Argentine music, national rock and blues are mourning the death of Javier Martínezdrummer and singer of the band Manal and unavoidable figure. The artist of hits like “Jugo de tomato” and “No pibe” He was admitted to intensive care in a highly complex center in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Almagro, according to his sister in the musician’s official account. The sad news was given from the musician’s social networks.
“I am Dora Alicia Martínez Suárez, Javier’s sister. I regret to inform you that my brother has passed away today,” the woman wrote this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. “On Sunday, May 5, between 4 and 7 p.m., at the Guerrieri House on 900 Forest Avenue, we will accompany him on his journey to Eternity forever and ever,” she added about the place where his remains will be said goodbye.
Towards the end, he quoted his own brother’s words. “‘When one has nothing more to say, the journey of silence begins’he concluded.
Alejandro Medina, former Manal bassist, shared a video with the band’s music and some heartfelt words. “Fly high towards the light, partner Javier Martínez. You left us your wonderful songs and we will always remember you! My condolences to your family, fans and friends. For my part, I will always treasure so many moments that we shared and the music we created together,” he said, sensitized.
Before Martínez’s family confirmed the sad news, the musician Antonio Birabent He fired the artist from his networks. “Javier Martínez. Inventor of Argentine blues, died today. We will remember his voice, his laugh, his humor, his culture, his sayings and the swing of his sticks caressing the fools,” he wrote alongside a photo of the drummer.
“Bye teacher. Have a good trip! Our respectful greetings to the family. “Teacher, precursor and inspirer of several generations of musicians, thank you for your art,” the band highlighted in a post. The Mississippi.
“Have a good trip, Javier. “Thank you for everything,” he added. Jorge Napoleoneowner of the legendary Rasputin Samovar, a famous place among rock and blues lovers.
Sergio Marchi, journalist specialized in rock and biographer of Charly García, Pappo, Luis Alberto Spinetta and Gustavo Cerati, highlighted his mark on Argentine music. “The great Javier Martínez died at the age of 78. His songs gave life to Manal and the blues in Spanish. Much glory to him, intellectual drummer of the southern cross,” he wrote.
The poet, composer and journalist Pipo Lernoud He also expressed his sadness by sharing a photograph with Javier. “Javier left us,” she wrote.
The musician Bucciarelli seed He also expressed his sadness at the death of the musician. “Have a good trip, teacher Javier Martínez,”
Andres Calamaro, through his X account, also mourned the death of the musician. He replicated the words he wrote Carca on the same social network and shared a photo of a battery. “Thank you for everything, dear Javier Martínez,” he added.
On May 5 at 5 p.m. at the Book Fair there was going to be a presentation Manal: the story of a secret meeting of the musician and journalist Claudio Kleiman. The dialogue with Teleshow The author said that the event was suspended and that he hopes to reschedule the date. Sad coincidence that at that same time this Sunday the singer’s wake will be held.
From the musician’s entourage they had assured this site that the hospitalization was recent and that it was “a delicate issue.” A day before, his sister had informed the fans of the delicate state of health that the drummer was going through.
“Right now I feel that I must communicate with my brother Javier’s followers. For me always: my brother. For you, your friends, your fans. He is in very serious health. If it weren’t like that, I would surely remain silent. But given the circumstances I am making the situation public,” the woman wrote a day before on the social network.
Manal, next to The cats and Almond, was one of the key groups in the first layer of Argentine rock. The trio made up of Javier Martínez (vocals and drums), Claudio Gabis (guitar) and Alejandro Medina (bass) was formed in the late ’60s and only needed two albums and four singles to lay the foundations for the hard wing of Argentine rock. which developed under the influence of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Cream. By the early ’70s, all three had disbanded. But the stones were already rolling.
Before Manal, Javier had joined Los Beatniks with other pioneers such as Moris and Pajarito Zaguri, whom he had met in La Cueva. Forged in the Bohemian Geseline, in 1966 they recorded the initiation “Rebelde”, promoted on the streets of the city. The band had a short existence and the drummer sought other directions for modern jazz.
In his solo career, Javier Martínez released Sol del sur (1983), Corrientes (1993), Swing (1998) Basta de boludos (2003) – reissue of Swing with two extra songs, Pensá Positivo (2015) and Concert in the studio ( 2020). Under the name Manal Javier Martínez and together with guitarist Pino Callejas, he published Darse realizing (2021), his latest production to date. He always remained active on stage and between last October and November he toured various parts of the country.
