Manuel Arjona, a key figure in the original Locomía lineup, has died at 58 in Viladecans. The cause remains unknown. His passing marks another chapter in the turbulent history of the iconic Spanish pop group.
Manuel Arjona, one of the original members of the Spanish pop group Locomía, died on Wednesday at his home in Viladecans, Barcelona, at the age of 58. According to sources close to the artist cited by EL PAÍS, the cause of death has not been determined. Arjona reportedly spent the day painting before going to bed and never waking up. His sudden passing adds to a series of early deaths among Locomía’s founding members, following the loss of Santos Blanco and Frank Romero in 2018, both at 46.
Locomía’s story is marked by dramatic turns, from its explosive rise in the 1980s to internal conflicts and personal struggles. The group was conceived by Xavier Font, who moved to Ibiza in 1984 with the vision of creating a new urban tribe. Font’s talent for spotting potential led him to assemble a quartet that included his brother Luis Font, Dutch performer Gard Passchier, and Manuel Arjona. The group’s flamboyant style and bold performances at the Ku nightclub quickly made them a sensation, earning them lucrative contracts and a devoted following.
Arjona, who grew up in a conservative family with ten siblings, found a sense of freedom in Ibiza that contrasted sharply with his earlier life in Viladecans. He described the island as a place where he could openly express his identity, a stark change from the secrecy he maintained at home. The group’s signature oversized fans, designed by Font and inspired by a performance in Sitges, became a defining element of their act and a symbol of their era.
Despite their success, the pressures of the nightlife and personal challenges began to take a toll. After four years in Ibiza, Arjona struggled with substance abuse, prompting the group to leave the island. Their fortunes shifted when music producer José Luis Gil, known for his work with major Spanish artists, encouraged them to transition from club performers to a full-fledged musical act. Hits like “Locomía,” “Rumba Samba Mambo,” and “Gorvachov” propelled them to stardom, with memorable performances such as their show at Madrid’s Joy Eslava, which became a landmark event for Spain’s LGBTQ community.
However, internal disputes soon surfaced. Tensions between Font and Gil led to a split, with Arjona caught in the middle. Reflecting on the decision years later, Arjona admitted that breaking their contract with Gil was a mistake that ultimately fractured the group. By the mid-1990s, Locomía’s influence waned amid legal battles and frequent lineup changes, but Arjona remained one of the most consistent members, staying involved for 35 years alongside Font.
In recent years, Arjona distanced himself from the group, focusing on caring for his parents and pursuing his passion for painting. He openly expressed feeling used by Font, emphasizing that Locomía was more than just a business to him—it was a significant part of his life. The resurgence of interest in the group following the Movistar Plus documentary led Font to revive Locomía with new members, but Arjona chose not to participate, preferring a quieter life in Viladecans.
Arjona’s death comes as another reminder of the challenges faced by artists who shaped Spain’s cultural landscape during the transition to democracy. The group’s journey from Ibiza’s nightlife to national fame mirrored broader changes in Spanish society, as the country embraced modernity and diversity after decades of dictatorship. The impact of Locomía’s legacy continues to be felt, especially in Catalonia, where the music scene remains vibrant and influential. For context on recent events in the region, including other notable incidents in Barcelona, see this report on a recent tragedy in the La Pegaso district.
Locomía’s story is emblematic of the highs and lows of Spain’s pop culture evolution. The group’s blend of music, fashion, and personal expression left a lasting mark, and Arjona’s role was central to its identity. His passing closes a significant chapter in the history of Spanish music, underscoring both the creative energy and the personal costs behind the country’s cultural milestones.
