Throughout his career with the band, the iconic flutist left his musical mark on each of the band’s songs.
Fernando Ponce De León, the iconic musician who put the classic sound of the flute to the songs of Wizard of Ozdied at the age of 59. According to Peri, one of the band members, the musician was rushed to the Jiménez Diaz Hospital in Madrid; but, due to his difficult condition, the doctors could do nothing to save his life, so he finally died as a result of multiple organ failure.
“Fernando Ponce de León (1965 -2024) Traveling companion in a thousand battles, a friend, a companion and a great musician is gone. We musicians don’t like silence, we like applause. So we’re not going to ask for a minute of silence for our dear Fernando, we’re going to ask for a minute of applause in his honor.” The band posted on Instagram.
For his part, José Andrea, vocalist of Mago de Oz, published a message on Instagram in memory of Ponce de León.
“One of the best people I have ever met in this life has passed away. A noble, cultured, funny and intelligent person, but above all, empathetic and a great friend to his friends. I still can’t find the words. His musical legacy will always live on, just as he will live on in my memory wherever I am. I hope to find you just as I remember you when we meet again, brother, playing those beautiful melodies that made me fall in love and I will join you with my voice. In the meantime, rest in peace, my beloved Fernando. May the earth be light on you,” he said.
Who was Fernando Ponce de Leon?
Fernando Ponce de León is considered one of the most versatile and creative musicians in Spanish rock. He is best known for his participation in “Mago de Oz”, a Spanish folk metal band founded in Madrid in July 1988.
Ponce de León was born in Madrid, Spain, on May 19, 1965. He began his musical career as a flutist; however, his ability and talent made him stand out on other wind instruments, skills that made him a key piece in creating the group’s distinctive sound.
He joined Mägo de Oz in 1999, shortly before the band recorded the album Finisterra, considered one of their most important albums. Ponce de León had a particular style, which emerged when he mixed Celtic music with folkwhich suited the band very well, which stood out for its fusion of heavy metal with elements of folk, with classical music. That is why the iconic sound of Fernando Ponce de León’s flute turned out to be a key piece in forging a style representative of the music of Wizard of Oz.
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During his time in Mago de Oz, Ponce de León contributed to great albums such as Gaia (2003), Gaia II: La Voz Dormida (2005) and La Ciudad de los Árboles (2007). These albums undoubtedly helped to consolidate the band not only in Spanish rock, but also in symphonic metal.
The flutist left Mago de Oz in 2012. However, his legacy will remain indelible. And fans will always remember him for being a musical virtuoso, as well as for giving each song its own narrative through his interpretation. After leaving the band, Ponce de León continued to collaborate on various musical projects, exploring various genres and exploiting other sounds.
