Singer Antonio Vega dies at the age of 51

Singer Antonio Vega dies at the age of 51
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By h.b. - May 13, 2009 - 6:48 AM
Thousands of fans are mourning the loss of the voice of a generation

Antonio Vega at a recent concert in the Lope de Vega Theatre in Madrid - EFE

Pop and rock fans across the country were shocked on Tuesday at the announcement of the death of the singer Antonio Vega, at the age of just 51 a long time sufferer of lung cancer. He had been admitted to a Madrid hospital on April 20.

Many consider that Antonio Vega invented Spanish pop music, writing marvellous lyrics for dozens of songs which are now part of the memories of a generation.

He came to fame with his cousin Nacho, in the group Nacha Pop at the end of the 70’s, and then went on to a solo career. The big first hit for Nacha Pop, La Chica de Ayer, was written by Antonio.

Some commentators say that Antonio really died five years ago when he lost the love of his life, Marga. In the famous Madrid bar ‘el Penta’ his songs were played half an hour before closing last night in a discrete homage from his fans.

The Minister for Culture, Ángeles González-Sinde, lamented the ‘terrible loss’ and said that Antonio Vega was a composer ‘of extraordinary sensitivity who had a great influence on his generation; a person who had been fundamental in the renovation of the understanding of not just music but also the popular culture of Spain’.

The chapel of rest will be open to the public in the SGAE offices in Madrid from 1pm today, Wednesday, and the funeral will be at the Almudena cemetery in Madrid tomorrow morning.

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