Social Distortion / Izzy Stradlin Drummer Charlie Quintana Dead at 56
One of the more respected drummers in music, Charlie "Chalo" Quintana, died in Mexico this week (Mar. 13) at the age of 56. Born in El Paso, Texas, he played in the Los Angeles-based punk The Plugz in the late-70s through the mid-80s, did the first Izzy Stradlin solo album in 1992 and joined SoCal legends Social Distortion for a decade-long stint behind the kit.
Quintana was in demand due to a reputation for his reliability, backing such diverse artists as Bob Dylan, Cracker, Agent Orange and John Doe - just to name a few - at different times throughout his career. His passing was revealed via a post on his Facebook page which said he had moved to Mexico in recent years to take care of stray dogs.
"It is with heavy heart that we post our dear friend passed away.
Born in El Paso, Texas, Chalo was best known as a drummer for the old school punk band Social Distortion from 2000 to 2009.
He was a member of 1970s punk band The Plugz (which became a popular roots band in the 1980s), Cruzados, The Havalinas, Izzy Stradlin & the Ju Ju Hounds, and has toured and/or recorded with Joan Osborne, John Doe, Cracker, Bob Dylan, Jimmy and the Mustangs, 47C and many others. He was briefly a member of Agent Orange, appearing on their 1996 album Virtually Indestructible.
Many had tried to help Charlie Quintana in his time of need, while others turned their back on him at his darkest hour. He moved Mexico from the US where he cared for stray dogs and loved his new life.
There are no words that will comfort those who loved him, and there are no words for those who made money off him and didn’t pay it back when he needed them.
To his family, friends and fans, our deepest condolences. Rest in Peace Chalo!"
Upon hearing of the news of his death, artists offered condolences via social media. Ex-Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum tweeted a picture of Quintana from several years ago.
"One of the greatest drummers of all time," tweeted Cracker. "A true test of a drummers ability is a slow song. No one could ever match him on this. It was an honor to have recorded this and so many other songs with him."
When Quintana left Social Distortion in the spring of 2009, it was on good terms, with the band publicly thanking him for "10 great years," adding that the drummer was moving on to explore other musical opportunities. “Playing with Social D for ten years was a good time in my life," Quintana said. "I was lucky to play on two Social D records and the second solo album, and I am proud to have been part of the band. We hit some spectacular heights which I will never forget – adios amigos!”
A GoFundMe page has been created to "Bring Chalo Home" from Mexico to the United States. No cause of death has been released.
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