Gonzo Lübela Los Angeles-based artist manager who represented acts such as The Marías and the Peach Tree Rascals, died tragically in a plane crash on Tuesday (October 8) on Catalina Island. He was 34.
“The entire Red Light family is devastated by this loss and our hearts go out to Gonzo's family, friends and everyone who knew and worked with him,” Red Light said in an Instagram post. “Gonzo truly had the biggest heart and was a beloved member of our team. A kind person, he was a friend to everyone he met. His positive impact on all of us will be remembered forever.”
Lübel, who had worked at Red Light Management for about three years, also represented several other artists at the label, including Inner Wave and Cash Bently. In addition to his work in the music industry, friends say he was an animal lover — especially his adopted dog Virgil — and loved to fly airplanes.
In a tribute on Instagram, The Marías said of Lübel's death: “rest in peace gonzi. thank you for always being unmistakably you. the animals in heaven are so lucky to spend their days with you.”
In a subsequent post, the bilingual alt-pop group added: “Our manager, friend and family for six years, but part of us forever. you were there for all our firsts. our first project, our first tour, our first headline show, our first sold out show, our first million streams, our first coachella, our first album, our first grammy nomination. Thank you.”
Peach Tree Rascals member Joseph Barros also shared a tribute to Lübel via an Instagram story, saying: “It's hard to accept that you're no longer here with us, but I'm grateful to have met such a genuine soul. i could call you my brother your spirit lives on in me from all the beautiful memories we made. You've always told me you believe in me and I promise I'll make you proud. i love you gonzito rest in peace.”
This Trip Travel, a concert hosting company for music industry professionals, also shared a carousel of photos of Lübel at last year's executive summit in Mexico with the caption: “Gonzo was truly one of a kind. A brilliant manager, a caring friend and a heart of gold… We love you Gonzo, we will keep you in our hearts forever.”
Lübel is survived by his mother Mariana Garcia, brother Federico Lübel, nieces Mila and Lucia Lübel, wife Cristina Pillajo and best friend Sandy Kanphatha.
