Charly García, the Father of Spanish Rock, Drops New Album at 72

Latin music is brimming with influential figures, but few have earned the legendary status of Charly García. Known for his groundbreaking music and fascinating life stories, the iconic Argentine artist has made waves once again with the release of his latest album, La Logia del Escorpión, his first in seven years. At 72 years old, Charly delves into the fable of "The Scorpion and the Frog," enchanting Spanish-speaking rock fans with his fresh offerings.

The album is not only a musical treasure but also features collaborations with other genre legends such as Fito Páez, David Lebón (of Serú Girán and Pescado Rabioso), Pedro Aznar (of Madre Atómica, Alas, Serú Girán, Spinetta Jade, and Pat Metheny Group), and even a recording with the late Luis Alberto Spinetta.

Charly has consistently delivered magic throughout his career, known for his eccentricity and avant-garde approach, which extends beyond his music into various aspects of his life.

@okguillebarrios ️ EXCLUSIVO! #charlygarcia a la salida del Faena donde estuvo haciendo las fotos para su ultimo disco #lalogicadelescorpion ♬ sonido original - Guille Barrios

What's the Latest with Charly García?

In recent years, Charly has been the subject of numerous rumors concerning his health, with reports occasionally suggesting his death. The most recent rumor surfaced in October 2023, when several media outlets "confirmed" his passing. However, these reports were never verified, as neither his family nor his team confirmed the news. Contrary to these speculations, the release of La Legia del Escorpión stands as proof that the Argentinean icon remains very much alive.

But this isn't the only death-related anecdote in Charly García's storied life. One of his greatest hits from his time with Sui Generis, "Canción para mi muerte," emerged from a dramatic episode during his mandatory military service in Argentina. Charly recounted that he wrote the song while enduring the hardships of military duty, which he found to be a significant hindrance to his music career. In a desperate move to avoid further service, Charly consumed a bottle of amphetamines, hoping the resulting intoxication would exempt him from his duties. Instead, he experienced an overdose but managed to recover and write one of his most celebrated tracks, though he did not escape his military obligations.

Another episode highlighting Charly's impulsive nature occurred when he jumped from the ninth floor of the Aconcagua Hotel in Mendoza. While it might sound like a suicide attempt, García's intentions were far from that. The jump was a reaction to an incident involving a fan who assaulted him for not getting a photo with the artist. Although Charly did not retaliate, he found himself in court and was briefly detained. In response, he concocted a plan to either fall into the hotel's swimming pool, creating a media spectacle, or hit the pavement in protest. Fortunately for both Charly and his fans, he landed in the pool, an event immortalized in his song "Me tiré por vos."