Carlos Alberto Solari, known as 'the Indio' and former leader of the influential Argentine rock band Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota, died on June 5 at age 77.
Solari was found dead near an indoor pool at his home in Ituzaingó, about 30 kilometers west of Buenos Aires. He had lived with Parkinson’s disease for at least a decade. Authorities did not identify a cause of death. His family announced the news on social media and said a public funeral would be held. Fans gathered at his house with flowers and T-shirts bearing his nickname, while crowds filled a plaza in downtown Buenos Aires to sing his songs and mourn. Solari rose to prominence as a countercultural figure during Argentina’s transition from dictatorship to democracy. His band released 10 studio albums and avoided major labels to preserve independence. After the group split in 2001, he continued as a solo artist and drew large crowds to stadiums. Tributes came from the Argentine Soccer Association, the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, and former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. Solari is survived by his wife, Virginia Mones Ruiz, and their 25-year-old son, Bruno.