Musician César Strawberry presents 'Macarras interseculares', a tribute to the vibrant nightlife of Malasaña in the 80s and 90s. His work reflects the rebellious and underground spirit of the neighbourhood, filled with anecdotes and memorable characters.
The Malasaña of the 80s and 90s was a cultural hotbed that attracted musicians, artists, and rebellious youth. César Strawberry, known for his role as the vocalist of Def Con Dos, has decided to pay homage to that era with his new book Macarras interseculares. In it, he recounts his experiences in a neighbourhood that was considered the epicentre of the punk and alternative movement in Madrid. “Malasaña was a lawless place, where anything could happen,” Strawberry recalls. From his first visits to the famous bar Vía Láctea to the parties of 2 de Mayo, every corner of the neighbourhood holds stories that have marked a generation.
The author reminisces about how he began frequenting Malasaña with his friend Oscar López in 1980. “We used to buy litres of beer and wine to enjoy the night. If you missed the last metro, it was no problem; you walked an hour to get home,” he explains. Vía Láctea quickly became a key meeting point for the youth of Madrid, where friendships were forged and artistic dreams were born.
César also mentions other iconic places like Nueva Visión, where he met the owner Johnny, who even appears in one of Def Con Dos's music videos. “It was a place where we all felt free,” he says nostalgically. However, it wasn’t all fun; the atmosphere was charged with dangers and tensions between different urban groups that frequented the streets.
Throughout the book, Strawberry describes intense moments experienced on Velarde street, where nightlife mixed with extreme situations: “I remember seeing fights between rival gangs or how some friends got into trouble for defending their territory.” Violence was part of the urban landscape; he even mentions serious incidents like stabbings that marked the history of the neighbourhood.
Despite the apparent chaos, César highlights the creative potential that existed: “There was a unique energy; we were part of something big.” The author also reflects on how many tried to channel that energy into broader cultural projects, although many failed due to a lack of institutional support.
In this sense, Strawberry recalls the neighbourhood protests against the botellón that arose over the years: “A boxer baker led those demonstrations; no one dared to challenge him.” These struggles reflect not only social discontent but also a constant search to improve the conditions of the neighbourhood.
As the narrative progresses, Strawberry reveals how his passion for music led him to become an active part of the Madrid cultural movement. Along with his companions, he founded a gallery called Legado Social, although few understood his innovative artistic vision.
Through personal anecdotes and vibrant stories about iconic characters like Marcos (owner of Vía Láctea) or Angus (a feared local thug), César manages to capture the wild and irreverent essence that defined that golden era for Malasaña.
With Macarras interseculares, César Strawberry not only revives cherished memories but also invites new generations to explore a past filled with creativity and cultural resistance. The book is now available for those interested in learning more about this fascinating historical period.
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