila morena”, “Me olvidé de vivir”, “La carretera” and “Quijote”, among others. A hot night, full of joy and excitement, when the audience enjoyed the singer, who has sold over 350 million albums. For the occasion, 250 people worked on organizing the show.

From: julioiglesias.com

March Tour Dates

March 3, 2012- Muharaq, Bahrain: Arad Fort
March 4, 2012- Muharaq, Bahrain: Arad Fort

(Source: julioiglesias.com)

2012 Tour Dates

February 5- Buenos Aires, Argentina
February 7- Buenos Aires, Argentina Plaza de Lomas de Zamora

February 10- Mar del Plata, Argentina NH Gran Hotel Provincial: Salon de las Américas
February 11- Mar del Plata, Argentina Anfiteatro Paseo Hermitage

from julioiglesias.com

Julio Iglesias and the King and Queen of Malaysia inaugurate the largest mall in Kuala Lumpur‏

On December 2nd in Kuala Lumpur, Julio Iglesias reopened with the King and Queen of Malaysia, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, the largest mall in the city, Star Hill Gallery. It reopened its doors after renovations, to become the greatest attraction on the main street of the city, Bintang Walk.

The Spanish artist performed a concert for this occasion. The day before, also in Kuala Lumpur, Julio offered a free concert in this same street.

(Source: julioiglesias.com)

Julio Iglesias Says He Can’t Retire and Live Without Music

MONTEVIDEO – Spanish singer Julio Iglesias said in an interview published by Uruguayan newspaper El Pais that he will not retire from music because “I would not know how to live without it.”

The performer, who during the course of his career has sold more than 300 million albums, also said that he is in the process of re-recording his biggest hits in digital format, something that he feels is “unbelievable” because of the ease and speed of working with the new technologies.

That album will be first of a series in which he takes a look at the length and breadth of his career, an experience that he said “enchanted” him.

“If I were modest, I’d be lying. But the truth is that it enchanted me. ... There is always something to live for, something to fight for,” Iglesias said.

The singer went on to say that only now does he consider himself “technically” to be a singer, and he admitted to a certain amount of “embarrassment” regarding some of the albums he released in the past.

“It’s an objective belief. Today, I listen to ‘La vida sigue igual’ as I recorded it four decades ago and it makes me feel a little embarrassed, but not the words. It’s an historic song for me,” the singer said.

Iglesias also said that he doesn’t feel that he is a person who was born to be an artist, adding that his work and his success were due to circumstances.

“My situation was an accident, I played soccer but I wasn’t good, I was rather bad. I studied law, but I didn’t like that either, and ... (then) I was given a guitar as a present. That changed my life. Later, I (entered) a music festival and won, and if it wouldn’t have been like that I wouldn’t have been a singer,” Iglesias said.

(Source: http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=457940&CategoryId=13003)

The President of Georgia met with Julio Iglesias

from julioiglesias.com

The President of Georgia met with the famous Spanish singer Julio Iglesias before the beginning of the New Year concert in Batumi. Mikheil Saakashvili congratulated the megastar on the New Year, spoke with the guest in his native language, and showed him the Art Center of Batumi.

Later, an extraordinary concert was held at the Wonderland Square of Batumi, in which famous Georgian and foreign performers participated along with the Spanish singer.

Mikheil Saakashvili and tens of thousands of people attended the concert. Julio Iglesias addressed the people who were gathered at Wonderland Square and thanked the President and the Georgian people for their warm and heartfelt hospitality.
“I know that Georgian people are very strong and I’m happy that I’m with them today; Mr. President you have done a lot of things for this country. I’m grateful that I had a chance to meet with your people. I also know that in every house people are watching our concert this night. Accept my sincere congratulations. Happy New Year Georgia and everyone” - noted Julio Iglesias.

Source: Official Website of the President of Georgia

New Years Concert

The complete New Year's Eve concert live from Batumi, Georgia

(Source: YouTube)