The tragic incident at the Jet Set nightclub on Tuesday, April 8, resulted in the untimely death of the beloved merengue legend, Rubby Pérez. At the age of 69, he was one of the victims of the devastating roof collapse, which left many mourning. It was confirmed shortly after the incident that Pérez had been trapped beneath the rubble, leading to an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians alike as they honored his legacy.
On that fateful day, Pérez was captivating audiences with his exceptional vocal performances at the upscale nightclub located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The roof collapse tragically resulted in over 120 fatalities and left hundreds more injured, as reported by the Associated Press. This catastrophic event has left an indelible mark on the community and the music industry, highlighting the fragility of life and the importance of safety in public venues.
The day following this heartbreaking event, Pérez’s team shared a heartfelt statement on the artist’s official Instagram account. The poignant message read in Spanish, “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Rubby Pérez.” They expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming love, support, and solidarity shown during this difficult time for his family, friends, and fans. Pérez’s enduring musical and human legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of those who cherished him.
Rubby Pérez, born Francisco Arturo Pérez in Hato Mayor, ignited his career as the lead vocalist of the renowned Wilfrido Vargas orchestra. He later embarked on a successful solo career in the 1980s, achieving iconic status with timeless hits like “Volveré” and “Enamorado de Ella.” His contributions to Latin music have left a lasting impact, inspiring countless artists and captivating audiences across generations.
In the wake of his passing, numerous prominent Latin artists took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved musician. Merengue star Olga Tañón expressed her heartbreak on Instagram, stating, “Heartbroken, not only for all the victims of this tragedy but also for the departure of someone so admired. My God, maestro, you leave us in great pain. One of my greatest idols of all my life!” This sentiment was echoed by many who recognized Pérez’s incredible influence and artistry.
Venezuelan salsa singer Oscar D’León shared his condolences, saying, “My heart goes out to all Dominicans after such a terrible tragedy, the loss of a great musician, a great brother, who with his music transcended generations as was the great Rubby Pérez, and for all those who died and were affected under the same circumstances.” His words captured the collective grief felt by the community during this challenging time.
Wilfrido Vargas, who played a pivotal role in Pérez’s rise to fame, expressed his devastation on Instagram, declaring, “I am devastated. The best singer the genre has ever produced, the highest voice of merengue. The friend and idol of our genre has just left us. I have no more words. This is very deep, deeper than what you can feel even in the most terrible of dreams. Farewell Rubby Pérez.” His tribute underscored the profound loss felt across the merengue community.
Juan Luis Guerra also shared a moving message on Instagram, stating, “You have arrived in the presence of the Lord Jesus, dear and admired Rubby Pérez. May God pour out strength and His peace that surpasses all understanding upon your family and friends!” This heartfelt expression of sympathy resonated with many, encapsulating the spirit of compassion prevalent in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Fellow Dominican artist Milly Quezada took to Instagram to share her sorrow, writing: “Fly high my friend! Rest in peace dear Rubby! My heart goes out to your family and also to the families of all those affected in this tragedy! Without words…” Her emotional tribute reflects the deep connections forged through music and the profound impact Pérez had on those who knew him.
Other notable artists who mourned the loss of Rubby Pérez include Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Chichi Peralta, Elvis Crespo, Sergio Vargas, Yordano, and Toño Rosario, among many others. Their tributes highlight the widespread influence Pérez had throughout the Latin music industry and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
