Jose Luis Perales is one of the most iconic and beloved Spanish singers and songwriters. With a career spanning over 50 years, Perales has cemented his status as a legendary figure in Spanish popular music. Though he was born in Castejón, Spain, Perales has lived in various cities over the years. So where exactly is this influential artist based today?
Quick Facts on Jose Luis Perales
Before diving into Perales’ current location, here are some quick facts about his background:
- Full Name: José Luis Perales Morales
- Born: January 18, 1945 in Castejón, Spain (age 78)
- Known As: Prolific Spanish singer-songwriter, earning the nickname “The Poet”
- Genre: Spanish pop, Latin pop
- Notable Songs: “Un velero llamado Libertad,” “¿Y cómo es él?,” “Que canten los niños”
- Awards: Latin Grammy for Musical Excellence (2007), Gold Medal of Merit in Fine Arts (Spain, 2018)
- Record Sales: Over 30 million albums sold worldwide
With decades of hitmaking under his belt, Perales has certainly cemented his status as a Spanish pop legend. Though his prolific career has taken him all around Spain and Latin America, he always returns back to his homeland.
Perales’ Current Home Base
Today in 2023, Perales is based primarily out of Madrid, Spain. The capital has served as his home base for over 30 years now.
After being born in the province of Aragon, Perales first moved to Madrid in the late 1960s to pursue his music career. This is where he began recording his earliest albums and started to make a name for himself as an up-and-coming singer-songwriter.
By the late 1970s, Perales was topping charts not only in Spain but across Latin America. His breakout hit “Un velero llamado Libertad” catapulted him to international fame. While he toured extensively during these peak years, Madrid remained his hub.
Despite offers to move to Mexico and Argentina where he also enjoyed major success, Perales always stayed loyal to his Spanish roots. Even today as an elder statesman of Spanish pop, he continues to reside primarily in Madrid.
Perales’ Madrid Home
Perales typically splits his time between his long-time family home in Madrid as well as a holiday home in the coastal province of Malaga. Neither abode is overly lavish.
His main Madrid residence for over 30 years is located in the upscale Mirasierra neighborhood. Perales has described the home as comfortable but modest. It allows him to live quietly and focus on his songwriting.
When needing a change of scenery, Perales heads south to the village of Moclinejo in Malaga. He owns a cozy villa there, allowing him to unwind and enjoy the Mediterranean climate.
Recent Concerts in Madrid
While Perales travels for select concerts and tours these days, Madrid remains his main hub and base of operations.
Some notable recent hometown shows from Perales include:
- June 2022 – Perales headlines a large concert celebration for World Pride Madrid 2022. Tens of thousands packed the Puerta del Sol to see the iconic singer perform his classics along with covers of popular Spanish Pride anthems.
- December 2021 – Perales plays a special New Year’s Eve concert at Teatro Nuevo Apolo in Madrid. The intimate show featured his timeless romanic ballads and uptempo pop hits.
- October 2021 – In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Perales performs a free concert in Plaza de España. Fans young and old sang along to beloved hits like “¿Y cómo es él?” and “Un velero llamado Libertad.”
When not on tour, Perales spends most of his days simply living as a local in his Madrid neighborhood. Fans can occasionally spot him enjoying the city’s cafes, restaurants, and parks.
Perales’ Ongoing National Tour
While Madrid is his home base, Perales continues to tour at age 78. His 2022-2023 “Baladas para una Despedida” tour is currently crisscrossing Spain.
Some upcoming tour dates on the schedule include:
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 11, 2023 | Barcelona | Palau Sant Jordi |
| May 13, 2023 | Seville | Estadio La Cartuja |
| June 24, 2023 | Valencia | Plaza de Toros |
Perales has said this extensive tour across Spain will likely be his last major concert trek. So Spanish fans are relishing the chance to still see him grace the stage and perform timeless classics like “Y cómo es él” and “Qué pasará mañana.”
Latin America Tour Plans
While this may be his farewell tour of Spain, Perales does still have plans toembark on a shorter Latin America-focused tour soon.
Cities like Mexico City, Santiago, Buenos Aires are on the itinerary, allowing Perales to revisit his wildly supportive fanbases in countries like Mexico and Argentina. But he always wraps up any touring duties and travel by returning home to Madrid.
Perales’ Eventual Retirement Plans
As he approaches 80 years old, Perales has acknowledged his performing and touring days are numbered. He has said this current tour in Spain will probably be his last major concert run.
However, Perales has not expressed plans to fully retire from music anytime imminently. He is likely to continue writing new songs and perhaps releasing periodic albums.
But in terms of concerts, his days of massive tours are winding down. Perales will eventually transition into a quieter life focused on family and more local pursuits in Madrid.
The singer has mused about getting involved in politics or activism during his twilight years. But Perales plans to still remain engaged in the cultural life of Madrid and Spain.
Keeping a Home in Madrid
Regardless of what retirement activities he pursues, it seems clear Perales will always keep Madrid as his primary home.
The city is synonymous with the most productive and successful years of his career starting as a young singer-songwriter. Even as he scales back professionally, Madrid will likely provide the backdrop for Perales’ life as a respected Spanish pop legend.
Fans from around the world may make pilgrimages to get a glimpse of his longtime Madrid stomping grounds. The neighborhoods where Perales wrote some of Spain’s most iconic pop songs will stand as monuments to his incredible legacy.
Perales’ Cultural Influence in Madrid & Spain
As an adopted son of Madrid, Perales’ influence runs deep in the city’s culture.
There are Perales tribute nights hosted regularly at venues like Teatro Nuevo Apolo. Fans flock to these events to sing along with all his classics for hours.
His songs also bleed out into the streets. Buskers play “Un velero llamado Libertad” and other hits on Madrid’s bustling sidewalks. You can hear Perales’ music pumping from apartment balconies and cars all across the city.
Beyond Madrid, Perales’ impact as an ambassador of Spanish pop music resonates nationwide. He has come to embody a musical legacy that fills Spaniards with pride.
So while his concerts may wind down, the iconic singer’s music will continue pulsing through the heart of Spain indefinitely. José Luis Perales has permanently carved out his place in Madrid and the nation’s cultural landscape.
Perales’ Personal Life & Family
Much of Perales’ decision to remain in Madrid is motivated by family.
His wife of over 40 years, María Manuela Poloche, is from Madrid. Perales has said he never wanted to uproot her from her hometown. They share three adult children together who also reside in Madrid.
Beyond his immediate family, Perales has a grand total of 10 grandchildren. Being “El Abuelo de Madrid” (The Grandfather of Madrid) is a role he relishes. Perales treasures being able to see his grandchildren frequently and watch them grow up.
Keeping this tight-knit family unit intact is a major reason Perales never relocated permanently to Latin America or elsewhere. Madrid is his clan’s long-time home and that stability is a top priority for him.
Low-Key Family Life in Madrid
When not performing and touring, Perales enjoys nothing more than spending quality time with his large extended family in Madrid.
He and his wife avoid the limelight, often ducking out to their holiday home in Malaga for extra privacy. Perales strives to give his grandchildren a normal life too, free from the pressures of his fame.
Multigenerational family gatherings are common, filled with home-cooked meals, singalongs around the piano, and leisurely walks through Madrid’s parks and plazas.
This low-key family lifestyle in Madrid is what truly recharges Perales in between his demanding tours and work obligations.
Perales’ Legacy in Madrid & Spain
While his chart-topping days may be behind him, José Luis Perales leaves an unparalleled legacy as one of Spain’s most successful singers.
Some key elements that cement his legacy include:
- Over 30 million albums sold worldwide – Perales has reached a level of commercial success almost unmatched by other Spanish musicians
- Hundreds of compositions – Perales’ songbook spans over 500 songs recorded by artists across the Spanish-speaking world
- Pioneered the balada style – His pop ballads deftly fused orchestral arrangements and folk melodies, defining the balada genre
- “El Poeta” nickname – Perales is renowned for emotionally rich lyrics capturing universal romantic themes
- Soft power ambassador – His music served as a cultural bridge between Spain and Latin America in the post-Franco era
- Inspired successive generations – Modern Latin pop stars like Enrique Iglesias cite Perales as a formative influence
While impossible to encapsulate fully, these highlights convey Perales’ immense creative impact. When historians assess 20th century Spanish pop music, his songwriting genius shall be recognized alongside other luminaries like Julio Iglesias and Nino Bravo.
Throughout it all, Perales has stayed closely connected to his spiritual home of Madrid. His music intricately reflects the soul and identity of the city even as it resonated with international audiences.
So while José Luis Perales’ touring days wind down, his immortal musical legacy shall forever stand tall in Madrid and beyond.
Conclusion
José Luis Perales’ enduring status as a living legend of Spanish pop music is rightfully cemented. While nearing retirement age, his genius songcraft remains beloved across generations.
Madrid has served as Perales’ primary home for over 50 years now. The city has shaped his music and nurtured his family life. Even as he plays fewer concerts, Madrid will always be the poetic singer-songwriter’s adopted capital.
Perales’ musical and cultural imprint on Madrid runs profoundly deep. The city streets echo with his songs, while venues host lively tribute shows. As both a neighbor and monumental artist, Perales’ bond with Madrid seems primed to only strengthen over time.
So while retirement beckons, José Luis Perales remains an icon thoroughly woven into the fabric of Madrid. The final lines of his song “Y cómo es él” could also ring true describing his own permanent status:
“Su historia está en las calles, pues las calles lo vieron nacer” – His story is in the streets, as the streets saw him born
