Amidst tequila chugs, slinging bras (“whoever it was, thank you, baby girl”), and even a bloody brawl among a couple of seemingly-intoxicated audience members, Fuerza Regida invigorated Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., for over two hours on Friday night (Sep. 22).
The band of five are midway through their U.S. leg at the 16,700-capacity venue as part of their Otra Peda tour, which launched July 7 at the Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, followed by a dozen sold-out shows, according to the band’s Instagram, including the iconic BMO Stadium. The group’s upcoming dates include Chicago (Sep. 23), Nashville (Sep. 28), Las Vegas (Oct. 21) and Anaheim, Calif. (Nov. 25).
Along the way, Fuerza has had a slew of Billboard-charting singles, police run-ins, and a Shakira collab, all while these bad boys of música mexicana keep bringing in the heat with thrilling unpredictability.
Born and raised in San Bernardino, Calif., the members of Fuerza Regida — comprising frontman and lead songwriter Jesús Ortiz Paz (known as JOP), lead guitarist Samuel Jaimez, second guitarist Khrystian Ramos, tuba player José García and tololoche player Moisés López — represented West Coast vibes for a lit East Coast audience.
They have become one of the main drivers of a homegrown music that celebrates Northern Mexican roots with a trap bravado, and this was fully evinced during their high energy show on Friday night. The set included a 16-member brass ensemble, plenty of tequila shots, and even a porta-potty onstage (because, naturally).
Here are five highlights from Fuerza Regida’s Otra Peda Tour in Newark, N.J.
