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Manolo Arjona, a founding member of the musical group Locomía, died suddenly at age 58 on July 1. According to reports from El Español, the artist passed away at his residence in Viladecans, Barcelona, after going to sleep following an evening of painting. His death has caused widespread mourning within the Spanish entertainment industry.
What were the circumstances of Manolo Arjona’s death?
The artist, whose full name was Manuel Arjona Velasco, died in the early hours of the morning at his home in Viladecans. El Español reported that Arjona had spent the evening painting, a hobby he frequently practiced. The outlet noted that he lived a quiet life in the Catalan municipality and “Se acostó y ya no se levantó.”
Details regarding the specific cause of death have not been officially released by medical authorities. The artist’s remains are scheduled to be held at a funeral home in Viladecans for those wishing to pay their respects.
Before achieving international musical fame, the members of Locomía operated as a fashion and animation collective at the famous Ku disco in Ibiza.
How did Manolo Arjona influence Locomía’s legacy?
Arjona was a foundational pillar of Locomía, having established the group alongside Xavier Font, Luis Font, and Gard Passchier. While the group’s lineup saw various changes due to internal and legal disputes, Arjona remained a consistent presence for nearly 35 years.
The group became a global phenomenon through a highly specific and avant-garde aesthetic. Their performances were defined by:
- Extravagant, oversized shoulder pads.
- Signature pointed footwear.
- The use of large, choreographed fans.
Arjona’s involvement with the brand included a period of departure in 1993 following disagreements with the Font brothers and manager José Luis Gil. However, he later returned to the project to assist in reviving the group’s brand before retiring from active stage performances in 2000. Between 2007 and 2011, he continued to support newer generations of the group from behind the scenes.
How has the music community reacted to the news?
The official Locomía Instagram account released a statement expressing deep grief over the loss of their founder. The tribute included an illustration of Arjona with angel wings and a message addressing his impact on the group.
“Hoy se ha apagado una parte de nuestro corazón, pero tu luz, Manolo, se eleva eterna hacia el cielo… Fuiste el alma, el movimiento y la lealtad incondicional de un sueño que empezó en Ibiza y que cambió nuestras vidas para siempre.” — Locomía Official Statement
Luis Font, a former bandmate currently living in Guadalajara, Mexico, also shared a tribute via his Instagram stories. Font stated that although Arjona’s light has ascended, his memory remains with his former colleagues.
What other Locomía members have passed away?
The death of Manolo Arjona marks another significant loss for the group’s history. Locomía has faced several recent departures of key figures:
- Francesc Picas: Passed away in Barcelona in November 2023.
- Frank Romero: Died in July 2018 at the age of 46 due to a bacterial infection.
- Santos Blanco: Died in June 2018 at the age of 46 from natural causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Manolo Arjona?
He was 58 years old at the time of his death.
Where did Manolo Arjona live?
He resided in Viladecans, Barcelona.
What was Locomía’s signature style?
The group was known for an avant-garde aesthetic involving large shoulder pads, pointed shoes, and giant fans.
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