Formed in California during the 1980s, Brujeria quickly became known for their extreme lyrics that often tackled polarizing topics. While discussing some hot topics in their music, the band gained a faithful following and released five studio albums. Their last, Esto Es Brujeria, hit shelves just last year. Sadly, 2024 brought a great deal of heartbreak from Brujeria as member Pinche Peach passed away in July. And on Wednesday, the band announced that Juan Brujo passed away—shortly after a “severe medical emergency” forced the band to cancel their tour.
At just 61 years old, the news of Brujo’s passing came as a shock to many fans. Releasing a picture of him on their Instagram page, the band wrote, “It is with deep sadness we have to announce that our leader Juan Brujo has passed away today. Juan suffered a heart attack early Monday morning, after a day off from the current Mexorcista tour in Saint Clairsville, Ohio. He was rushed to the nearest hospital in Wheeling, West Virginia by emergency services, but, despite the medical team’s greatest efforts, he died this morning.”
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While wanting to update fans about the sudden death, Brujeria was thankful for the love they received. Still, they wrote, “His family, friends and bandmates are devastated and wish to mourn in private, while they appreciate the fans’ love and support.”
Juan Brujo Explains Why Brujeria Started Performing
Although loving his time with the band, back in 2015, Brujo discussed how Brujeria started and how the group was never supposed to be a touring act. “We only ever meant to make some records. What it was, was back in L.A. in 1989, there was a metal scene which included grind and hardcore stuff. There was a band called Terrorizer, and they wouldn’t let them play in the normal clubs so they’d play in backyards in the Mexican parts of town.”
Attending a few of the shows, Brujo noticed something interesting, “None of the fans there watching the show spoke English.” Seeing a need, the musician insisted, “There are a lot of Mexicans in L.A., so we just thought, ‘We have to start a band that sings in Spanish. Give them what they want.’”
As for fans, they rallied around the band and singer with one person declaring, “Legends never be forgotten. Long live Juan.”
(Photo by Medios y Media/Getty Images)
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