Seville-born flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo is celebrating 40 years of his solo career with a concert tour across Spain starting in September 2026.
The tour will take Amigo to Malaga on 25 September, Zaragoza on 7 October, Burgos on 30 October, La Coruña on 31 October, Cadiz on 7 November, Madrid on 19 November, and Barcelona on 20 November.
Speaking to reporter Ulises Fuente for Spanish newspaper La Razon, Amigo kept his guitar close by throughout the interview, plucking the strings, strumming chords, and tapping the wooden body. He explained that the guitar acts as a protective shield and armor for him, drawing small sparks from the instrument named after the luthier Reyes who built it.
Amigo was born in Seville in 1967 and is widely regarded as a leading figure and living legend of flamenco guitar. Over a career spanning four decades, he has established himself as one of the most distinguished tocaores in traditional Spanish music.
Career anniversary and public life
Reflecting on the 40-year milestone, Amigo explained that while his official solo career began four decades ago, he has actually been working in music for even longer, joking that he subtracts years from his age. He noted that he rarely performs publicly in Spain, making the upcoming tour an opportunity to experience something unusual for him in his home country.
Amigo said he prefers to avoid overbearing others or himself, choosing to live a quiet life. He recalled having a strong desire to perform in front of audiences when he was younger, but said age has brought greater respect for his body and mind, accepting that he must now handle pre-performance nervousness.
When asked about seeking fame, Amigo stated he does not seek recognition at all and that public attention has never suited him. He expressed gratitude for the appreciation he receives, explaining that while performing publicly is necessary to make a living, his true passion is remaining alone to explore and search within music.
Relationship with guitars
Amigo emphasized that music has given him everything, making it impossible for him to take a vacation without a guitar. He recalled taking a trip without one for two or three days, but said he felt unwell, adding that all guitarists and instrumentalists experience a strong psychological need to practice so the instrument does not forget them.
He described his connection to the guitar as an intense psychological dependency and physical discipline, comparing it to an adored torment. Amigo revealed that he owns around 15 guitars, noting that while other musicians possess larger collections, he prefers to own only as many as he can regularly play.
Comparing a guitar to a shoe that requires time to break in before walking long distances, Amigo said it takes time to connect deeply with an instrument. He also shared that he gave his very first guitar to his friend, bullfighter Jose Tomas, after leaving it untouched in its case for a long period. Tomas noticed the guitar was dusty, though it had survived every house move since Amigo began his musical journey.
Early start and health impacts
Amigo recalled starting the guitar at eight years old, describing himself as fortunate to find an instrument that encouraged him to continue, given that learning an instrument can be difficult and tedious for a child. He explained that playing began as a game, noting that games are serious activities that offer valuable lessons.
Addressing the physical demands of his profession, Amigo noted that playing the guitar takes a heavy toll on the neck, back, and lumbar region, which affects many professional guitarists. He added that the mental burden is even greater and frequently triggers physical discomfort.
Amigo admitted to experiencing intense anxiety before performances, explaining that unlike artists who look out at the audience before a show, he waits out of sight until called and walks onto the stage with his eyes lowered. He said he constantly worries about disappointing listeners and always anticipates the worst, adding that he has never learned how to relax.
He also shared that he frequently dreams about guitar music he has never heard before. Realizing within the dream that he is sleeping, he chooses not to wake up so he can continue listening, preferring to enjoy the music in his dreams rather than lose it upon waking.
Accompaniment and flamenco roots
Discussing the art of musical accompaniment, Amigo explained that a guitarist's role is to help the lead artist express their message clearly so the performance forms a cohesive unit. He dismissed the concept of musical stardom, stating that stars belong in the sky and that whether a musician shines in front or behind does not matter as long as they create beauty.
Amigo noted that he has collaborated with jazz musicians, pop artists, and top singers across various genres, describing flamenco as a vibrant art form with deep roots in fusion. However, he cautioned that some modern blends may stray from true flamenco, emphasizing that the genre requires deep knowledge and cannot simply be invented on the spot, even while respecting artistic freedom.
Meaning of duende and listener impact
Amigo shared his thoughts on duende, a term describing artistic inspiration in flamenco, defining it as a state of self-confidence and power that allows a performer to play without fear. He explained that duende arises from an inner state of mind connected to love, peace, and feeling forgiven, calling it a mystical aspect of human life.
He also revealed that listeners from various countries have told him they moved to Spain because of his music. Amigo admitted that such comments cause him intense vertigo, adding humorously that if those listeners truly knew him, they would run away.
