Jonas Flores Ousted From La Fiebre Amid Turbulent Chapter for Tejano Legends

Tejano ROOTS Hall of Famer Jonas Flores is no longer a member of La Fiebre, marking a stunning and emotional development for the legendary band known to fans as the “Pride of Pasadena.”

Flores, a longtime trumpet and saxophone player whose horn work helped define La Fiebre’s powerful brass-driven sound, shared the news directly with fans via social media.

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“I’ve never posted anything here; however, due to unforeseen circumstances and to protect the truth, I feel it’s warranted,” Flores wrote. “I was informed last night that my services with La Fiebre are no longer needed. This is not from anything that I’ve done to impact the band in a negative way. If the reason is for being loyal and true to myself, so be it. At that point, it’s out of my control. I gave a 100% and stood strong till the end.”

The announcement comes during a period of heightened scrutiny and transition for La Fiebre, one of the most iconic and influential bands in Tejano music history. Earlier this month, the group revealed the addition of several new members following December band tryouts, describing the move as a “new chapter” amid ongoing internal matters that have drawn public attention in recent months.

In a statement previously shared with Tejano Nation, La Fiebre co-founders Rudy Rocha and Joe Angel Reynosa acknowledged that the band is currently involved in litigation with co-owner and longtime member Luis Ayala.

“Over the past several months, there has been public speculation and misinformation regarding internal matters involving our band and one of our members, Luis Ayala,” the statement read. “We are issuing this statement for the sake of truth and accountability.”

Rudy Rocha, Joe Angel Reynosa, and Luis Ayala | Courtesy: La Fiebre

Rocha and Reynosa confirmed their earlier silence was due to legal proceedings but said recent public statements made it necessary to clarify the situation and protect the integrity of the band. Despite the challenges, they emphasized that La Fiebre has continued to perform at a high level.

Flores’ ouster has drawn strong reaction from Ayala, who publicly voiced his support for the saxophonist and expressed shock over the decision.

“My brother in music,” Ayala wrote on social media. “As you know, we’re a team and I will not perform without you. This came as a shock to me as well as to you. You have always been very professional and are one of the best horn players in the industry. There was no legitimate reason to let you go. Again, I repeat, I will not perform without my brother Jonas.”

Ayala had also addressed fans earlier this month following La Fiebre’s litigation statement, seeking to reassure supporters about the group’s future. “To all my fans out there. You may be hearing a few things. No need to worry, these trumpets ain’t going nowhere,” he wrote. “La Fiebre will still go on, STRONGER THAN EVER!!”

The timing of Flores’ departure is especially significant, coming just days before he is set to be inducted into the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame. The ceremony is scheduled for January 3, 2026, in Alice, Texas, cementing Flores’ legacy as one of the genre’s most respected and influential horn players.

As part of its recent lineup announcement, La Fiebre introduced several highly respected veterans of the Tejano music scene:

JR Gomez (Accordion, Vocals, Studio Musician)
Raymond Anthony Garza (Keyboards, Accordion, Studio Musician)
Daniel Sandoval (Drums, Percussion, Studio Musician)
Pete Espinoza (Vocalist to perform on select dates)

Formed in Pasadena, Texas, in 1985, La Fiebre rose to prominence in the 1990s with electrifying live performances, bold brass arrangements, and a distinctive fusion of Tejano, rock, and big band influences. The band delivered enduring hits such as “Borracho de Besos,” “El Amor Se Acaba,” and “Eres Mi Primer Amor,” earning Grammy nominations, chart success, and a fiercely loyal fanbase spanning nearly four decades.

In 2025, La Fiebre celebrated its 40th anniversary, released its latest album Raíces, and was named Tejano Band of the Year at the Guadalupe Awards in San Antonio last month. The group also signed a new recording deal with the legendary Freddie Records, signaling continued momentum and a renewed commitment to new music.

La Fiebre is scheduled to perform on New Year’s Day at TriCity Beer Garden in Pasadena, Texas, on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

As fans process the departure of Jonas Flores, one thing remains clear: his contributions to La Fiebre and to Tejano music at large have left an indelible mark—one that will be celebrated and remembered well beyond this turbulent moment.

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