Eduardo Rodríguez Rodway, guitarist and founding member of Triana, died Saturday, September 26, at age 81 at Puerto Real University Hospital in Cádiz, Spain, according to his family. He was the last surviving member of the influential Seville band’s original lineup and a key figure in the development of Andalusian rock.
Rodríguez Rodway formed Triana in 1974 with singer and keyboardist Jesús de la Rosa and drummer Juan José Palacios, known as “Tele.” The trio combined progressive rock with flamenco and Andalusian musical traditions, and became one of Spain’s most significant bands during the country’s transition to democracy.
Triana released six albums between 1975 and 1983. The band’s debut, El patio, became one of its most influential recordings, followed by Hijos del agobio, Sombra y luz, Un encuentro, Un mal sueño and Llegó el día. Songs such as “Abre la puerta,” “En el lago,” “Rumor,” “Tu frialdad” and “Una noche de amor desesperada” helped establish the group as a defining name in Andalusian rock.
The original lineup came to an end after De la Rosa died in October 1983 from injuries sustained in a traffic accident as the band returned from a festival in San Sebastián. Palacios died in 2002 after suffering a heart attack following a concert in Estepa, Seville.
After Triana’s original run ended, Rodríguez Rodway remained active in music and pursued a solo career from his home in Los Caños de Meca, Cádiz. He also participated in projects devoted to preserving the history and legacy of the band.