Regional Mexican Star Returns to U.S. Stages After Eight-Year Hiatus

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Regional Mexican star Julio César Álvarez, known as the King of the Box Office, returned to U.S. stages on Thursday night, April 17, with the first of three performances for his 42/18 Tour at SoFi Stadium. This event marked a record for the venue as the largest show by a Latin artist, surpassing the previous record held by another Mexican star who performed twice in August 2021.

It had been eight years since Álvarez last performed in the U.S. Following a troubling period in 2017, when he was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for alleged money laundering—a charge he was cleared of in 2022—his return was keenly anticipated by fans.

“I must confess that I was close to tears,” Álvarez expressed, visibly emotional as he began the concert waving a Mexican flag and singing a piece of “Cielito Lindo.” He articulated the overwhelming emotions he felt about being back on stage after such a long absence. “You can’t imagine the amount of feelings and emotions I’m experiencing right now,” he said. “I hope you enjoy this as much as I am.”

Álvarez continued, expressing gratitude to his supporters. “I hadn’t come to sing for you in eight years. Thank God and thanks to all of you, I’m still doing what I love. I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he added, acknowledging family and friends who stood by him through his challenges.

During the concert, Álvarez performed an array of hits, including “Regalo de Dios,” “Te Hubieras Ido Antes,” “Rey Sin Reina,” and others, evoking nostalgia from his time as the vocalist for Banda MS. His daughters, Maria Julia and Maria Isabel, joined him on stage to celebrate his birthday, marking a heartfelt moment as his band played “Las Mañanitas.”

Known for lengthy performances, Álvarez addressed the crowd regarding the venue’s regulations, explaining that he would be unable to perform for more than two hours. “I hope you can forgive me, but I must respect the laws of this land,” he said, before closing with a medley of classic rancheras and the personal favorite “Volaré.”

The three-show stint at SoFi Stadium represents only the first leg of Álvarez’s 42/18 Tour, which will continue on May 24 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.