Tito & Tarantula

Tito is back! The ultimate Americana and Desert Rock legend is going on a highly anticipated Best-of European tour in 2026. Born in Mexico and raised as the son of a trapper in the wilderness of Alaska, Tito Larriva began his career in Los Angeles. With the PLUGZ and later the CRUZADOS, his career quickly gained momentum. After a Top 10 single and a cover on Billboard magazine, Larriva became part of the L.A. music and film scene of the 1980s. In the rehearsal room next door, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were taking their first steps. Emmylou Harris and Jeff Porcaro (the late TOTO drummer) were his neighbors. At the same time, the trained ballet dancer also began his acting career. After debuting as "Hammy" in "The Pee-wee Herman Show" (1981), he worked with Patrick Swayze (Roadhouse), Johnny Depp (Once Upon A Time In Mexico), Antonio Banderas (Desperados 2), Mel Gibson, and Milla Jovovich in Wim Wenders' "The Million Dollar Hotel," David Byrne (True Stories), Cheech Marin (Born In East LA), in the Oscar-winning short film "Session Man," as well as with R. Rodriguez (Grindhouse). Tito Larriva has written music for over 50 films (including the title songs for "Machete" in 2010 and "Machete Kills" in 2013) and television series. The kick-off for Tito & Tarantula was Robert Rodriguez's offer to collaborate on "From Dusk Till Dawn" (1995). The legendary performance as the vampire house band of the "Titty Twister" bar and the worldwide success of the film brought the band (as support for Joe Cocker) to Europe for the first time. The European release of the debut album "Tarantism," featuring classic songs from "From Dusk Till Dawn," "After Dark," "Angry Cockroaches," and "Strange Face of Love," followed in 1997. These songs mark the beginning of a new era in American film music and showcase Tito Larriva's extraordinary talents as a singer and composer. Tito & Tarantula emerged from the weekly sessions that Larriva hosted under the name Tito & Friends, featuring consistently outstanding musicians from the L.A. scene. Alongside guitarist Steven Hufsteter, who is said to have turned down Bob Dylan's offer to join his band, the group toured Europe, Asia, North, and South America with high-profile musicians such as guitarist Peter Atanasoff (Norah Jones, Ricky Lee Jones) and drummers Alfredo Ortiz (Beastie Boys/Gogol Bordello) and Rafael Gayol (A-ha, Leonard Cohen).