La Fiebre — The Original Pride of Pasadena — Moves Forward With New Lineup, Debuts New Era

La Fiebre — The Original Pride of Pasadena — is officially stepping into a new chapter, blending its legendary legacy with fresh energy as the band moves forward with new members, including acclaimed lead singer Abel Talamantez.

The revitalized lineup made its live debut on February 7 in Beeville, Texas, marking the first onstage performance of the new era for the iconic Tejano group led by co-founders Rudy Rocha and Joe Angel Reynosa. Just one day later, on February 8, La Fiebre stopped by the television program Domingo Live, where fans got their first in-depth look at what lies ahead for the nearly 40-year-old institution.

At the center of the spotlight is Abel Talamantez — a Latin Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, choreographer, and producer whose résumé includes time with Menudo, Kumbia Kings, and Los Super Reyes. During his Domingo Live appearance, Talamantez spoke emotionally about joining La Fiebre and how deeply personal the move is for him.

“It’s one of those things where I grew up, I’m from Pecos, Texas, and you know, La Fiebre is a band that was always on our radio,” Talamantez shared. “My brother as well started with La Sombra back in the day in the 90s. We got the chance to hang out… I was in Menudo, I would come back and forth, and we got to hang out as well a couple times with some Fiebre shows. So it feels like family, it’s like coming back to my roots, and it’s an honor to be here.”

Talamantez also teased what fans can expect moving forward, emphasizing both live performances and new music.

“Cooking — we got a lot of stuff, I mean, a lot of projects,” he said. “I think the first challenge was to get together and do the rehearsal… now we’re gonna be working on the show, we got a lot of tour dates coming up, and I think that’s the most important part — the connection with the people, the show. And also, we’re gonna do some recording.”

Overseeing the new chapter is La Fiebre’s manager Jim Luna, a Tejano ROOTS Hall of Famer who took over management duties over a year ago. Luna described the Beeville debut as a powerful and emotional moment for both the band and fans.

“It was incredible because when you love what you do and you’re on stage, everybody feels that magic — and that’s what it was,” Luna said. “I’m not patronizing the guys, I’m with them. It’s incredible to have that energy.”

Luna also confirmed that La Fiebre is preparing for an extensive tour throughout 2026.

“We’re moving all over,” he added. “We’re headed all over the United States this year. We’re headed to Chicago, we’re headed to Idaho.”

In recent months, fans have expressed confusion over the existence of two bands using the La Fiebre name. The situation stems from complex co-ownership issues involving Rocha, Reynosa, and longtime member Luis Ayala. In January, Ayala announced his own version of the band under the banner La Fiebre: The Ones You Know, featuring former members who departed the group in recent months.

Luna addressed the situation carefully, stressing unity, positivity, and respect while reaffirming the identity of the original band.

“Nosotros, as a whole, we are about our future… speaking of La Fiebre, Rudy and Joe, we’re going to be positive about what we do,” Luna said. “We’re not looking to talk bad about anybody. Nosotros, we understand that things happen in life, but as a whole, the original La Fiebre, the Pride of Pasadena, we’re moving forward.”

In December, Rocha and Reynosa confirmed to Tejano Nation that they are currently involved in litigation with Ayala, highlighting internal disputes surrounding the La Fiebre brand. While legal matters continue to unfold, the original La Fiebre has emphasized clarity, continuity, and honoring the group’s historic roots.

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 genre-defining 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 that spans generations.

In 2025, La Fiebre celebrated its 40th anniversary with the release of Raíces and a new recording deal with the legendary Freddie Records — a milestone that underscored the enduring power and relevance of the La Fiebre name.

Now, with a refreshed lineup, renewed vision, and national tour plans underway, La Fiebre — The Original Pride of Pasadena — is proving that its legacy isn’t just history. It’s still being written.

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