Sevillan musician Antonio Smash, a pioneer of Andalusian rock, died at 74 on the eve of Epiphany in 2026, while still active in recording and performances. His career spanned collaborations with figures like Manuel Molina, Silvio, and Kiko Veneno, as well as his solo work.
Antonio Samuel Rodríguez, known as Antonio Smash, was born in Seville in April 1952 and dedicated himself to music from a young age, starting with drums in amateur bands influenced by rock from U.S. bases in Rota and Morón.
In 1968, he founded the band Smash with Julio Matito, Gualberto García, and Henrik Michel, which left a mark with albums like Glorieta de los lotos and We come to smash this time, solidifying his nickname. Smash served as a bridge between 1960s and 1970s rock, participating in numerous projects.
In the 1970s, he approached flamenco by collaborating with Manuel Molina on fusions like El Garrotín, in Seville's Cuadra scene. He was part of Goma with Manuel Rodríguez (Imán), recording 14 de abril, censored for its republican cover. "Antonio was a great musician and a great worker, with a very accentuated comic flair," recalls Manuel Imán, who played with him days before his death.
He worked in Madrid bands like Granada, Flamenco, and Coz, and in Seville with Silvio y Luzbel on Al Este del Edén. Pive Amador, former manager, notes: "I owe becoming a drummer to Antonio." In Pata Negra, by the Amador brothers, he contributed as drummer, bassist, and composer on albums like Blues de la frontera (1987).
In the 1990s, he collaborated with Kiko Veneno, Alba Molina, and others. Kiko Veneno describes him as "my master, the total musician." Solo, he released Jardín secreto, Balas de amor, and Viéndolas venir (2025). Until the end, he participated in tributes, like to friend Pedro G. Mauricio.
Pony Bravo considers him a reference for Sevillian rock. Smash died as a rocker, active to the last moment, leaving a legacy in Andalusian music.
