Antonio Smash, a Legend of Spanish Andalusian Rock, Dies
Antonio Samuel Rodríguez, better known as Antonio Smash, one of the founders and key figures of the Spanish Andalusian rock movement, has died in Seville at the age of 72. The musician passed away on January 5, 2026. According to Spanish media reports, the cause of death was a heart attack. The tragedy occurred just a few days after his last concert performance in his hometown.
Antonio Smash was born in 1952 in Seville and began to play a significant role in shaping Spain’s emerging music scene in the late 1960s. In 1968, he became one of the founders of the band Smash, a group widely regarded as a pioneer in blending rock music with flamenco. The band’s experiments laid the groundwork for what later became known as Andalusian rock, a genre that had a lasting impact on modern Spanish music.
Over the years, Smash featured musicians such as Julio Matito, Gualberto García, and Henryk Michel. The band gained recognition for its bold musical approach, combining psychedelic rock, progressive sounds, and traditional Andalusian influences. One of their most important works was the song “El Garrotín”, recorded in 1971 in collaboration with Manuel Molina. The track is widely considered a turning point in the history of flamenco rock and one of the earliest and most influential examples of musical fusion in Spain.
After the breakup of Smash in 1973, Antonio Smash remained active on the music scene. He collaborated with several prominent artists and bands, including Fly, Goma, Lole y Manuel, Pata Negra, and Kiko Veneno, continuing to explore new musical paths and cross-genre projects.
Alongside these collaborations, Smash also pursued a solo career. Throughout the years, he released several albums, including “Jardín secreto”, “Balas de amor”, “Viéndolas venir”, “Entre las olas”, “A la vuelta de la esquina”, and “Entraña”. These works were marked by a personal tone, stylistic diversity, and a strong connection to Andalusian musical traditions.
According to Spanish media, Antonio Smash’s final concert took place on January 2, 2026, in Seville. He performed at a commemorative event dedicated to a fellow musician. Only a few days later, news of his sudden death emerged, deeply shocking the music community and his fans.
Tributes and condolences were expressed by cultural institutions, fellow musicians, and local authorities. Seville’s mayor, José Luis Sanz, described Antonio Smash as “a key figure in the history of Andalusian rock music” and emphasized that his contribution would “remain forever part of Spain’s cultural heritage.” A similar statement was issued by the Spanish Society of Authors and Publishers (SGAE), highlighting the musician’s role in shaping a unique musical language that merged rock and flamenco.
Antonio Smash will be remembered as an artist who consistently pushed creative boundaries and challenged genre conventions. His work became an essential part of the evolution of Spanish rock music, and his legacy continues to influence new generations of musicians.
