Rodrigo y Gabriela are an acoustic guitar duo formed by Rodrigo Sánchez (born 1974) and Gabriela Quintero (born 1973), who met as teenagers in Mexico City at the Casa de Cultura. Initially playing in the thrash metal band Tierra Ácida in the early 1990s, they shifted to acoustic guitars after leaving Mexico in 1999, busking in Dublin, Ireland, where they developed their style blending flamenco, rock, and heavy metal influences. Their breakthrough came through associations with Damien Rice and manager Niall Muckian, leading to early releases like Foc (2001) and Re-Foc (2003), followed by their self-titled album (2006) that topped Irish charts. Active since 2000, they are recognized for instrumental tracks incorporating covers such as Metallica's 'Orion' and originals with lyrical themes. Known for dynamic live performances, they gained prominence busking on Dublin streets and at events like the Oxegen festival, emphasizing intricate fingerpicking and rhythmic interplay.