Pedro Suárez-Vértiz, Peruvian Rock Icon, Dead at 54

Known for hits like “Los globos del cielo,” the artist stopped performing 10 years ago due to his illness.

Peruvian rock icon Pedro Suárez-Vértiz died at his residence in the Miraflores district of Lima, Peru, on Thursday (Dec. 28), according to the municipality of Miraflores and local news sources. He was 54 years old.

The singer-songwriter behind hits like “Los globos del cielo” and “Me estoy enamorando” died of a heart attack, according to local Peruvian radio station RPP, which cited police sources. The artist had suffered from dysarthria due to bulbar neuromuscular syndrome, a disease that makes it difficult to speak and breathe, which kept him off the stage for the last 10 years.

The artist’s death was confirmed by the municipality of Miraflores in an official statement posted on X.

“From the municipality of Miraflores we regret the death of Pedro Martín José María Suárez-Vértiz Alva, a prominent resident of our district, musician, singer, composer, producer and writer. Our deepest condolences go out to his relatives, family and friends,” the statement said.

Both colleagues and fans have expressed their condolences through social media.

Fellow Peruvian singer-songwriter Gian Marco published a photo of the two artists sharing the stage accompanied by some heartfelt words: “The last time we talked was on November 13. I stay with everything you told me, with your very particular way of saying things. That’s just how you were. There were no half measures with you… witty, creative… an absolute lover of guitars […] Of all your songs I prefer ‘Me Elevé’… it accompanied me in hard times and now it will stay forever in me,” he expressed.

Pedro Martín José María Suárez-Vértiz Alva (his real name) was born in the city of Callao, Peru, on Feb. 13, 1969. The musician, writer, singer-songwriter and producer was part of the band Arena Hash in the ’80s, and made his solo debut in 1993 with his album No existen (Técnicas para olvidar). His discography includes the albums Póntelo en la lengua (1996), Degeneración actual (1999), Play (2004), Talk show (2006) and Amazonas (2009).

His impact on the Latin American music scene was reflected in hits such as “Los globos del cielo,” recognized by Billboard as a timeless masterpiece of Spanish rock. Other popular songs by Suárez-Vértiz include “Cuando pienses en volver,” “Cuéntame,” and “Un vino, una cerveza.”