The rock music scene is in mourning. Xava Drago, the iconic voice and frontman of the band Coda, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2024. He was 56 years old. Xava bravely battled stomach cancer for the last year of his life.
Just a few weeks earlier, in early August, Xava shared a difficult update. He announced publicly that his doctors had told him he was terminally ill. His body was no longer responding to medical treatments. Before he passed, he left a deeply moving farewell message for his many fans.
“Today my life has come to an end,” he wrote. “I sang, I ‘rock-and-rolled,’ but most of all, I enjoyed it. I can rest peacefully now. I will be with my beautiful mother. Thank you again for so much love, good vibes, and a lot of rock and roll.” The news of his death quickly spread. Musicians, fellow artists, and fans flooded social media with tributes. They shared stories and honored the unmistakable voice of Spanish rock.
Xava Drago: A Voice of Spanish Rock
Xava Drago, born Salvador Aguilar Cervantes in 1968, was a cornerstone of the “rock en tu idioma” movement from its very beginning. He was the main singer for Coda, a band he helped form in 1989. His powerful vocals and presence helped shape the sound of hard rock in Spanish during the 1990s.
With Coda, he released memorable albums like “Enciéndelo,” “Veinte para las doce,” “Nivel 3,” and “Ciclos.” Songs such as ‘Aún,’ ‘Tócame,’ and ‘Eternamente’ became anthems for a whole generation. Xava was known for his passionate style on stage. He always gave his all during live shows. He also built a strong bond with his audience, always trying to stay close to them. He even shared the stage with international acts like Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, and Scorpions. This cemented his legacy on major stages across Mexico and during tours throughout Latin America.
His Courageous Fight with Stomach Cancer
Xava was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2024. This aggressive and quiet illness quickly took a toll on his body in just a few months. He underwent major treatments, including a total gastrectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. These treatments allowed him to announce in February of this year that he was “cancer-free.” However, the disease returned in April, and the new treatments could not stop its spread.
The artist openly shared his battle on social media. He always thanked his fans for their support and asked for financial help for the expensive medical costs. In his final weeks, Xava left a profound message. It was filled with gratitude and peace, as he faced his goodbye. He knew his doctors could do no more. “My doctors can no longer do anything for me,” he shared, confirming his terminal diagnosis.
Xava Drago leaves behind a story of complete dedication to rock. From his unforgettable stage performances to the dignity with which he faced his final days, his spirit will live on.