Argentinean pop/rock band Amanda was formed in the late '90s by guitarist Juan José Cudmani, bassist Gabriela Cortez, drummer Simón Pérez, and singer and keyboardist Luis Gómez Salas. The name of the band was taken from Víctor Jara's "Te Recuerdo Amanda," one of the Chilean songwriter's best. By the end of 1997, Gabriela Cortez left the group, being replaced temporarily by Ariel Fligman until Leandro Díaz Romero joined in 1998. That same year, Amanda performed live, participating in a play called Un Trago Antes de Salir. Drummer Claudio Vallejo joined Amanda when Simón Pérez left. In 1999, Juan Pablo Apsatz produced the band's first album, presented live by the end of that year. ~ Drago Bonacich