Club Rosarinos Estudiantil

At this club, Fito and his band Staff won the "Progressive Music Festival."

In 1980, he became the leader of Staff band, with German Risemberg at the bass and composition, Pajaro Gomez at the drums, Carlos Murias at guitars, and Maxi Ades as guest percussionist. In Staff, Paez composed almost all the band songs, and started to be admired by his peers. They rehearsed in the warehouse of a well-known shoe store, Zapateria Murias, owned by the father of one of the musicians, and they ended their nights at Saudades bar, located on the corner of Santa Fe and Entre Rios Streets.
On August 10th, 1980, they won the "Progressive Music Festival" at the Rosarinos Estudiantil club, with the participation of 11 local bands.
The prize was a bottle of whisky and two hours of recording in a basement at 700 Dorrego St.
The jury consisted of artists such as Juan Carlos Baglietto, Juan Chianelli, Ruben Goldin, and Norberto Campos, who were happily surprised by Fito.
Another landmark at that time, where countless national and local bands performed and also there were periodic festivals, was Sportivo America Club. There were basketball practices and a boxing ring which served as a stage for Luis Alberto Spinetta, Charly Garcia, Juan Baglietto and all the local bands from those years. Fito was both spectator and protagonist of several historical concerts there.