Like many of the stories he told his friends and fans, there is an interesting anecdote to how Mario Lopez came to be “Mario Lomar”. The front man of Curanderos, one of the pioneering bands of bilingual Spanish/English rock music in Los Angeles, who died on Thursday, June 21, 2012 due to an aneurysm, showed all the signs of rock stardom since an early age, always creating music, writing lyrics and thinking of ways to get them noticed.
“There was already a Mario Lopez,” states Rick Lomar, Mario’s brother and former bass player to Curanderos, referring to the actor that played Slater on the late 80’s television show “Saved By The Bell”. “There was also a Ricardo Lopez somewhere out there,” he mentions referring to the retired Mexican professional boxer. So in true Mario fashion, the singer and bro decided to create the last name “Lomar”, taking the first syllables from their last names: Lopez and Marin.
The creative stage name may not surprise Mario’s fans who since his passing have posted on his Facebook profile their unique experiences with the late musician, including old videos, event flyers from previous gigs, photos of fans with his lyrics tattooed and anecdotes such as this one which was posted by Alice Dee:
Other than the silly side, there was another side to “Cal”- as some of his closer friends called him. The deep in thought Mario that was intrigued by life, death and the after was a person that only his closest friends were aware of. This Saturday, June 30 at the Medusa Lounge, however, more friends will be able to see, listen and feel the various sides of Mario as told, sung and relived in his Celebration of Life, which is being organized by friends. The reception will take place at 6:00p.m. and will include a showcase of Mario’s artwork as well as tribute performances by various members of the Latin Alternative community, including Rick.
The memorial service will take place prior to the reception at 3:00 p.m. at the Church of the Recessional Forest Lawn Memorial park in Glendale. Due to limited capacity, early arrival is encouraged and a live webcast will also be available here, password is Lopez.
A fundraiser for Mario’s family is taking place tonight at Mal’s Bar and a commemorative page in his memory has also been created.
Mario’s last performance was three days prior to his death where he performed with his current band Polari. There are few people fortunate enough to say they witnessed such event, but for those who aren’t, at least they have the memories that Mario left behind.
For me in particular, they are of road trips to gigs singing Julieta Venegas’ songs and joining him to sing the intro to “Campo Santo” at The Allen in South Gate. Then there are the other memories, the ones that in an effort to keep them pure and solely mine, will never be shared or published, but that will be cherished eternally.
Rest in peace old friend.
