Pedro Depestre Gonzalez Dead at 55

Tragedy struck the Buena Vista Social Club on April 8 when violinist Pedro Depestre Gonzalez died after collapsing onstage. Gonzalez was performing with Buena Vista bassist Orlando “Cachaito” Lopez in Basel, Switzerland, and despite the help of a doctor in the audience and paramedics, Gonzalez was pronounced dead at the age of 55. As a result of the sudden loss, Lopez cancelled the following night’s performance. The remaining tour dates will still be played, with or without a replacement violinist. Gonzalez recently appeared on Bertin Osborne’s 2000 album, Sabor A Mexico, on Universal Latino.

Originally Published April 18, 2001