Argentine guitarist Felipe Staiti, a founding member and creative force behind the legendary rock en español band Enanitos Verdes, passed away on Monday (April 13) at the age of 64. Staiti had been hospitalized in Mendoza, Argentina, following health complications, reportedly stemming from a bacterial infection he contracted in Mexico that worsened due to preexisting conditions, according to Argentine outlet Clarín.
Related
The band, which recently performed at the Vive Latino festival on March 14, also confirmed the news on Instagram Tuesday, stating: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Felipe Staiti. His music, his dedication, and his story will remain forever with us and with all those who have been by his side over the years. Felipe’s family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of calls and messages of support they are receiving at this time.”
In recent years, Staiti became the de facto leader of Enanitos Verdes following the 2022 death of Marciano Cantero, the band’s bassist and frontman. After Cantero’s passing, Staiti assumed vocal duties along with his role as lead guitarist, keeping the band’s legacy alive while also working to pursue new tours and projects.
Formed in the late ’70s by Cantero, Staiti and drummer Daniel Piccolo, and later expanding to include more members, the band contributed to timeless hits such as the billion-stream “Lamento Boliviano,” “La Muralla Verde” and “Luz de Día.” Featured last month on Billboard’s list of the 50 Greatest Latin Rock Bands of All Time (Staff Picks), the group has appeared multiple times on the Billboard charts, including Top Latin Albums with Pescado Original (No. 37), Tic Tac (No. 55) and En Vivo (No. 75), and on Hot Latin Songs with “Mariposas” (No. 19) and its version of “Tu Cárcel” (No. 44).
Over the years, Staiti has been highly regarded for his guitar skills and contributions to the Latin rock genre. Outside of Enanitos Verdes, Staiti has pursued solo projects and experimented with various styles of music.
See Enanitos Verdes’ statement about Staiti’s passing below:
