Argentina bids farewell to rock legend Carlos 'El Indio' Solari with massive Plaza de Mayo gathering

Buenos Aires' iconic Plaza de Mayo transformed into a sea of chants and flags as thousands of fans gathered to bid farewell to Carlos 'El Indio' Solari, a towering figure in Argentine rock. The 77-year-old musician, known for his poetic lyrics and enigmatic stage presence, died Friday at his home in Parque Leloir.

Initial reports suggest Solari succumbed to a stroke that caused immediate death while he was at his swimming pool. The prosecutor's office is awaiting further tests for definitive confirmation. Solari, the former frontman of the influential band Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota, had been living with Parkinson's disease for at least a decade.

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El Indio is the story of my life. A life marked by his songs that played at home.

Fans, some with tears in their eyes, filled the city center, celebrating the artist whose songs became anthems for a generation. "El Indio is the story of my life. A life marked by his songs that played at home," shared Mariana Rutiniani, a 36-year-old publicist, reflecting the deep personal connection many felt with Solari's music.

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I have no fear of death. I think of it in poetic terms. I live the same way I did when I was 20: in the present.

Solari cultivated a low profile throughout his career, rarely granting interviews. In his last radio interview in December, he spoke philosophically about mortality, stating, "I have no fear of death. I think of it in poetic terms. I live the same way I did when I was 20: in the present."

The outpouring of grief and remembrance extended beyond the spontaneous gathering. Solari's official social media account announced that a public wake would be held on Saturday at a yet-to-be-confirmed location. Even football superstar Lionel Messi paid tribute, posting a photo of the singer on Instagram with the message, "Always in our hearts. RIP."

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Always in our hearts. RIP.