Formula V

In a way, Formula V (also known as Formula Quinta) was Spain's response to saccharine bubblegum pop acts like The Monkees or The Archies, which dominated the global charts in the mid to late-1960s. Formed in Madrid in 1967 by Paco Pastor (vocals), Quino de la Peña (lead guitar), "Chefo" Villar (rhythm guitar), Mariano Sanz (bass), and Tony Sevilla (drums), the group began performing under the name Los Cambios, playing covers by English-speaking bands. Later on, they were scouted by Pepe Nieto (formerly of Los Pekenikes), who helped them land a deal with Philips Records through producer Maryni Callejo. After changing their name to Formula V, they made their official debut with a 1968 split single that included the Nieto original "Hoy Es Mi Día de Suerte" as well as a Spanish version of The Dave Clark Five's "Come Home." In 1969, Formula V released their studio debut Busca Un Amor, which became one of the best-selling albums in Spain thanks to the Number 1 hit "Cuéntame." Even though their output waned during the 1970s, the band still managed to reach the top of the domestic charts with hit singles like "Eva María" (1973) and "La Fiesta de Blas" (1974). Exhausted by a relentless touring schedule, Formula V announced their dissolution in 1975. Subsequently, lead singer Paco Pastor launched a highly successful solo career and revived the Formula V moniker in the early aughts.