Juan Brujo (aka John Lepe), co-founding lead vocalist of Los Angeles death grind veterans Brujeria, has passed away at the age of 61. The band shared the following message on social media today:
It is with deep sadness we have to announce that our leader Juan Brujo has passed away today. Juan suffered a heart attack on early Monday morning, after a day off from the current Mexorcista tour in Saint Clairsville, Ohio. He was rushed to the nearest hospital in Wheeling, West Viriginia by emergency services, but, despite the medical team’s greatest efforts, he died this morning. His family, friends and bandmates are devastated and wish to mourn in private, while they appreciate the fans’ love and support.
As Brujeria mentioned, they were on the road for their Mexorcista Tour, which included Gwar, Cancer Christ, and others, when Brujo passed away. Two days ago, the band announced the cancellation of all upcoming tour dates due to a “serious medical emergency.” They were scheduled to conclude the tour with a final stop at The Paramount in Los Angeles on September 27th.
Brujo, along with Pat Hoed, Billy Gould (Faith No More), and Dino Cazares (Fear Factory), formed Brujeria in 1989. The band’s debut album, Matando Güeros, released in 1993 through Roadrunner Records, and sparked controversy for its provocative themes, including drug trafficking, satanic rituals, sexuality, migration, illegal border crossing, and anti-Americanism. The album cover, featuring a severed head held by a hand, further fueled the controversy. The band’s most recent album, Esto es Brujeria, was released in September 2023 through Nuclear Blast Records.
Brujo was Brujeria’s longest-serving and most active touring member, performing and recording alongside a rotating lineup of musicians who, like him, portrayed Mexican drug lords using nicknames to conceal their identities. Past and present members of Brujeria include Shane Embury (Napalm Death), Tony Campos (Static-X), Jeff Walker (Carcass), Jessica Pimentel (Alekhine’s Gun), and Ciriaco “Pinche Peach” Quezada, who tragically passed away this past July due to heart complications.
RIP, Brujo.
Concert shot by Johnny Perilla
