Crammed into a one car, mattress lined garage in Newport Beach, California, 3 friends formed the skeleton of what was to become El Centro. Steve "Crabbie" Cabler took the mic , Gil Mora the bass and Adam Grossman (now ripping it up with Unit F) got behind the drum set to begin jamming cover tunes and soon writing they're own. This process however involved a handful of guitarists. This unstable position was finally filled by Crabbie's old friend from the early punk scene named Denny McGahey. McGahey had established himself in the scene as a member of both Shattered Faith and MIA and his past ventures would help to shape El Centro's sound. The band began to solidify a set of hard driven punk rock music but needed a name. They chose the name El Centro, which was taken from a city in San Diego county that is secluded from the rest of the basin.

They then adopted the logo of a "migrating" family" from a highway sign that leads you there. So El Centro hit the scene and was building momentum when the desire for a fuller live sound came about. So the boys enlisted a friend of Gil's named Brett Roelen to round out the guitar sound.

One night in Anaheim El Centro shared a bill with a band called MULCH who's drummer caught their attention. After the show, the band approached this particular drummer named Armando Del Rio and asked if he was happy with his band. From there the two became friends, and within weeks Del Rio decided to check out an El Centro rehearsal only to find that the bands current drummer couldn't make it on that particular night. Del Rio had been listening to a copy of the band's 6 song demo tape, and was familiar with the songs.

Move forward to 1997 and El Centro shows were building a loyal following with they're energetic stage show. The music was based on old school punk roots that spoke to the importance of believing in yourself and living life right now. At this time an upstart label called Finger Records approached El Centro to do a record for them. 1998 El Centro and Finger decided to make a go of it and the classic "ALTO" record was produced for the new label as their first release.

With a new full length disc to promote, the band was given a slot on the 1998 Warped Tour Compilation, and locked into a week of Warped Tour dates. From there the band found themselves opening on larger shows for bigger acts such as Bad Religion, The Vandals, and Pennywise to name a few. The band remained busy and found its music appearing on various compilations, video games, television and even a movie.

In 2000 El Centro started recording songs for a new release . These 14 songs would take over a year to complete due to an unstable lineup in the rhythm section and the constant frustration that came with it. Not to mention a label that was still trying to get itself suitable distribution. Gil Mora left the band and was replaced by a number of players that just didn't meld well. Del Rio recorded his drum tracks and left that week to tour full time with long time friends Los Infernos. Over the next few years the band tried to stay active with a constantly changing rhythm section that Del Rio returned to from time to time to support the band in a crunch.

By 2002 the new record was finally mixed but who knew if it would even be released. Needing to get away Crabbie and Steven "Webby" Webster, a close friend and one time manager of El Centro set off to indonesia. They had saved up to surf the best waves in the world for "Webby's" birthday, but that trip would change Crabbie's life forever. On October 12th, 2002 both Steves found themselves at the Sari Bar in Bali. The two friends had just ordered drinks in the night club when a terrorists 1000+ pound bomb went off less than 30 feet from them. Steven Webster was killed instantly from the blast and Cabler had sustained severe injury. He witnessed the deaths of over 200 people that night and tried to help his best friend "Webby" to no avail before fighting his way out of the now leveled compound.

Crabbie made it home and immediately McGahey, Roelen, Del Rio and Mora found themselves back in each others lives. The original band of brothers was united again to aid an injured friend without the thought of music in consideration. Cabler had gotten past several of his injuries (broken scapula, 3rd degree burns) over the next 5 months but has major hearing loss in both ears along with bouts of Vertigo.

2003 was almost here when the conversation of music returned between boys. Mora expressed an interest in playing again and Del Rio wasn't involved with any band at this time. After long discussion the 5 friends, in spite of Crabbie's low level of hearing, converged on a rehearsal space in Santa Ana, Ca. The energy was high and with the amount of clowning around and harassment handed around, you would think that they had never parted ways. With no time wasted and a natural desire to play music together the band started rehearsing and writing music again. This allowed Crabbie to adjust and find an ability to carry the songs like he once had.

in 2003 Finger records now had a solid distribution deal and by that December "Prohibido" saw national release. The record has received great reviews and warm reception from the public with steady nationwide record sales. The band has played select shows around Southern California as they tighten up a no nonsense set. The members of El Centro have an unparalleled determination to continue upward and onward.

It's been said that the sign of the "migrating family", on the way to El Centro, stands as a symbol of struggle and perseverance. The band could never have known how fittingly it would apply to them.