Legendary Argentine singer, songwriter, pianist, guitarist, and musical polymath Fito Páez has finally made his long-awaited debut at NPR’s iconic Tiny Desk Concert. Known for his spellbinding live presence and timeless catalog, Páez delivered a performance that bridged decades of artistry and affirmed his place as one of Latin America’s most visionary voices.
A Spellbinding Tiny Desk Set
Backed by his band inside NPR Music’s intimate cubicle stage, Fito performed a career-spanning setlist that included classics like “A rodar mi vida” and “Mariposa Tecknicolor.” Fans were also treated to a rare medley of “Circo Beat” and “Tercer Mundo,” plus a stunning rendition of “Sale El Sol,” a highlight from his ambitious new project NOVELA.
The stripped-down setting highlighted his poetic lyricism, piano mastery, and unmistakable charisma, bringing audiences closer to the heart of his music.
Upcoming U.S. Tour Dates
This fall, Fito Páez returns to U.S. stages with three highly anticipated shows:
- Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater – November 15
- Miami, FL – Hard Rock Live – November 20
- New York, NY – Kings Theatre – November 23
Each concert will blend live versions of tracks from NOVELA with the timeless anthems that have defined Páez’s legendary career.
Get your tickets now
Revisiting “A New York Evening With Fito Páez”
Earlier this year, Fito headlined a sold-out event at the GRAMMY Museum in partnership with New York Public Radio’s The Greene Space. The evening, moderated by Rolling Stone Deputy Music Editor Julyssa Lopez, featured an in-depth discussion of NOVELA, a project Páez began writing in 1988 and finally completed in 2024.
The intimate showcase also included a solo piano set with renditions of “Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón,” “Un vestido y un amor,” “Parte Del Aire,” “La Última Curda,” and a crowd-lifting singalong to “Mariposa Tecknicolor.” Special guest Chucho Valdés was in attendance, adding even more weight to the historic night.
Watch the full conversation and performance here.
NOVELA: An Unprecedented Artistic Journey
Fito Páez’s latest project, NOVELA, is a sweeping musical and cinematic work intertwining 25 unreleased songs with a companion film. Inspired by his upbringing in Santa Fe, Argentina, NOVELA explores a world of characters, passions, and rebellions, blending intimate storytelling with grand orchestration.
Singles like “Cuando el Circo llega al pueblo” and “Superextraño” gave fans an early glimpse into the project’s scope, but it’s “Sale El Sol” that emerges as the radiant centerpiece, a song of resilience and love’s triumph amid chaos.
Produced alongside Gustavo Borner and Diego Olivero, and recorded in iconic studios including Abbey Road (London) and Sony Music 5020 (Madrid), NOVELA cements Páez’s status as a true innovator of Latin rock.
Cultural Honors and Legacy
In addition to his latest releases, Páez has been honored on major cultural stages:
- Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.) – Fito was invited for a private tour, where he played on George Gershwin’s piano, famously used to compose Porgy and Bess. He was also awarded a certificate of copyright for his 2020 single “La Conquista del Espacio.”
- Berklee College of Music – Returning to the school that awarded him the Master of Latin Music Award in 2015, Páez presented an unreleased essay on music in the 21st century. During a nearly two-hour session, he shared personal insights, creative philosophies, and advice for young musicians, closing with his “Handbook for Today’s Youth.”
Fito Páez: A Legacy in Constant Reinvention
At 62 years old, Fito Páez continues to evolve, proving that reinvention is at the heart of longevity. With his Tiny Desk debut, new album-film NOVELA, and upcoming U.S. tour, Páez reaffirms his place as one of Latin America’s most influential and enduring artists, an icon whose music continues to inspire across generations.