Spanish Singer Raphael Brings His Tour to Vitoria and Reflects on His Career

Renowned Spanish singer Raphael recently brought his world tour, titled 'Raphaelísimo', to the Buesa Arena in Vitoria, performing a comprehensive setlist of 28 songs over 110 minutes for an audience of approximately 2,000 attendees. The concert marked his return to the Basque city after a decade, following performances across South America and a tour kickoff earlier in the year.

The performance showcased a mix of classic hits, emotional ballads, and selections from his recent album dedicated to French chanson, 'Ayer… aún'. Backed by a revamped band that featured a female cellist and violinist providing occasional backing vocals, the 83-year-old artist delivered a powerful show that blended theatrical elements with deeply personal interpretations.

Speaking ahead of the concert in an interview, Raphael emphasized that he does not want his shows to rely purely on nostalgia. "You can expect a completely live show, with an extraordinary band and a journey through more than six decades of songs," he stated. The singer noted that his relationship with the Basque region dates back many years, praising the local audience as demanding, knowledgeable, and generous.

Reflecting on how his relationship with music has evolved over the decades, Raphael explained that compositions take on different meanings over time. "A song never means the exact same thing when you are twenty years old as it does when you are fifty or a bit more," he said. He also highlighted the multi-generational appeal of his concerts, describing the sight of families sharing his music across generations as a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting.

Looking beyond the current tour, the singer discussed his ongoing creative endeavors, including preliminary work on an upcoming album dedicated to Mexican music. Although international touring demands significant time, he noted that the project is currently in the initial phase of repertoire selection and arrangement. His deep connection to Latin America remains an essential part of his personal and professional history.

Raphael also touched upon recent biographical projects, such as the fiction series 'Aquel', which explores various stages of his life. Describing it as one of his most stimulating recent projects, he shared that he enjoyed watching the series while on tour in Argentina and praised the performances of actors Javier Morgade and Carlos Santos in portraying his story.

The Vitoria concert concluded with an energetic finale featuring some of his most iconic anthems, leaving the audience enthusiastic and demonstrating the enduring stage presence of an artist who continues to seek genuine emotion every time he performs.