Ciro y los Persas is a prominent Argentine rock band, formed in 2009, and led by the charismatic singer-songwriter Andrés Ciro Martínez. Ciro, who had previously risen to fame as the frontman of Los Piojos, one of Argentina's most iconic rock groups, sought to continue his musical journey after the band's dissolution. With Ciro y los Persas, he successfully carved out a new chapter in his career, creating music that resonates with both old and new fans, earning critical acclaim, and solidifying his legacy as one of Argentina's greatest rock musicians.

Formation and Early Years
The formation of Ciro y los Persas came shortly after the disbandment of Los Piojos in 2009. Los Piojos' farewell concert was a historic event held at the River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, attracting over 65,000 fans. The breakup of such a beloved band was a difficult moment for both fans and Ciro, who admitted that he didn't want to fall into a state of "depression" after the split. Determined to keep creating music, Ciro joined forces with guitarist Juan Manuel Gigena Ábalos, and together they began to lay the foundation for Ciro y los Persas. Soon, other musicians joined the project, including bassist Broder Bastos, drummer Julián "Lulo" Isod, and keyboardist Miguel "Chucky" de Ípola. The band's name, "Los Persas," reflected the idea of a group of followers or companions to Ciro, as he embarked on this new musical chapter.

In December 2009, Ciro y los Persas made their live debut with performances in Rosario and Córdoba, marking the beginning of what would become a successful and enduring musical journey.

Espejos and Breakthrough Success
In 2010, Ciro y los Persas released their debut album, Espejos, which was met with critical and commercial success. The album's themes revolved around social issues, touching on subjects like Latin American identity, freedom, and social justice. The opening track, "Antes y Después," expressed rejection of foreign "conquerors" and celebrated Latin American belonging. Other tracks, such as "Servidor" and "Paso a Paso," addressed issues like slavery and the need for social inclusion through education and eliminating hunger.

One of the album's most notable moments was the homage to Charly García’s iconic song, "El fantasma de Canterville," in the track "Chucu-chu." The influence of legendary artists like Carlos Gardel, Pappo, and Luca Prodan also shaped the album's sound. Espejos achieved double platinum status and set the stage for a successful nationwide tour, including five sold-out shows at the Luna Park Stadium in Buenos Aires. A significant highlight in 2010 was when Paul McCartney personally selected Ciro y los Persas to open for his concerts at the River Plate Stadium, a prestigious opportunity for the emerging band.

27 and Continued Success
Following the success of Espejos, Ciro y los Persas released their second album, 27, in November 2012. The album's title was inspired by Ciro's lucky number and featured a diverse mix of musical styles, including rock, ballads, candombe, and tango. 27 quickly became a hit, achieving gold status within its first week of release. The band embarked on another extensive tour, performing at major venues across Argentina and neighboring countries, including three consecutive sold-out shows at the Luna Park Stadium.

The live shows during this period were characterized by elaborate stage designs and theatrical performances. For instance, in their 2011 Luna Park performances, the band created a spectacular production inspired by Jules Verne’s novels, with a spaceship descending onto the stage. This unique and imaginative presentation was praised by critics as one of the most innovative live performances in Argentina’s music scene.

Naranja Persa: A Double Album Masterpiece
In 2016, after a four-year wait, Ciro y los Persas released the first part of their ambitious double album, Naranja Persa. This project marked a new creative peak for the band. The first half of the album, which featured ten tracks, including a cover of Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster," was well received by both fans and critics. The second part of Naranja Persa was released in 2018, containing twelve new songs, with themes ranging from personal experiences to mythological references. The song "Prometeo" was a tribute to the Titan from Greek mythology who gave fire to humanity, reflecting Ciro’s enduring fascination with storytelling through music.

The band supported the release of Naranja Persa with a massive concert at Vélez Sarsfield Stadium in Buenos Aires, drawing 42,000 fans. In December 2018, they performed at the River Plate Stadium before a crowd of 55,000, further cementing their place as one of Argentina’s top rock bands. The live album Ciro y los Persas en el Estadio de River, released in 2019, captured the energy and excitement of these performances.

Guerras y Sueños: A Journey Through Time
In 2020, Ciro y los Persas released Guerras (Un viaje en el tiempo), an acoustic album featuring reimagined versions of classic songs from both Ciro y los Persas and Los Piojos. This release was part of a two-part project celebrating Ciro's 30-year career in music. The album offered a more intimate and stripped-down approach to some of the band’s most beloved songs, alongside a new track titled "Te encontré." In 2022, the second part of the project, Sueños (Un viaje en el tiempo), was released, featuring orchestral arrangements recorded with the Mendoza Philharmonic Orchestra.

A Dynamic and Evolving Lineup
Over the years, Ciro y los Persas has undergone several lineup changes, with some members departing to pursue other projects. Key departures included keyboardist Miguel de Ípola in 2011 and guitarist Juan José Gaspari in the same year. Despite these changes, the core of the band has remained strong, with Ciro Martínez, Juan Manuel Gigena Ábalos, Broder Bastos, and Julián Isod continuing to lead the group. The addition of Rodrigo Pérez on guitar and Martín Löhrengel on keyboards has kept the band’s sound fresh and dynamic.

Legacy and Influence
Ciro y los Persas has become one of Argentina’s most beloved and influential rock bands, known for their powerful live performances, socially conscious lyrics, and genre-blending music. With a discography that includes studio albums like Espejos, 27, and the Naranja Persa series, as well as live recordings and acoustic reinterpretations, the band has proven its versatility and staying power. Ciro Martínez's ability to captivate audiences with his charismatic stage presence and heartfelt songwriting has ensured that Ciro y los Persas will continue to be a cornerstone of Argentine rock for years to come.