Willy Quiroga announced his retirement from the music scene
Willy Quiroga, the legendary singer and bassist of Vox Dei, announced through a video on his social media that he will retire from the stage for health reasons. The diagnosis of an illness that prevents him from continuing to sing and play was the trigger for the 84-year-old musician to communicate the news in an emotional way, lamenting that he will no longer be able to continue with the band.
Sitting outdoors and looking at the camera, he began by explaining: “Hello, friends. Unfortunately, I have to give you some news that I never wanted to give. At 84 years old, with all the desire to continue, I have developed an illness that does not allow me to sing, play or continue with the band.”
In his message, Quiroga thanked all his friends and fans for their support throughout his career and said: “I really thank you with all my heart, but I can no longer continue, unfortunately it is not good news that I want to give you,” he said sadly. Although he did not detail the illness he suffers from, he did mention that he will fulfill the commitments already scheduled, and his official retirement will be on August 24 at an event in San Miguel.
Willy Quiroga will give one last show before retiring due to health problems
“I apologize, but life has these things and never tells you anything,” said the musician about his upcoming stage absence. He even said that he will also attend two other events in two different provinces, where he will receive awards, although he will not perform at them. “In addition to all this, there are two places that I have to go no matter what. Although I am not going to play, I will be sitting there on stage, which are San Juan and Mendoza. They are going to give me an award that, if you understand, I think I deserve,” said the musician in front of the camera.
To conclude, she added: “This is news that one never wants to give, but it happens and I also want to thank all those who have supported me for so much love, affection and recognition. Friends and fans of the networks, a big hug for you, greetings.”
The publication of the video generated a wave of responses on different social networks, where thousands of followers expressed their love and support for the artist, since for many his retirement marks the end of an era, while they grew up and lived to the rhythm of the songs of Vox Dei, an emblematic Argentine rock band whose passage left a deep mark, especially with the album La Biblia, one of the most important works in the local songbook, celebrated for its message of universal peace.
In November 2022, the City Legislature declared Willy Quiroga as an Outstanding Personality in the field of Culture
Throughout his career, Quiroga was recognized and loved for both his talent and his charisma, becoming a fundamental figure in the history of music in Argentina. This is demonstrated by the messages not only from fans, but also from fellow travelers, such as Nito Mestre, who expressed: “My dear Willy, a huge hug. And keep enjoying what you did and how much we love you.” In addition, Emilio del Guercio also highlighted: “Dear Willy! I toast to you and all our years holding up the flame of good Argentine Rock. A big hug.”
In November 1970, during the first edition of the BA Rock festival in Buenos Aires, Vox Dei presented a preview of the album La Biblia, which would receive praise to this day. Only a few months earlier, the band had released their first album, Caliente, which positioned them alongside Almendra and Manal as one of the pioneers of the new musical genre in Argentina.
The album included the classic song Presente, which would become an anthem of contemporary Argentine music and one of the most iconic rock songs, reaching number 7 according to a joint survey conducted by MTV and the Argentine edition of Rolling Stone magazine. In addition, the album contained another outstanding song, Canción para una mujer (que no está), which would also become a classic for the band.