When Daniela, Paulina, and Alejandra Villarreal first picked up instruments as kids in Monterrey, Nuevo León, they probably didn't imagine they'd one day headline an NFL halftime show. But that's exactly where The Warning is headed. The band—formed in 2013—has become one of the most exciting rock acts to emerge from Latin America in years, blending hard rock, metal, and pop with a distinctly modern edge.
Their story began in a very 21st-century way: playing the video game Rock Band on a PlayStation. That sparked a passion for drums, guitar, and bass, which they'd already been studying classically on piano since early childhood. That foundation gave them a musical discipline that sets them apart from many of their peers.
From viral cover to global stages
The turning point came in 2014 when they uploaded a cover of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" to YouTube. The video went viral, racking up over 20 million views and earning praise from Metallica's own Kirk Hammett. That moment opened doors, leading to opening slots for rock legends like Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe, and Halestorm, as well as festival appearances at Download and Summer Sonic.
Their discography now includes five studio albums, with their latest, Everything's Falling, released via Lava and Republic Records. They've also recorded a live album and concert film at Mexico City's iconic Auditorio Nacional, a venue that holds deep significance for any Mexican artist.
Breaking records and barriers
In 2026, The Warning achieved something no other all-female Mexican band had done in 45 years of Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart: their single "Kerosene" hit number one. It's a milestone that resonates beyond charts—it's a statement about representation in a genre often dominated by men.
That same year, the NFL announced The Warning would headline the halftime show for the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City. It's a huge moment for Mexican music and for the growing presence of Latin American artists in global sports entertainment. For more on Mexican talent crossing into American football, check out this piece on eight Mexican prospects joining the NFL Academy.
10 things to know about The Warning
- They're three sisters from Monterrey: Daniela (guitar/vocals), Paulina (drums), and Alejandra (bass) form a family power trio.
- They went viral with a Metallica cover: Their "Enter Sandman" cover earned millions of views and direct praise from Kirk Hammett.
- They made Billboard history: "Kerosene" reached #1 on Mainstream Rock Airplay, a first for an all-female Mexican band.
- They have five studio albums: Including their 2026 release Everything's Falling, plus EPs, a live album, and 19 singles.
- All sisters play piano: Their classical training adds melodic depth to their heavy sound.
- They started with a video game: Rock Band on PlayStation ignited their musical journey.
- They've shared stages with rock royalty: Opening for Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe, and Halestorm, among others.
- They recorded at Auditorio Nacional: Their 2022 live album and film capture that landmark show.
- They sing in English and Spanish: Keeping their Mexican roots alive while reaching a global audience.
- They're role models for young Latinas: Paving the way for more women in rock, as seen in their recent collaboration with Japanese group BABYMETAL.
The Warning's rise is a testament to talent, hard work, and the power of digital platforms. They've carried the Mexican flag to the highest levels of rock, and their upcoming NFL halftime performance will be another historic chapter. As they continue to break barriers, they're also inspiring a new generation of Latin American musicians to dream big.
For more on Latin American artists making waves internationally, check out Romina Hinojosa's historic Tour de France finish and Rebeca Bernal's move to Manchester United Women.
