Víctor Coyote, a versatile Spanish artist whose creative output spanned music, comics, and film, died on Thursday in a cycling accident. He was 65 years old. Born in Tui in 1958, Coyote was known for his constant reinvention and refusal to be confined to a single artistic discipline.
His career began in 1979 with the formation of Los Coyotes, a band he fronted with Fernando Gilabert, from which he adopted his stage name. Initially rooted in psychobilly, the group soon incorporated Latin rhythms, becoming early pioneers of this sonic crossover in Spain. Their 1985 debut album, 'Mujer y sentimiento,' established them within the movida scene, a vibrant cultural movement centered around Vigo and Madrid, where Coyote was a prominent and dynamic figure.
In 1988, the band evolved into Los Coyotes de Víctor Abundancia, releasing the well-known track 'Esta noche me voy a bailar' before disbanding in 1992. Following the group's dissolution, Coyote shifted his focus, having already been involved in comics since the mid-1980s. He contributed to the magazine 'Madriz' from 1984 to 1987 and subsequently dedicated himself to directing music videos and drawing.
Coyote directed the music video for 'Milonga' by Los Rodríguez and the song 'Carmiña Vacaloura,' which was featured on the Xabarín Club soundtrack and remains memorable for a generation of Galicians. Concurrently, he published comic works such as 'Come yuca' (1998) and participated in group exhibitions, solidifying his presence in Spain's graphic arts scene.
Returning to music as a solo artist in 1995, he released 'Lo bueno, dentro, disco,' featuring the song 'Jaguarundi,' which became the theme tune for the Vuelta a España that year. From that point onward, he continued to release music, draw, and film, consistently avoiding adherence to a single artistic medium.
In a recent interview, Coyote described his artistic approach as having "more eye than ear." While presenting his comic 'Si te falta calle' in 2024, he noted that humor was an essential, though not exclusive, element of his work, stating that reflecting life inevitably requires it.
Víctor Coyote remained active and visible in his final years. In May, he reflected on his career in an interview and was a notable presence at the Festival de Cans, where he revisited eight of his most recognized works. His death on Thursday marks an abrupt end to a career characterized by continuous artistic exploration and a refusal to be limited to one field.
