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La Oreja de Van Gogh’s Xabi San Martín Opens Up About Amaia Montero’s Emotional Return and Performance “Glitches”
The long-awaited reunion of Amaia Montero and La Oreja de Van Gogh has officially hit the stage, sparking a wave of nostalgia and high-stakes emotion. Following a series of performances at the BEC in Barakaldo, the band’s keyboardist and primary composer, Xabi San Martín, is speaking candidly about the challenges and triumphs of bringing the original voice back to the group after nearly two decades.
Describing the start of the tour as “an absolute madness,” San Martín admitted that the pressure of the comeback was palpable. While the band spent a full year meticulously preparing every detail, the reality of the live debut brought some unexpected hurdles. San Martín acknowledged that there were “small mistakes” during the first concert, noting that the initial performance was heavily influenced by raw emotion and nerves.
However, the experience improved as the weekend progressed. According to San Martín, the second show on Sunday felt more “grounded” and “faithful to what it had to be,” with fewer insecurities and errors. The band viewed the weekend as one of the greatest moments in their career, driven by an euphoric response from fans who had waited nearly 20 years for Montero’s return.
Behind the scenes, Montero underwent rigorous preparation to meet the demands of the tour. San Martín revealed that Amaia Montero has worked incredibly hard, investing in singing lessons and specific techniques to manage her breathing and control her nerves. San Martín praised her resilience, stating that she handled the primary responsibility of the return with a level of “bravery and composure” that would have caused others to collapse.
The transition has not been without its emotional complexities, particularly regarding the band’s previous singer, Leire Martínez. The reunion has been marked by public comparisons and a bittersweet farewell, highlighted when Leire Martínez broke down in tears during a concert, admitting that “it’s hard to say goodbye.”
The band has responded to these emotions with empathy. In a response to Martínez’s emotional reaction, the group noted that such feelings are “normal.” San Martín further emphasized the band’s support for their former vocalist, stating on May 12, 2026, that “from the heart, all the good news for Leire is also good news for us.”
Despite the media scrutiny and the “sensationalism” surrounding the reunion, the group has remained focused on their music. This new chapter marks a significant cultural moment for the Spanish-language pop landscape, as one of its most iconic lineups attempts to recapture the magic of its prime while navigating the emotional baggage of the intervening years.
