Sumo

Latin rock band Sumo joined the Argentinean scene in the mid-’80s. Led by Italian Luca Prodan, the band’s first lineup included guitarist German Daffunchio, drummer Stephanie Nuttal, bassist Diego Arnedo, and saxophonist Roberto Pettinato. Due to the diplomatic conflict related to the Falklands (Malvinas), which ended up in war, British Stephanie Nuttal went back to England, being replaced by Alejandro Sokol. In 1985, Sumo released Divididos Por La Felicidad, climbing on local charts with a song called “La Rubia Tarada.” That album was followed by 1986′s Llegando Los Monos, presented live at Buenos Aires’ Obras Sanitarias. While its song “Mejor No Hablar De Ciertas Cosas” was still having frequent rotation in radio stations throughout South America, Sumo decided to make a new record called After Chabon. On December 22, 1987, singer Luca Prodan was found dead, victim of a heart attack. That tragic event deeply affected the band. Sumos’ remaining members played for the last time at 1988′s Chateau Rock Festival. ~ Drago Bonacich