Mario Vaquerizo, the multifaceted artist known for his electrifying persona and membership with the band Nancys Rubias, recently marked his return to the media spotlight after enduring serious personal challenges. After suffering from life-threatening injuries due to a stage fall just months ago, he prepares to launch his new single and tour, all the whilst carrying the emotional weight of family tragedies.
Vaquerizo’s recent accident happened during the Horteralia festival held in Cáceres, where he fell from a three-meter-high rotating platform. The incident left him unconscious for four minutes and resulted in two fractured vertebrae and progressive vision loss—ailments he is still recovering from. Referring to the accident, he stated, “The fall I suffered could have been fatal,” illustrating the severity of his condition and the impact it has had on his life.
The laughter and camaraderie he displayed on the set of El Hormiguero are indicative of Vaquerizo’s irreplicable spirit. He has always faced adversity with humor, claiming, “With humor, any adversity can be overcome.” His positive outlook remains steadfast even after he just got the green light to resume performing this coming March.
The foundations of Vaquerizo's resilience can be traced back to his childhood experiences, particularly the tragic loss of his older brother, Ángel, who died at the young age of 32 due to a motorcycle accident involving an ambulance. “He was on his bike, and one day an ambulance crashed right on him,” Vaquerizo recounted during his appearance on Bertín Osborne's show. This traumatic event has shaped much of who he is today, endowing him with protective instincts toward his family.
During his conversation with Osborne, Vaquerizo expressed the weight of responsibility he felt following his brother's death. “After his loss, my parents told me, ‘Mario, we didn’t ask you to be the family patriarch,’” he reflected, illustrating the acute pressures placed on him during this time. This heavy lift extends beyond his immediate family; following Ángel’s passing, the bond with his sister Marta has also grown stronger, as they both navigate life without their brother.
Describing his brother as “essential” to his life, Vaquerizo candidly shared, “Perder a un ser querido es muy mala suerte” (Losing a loved one is just bad luck). This sentiment has echoed through his life and relationships, including with his beloved wife, the pop icon Alaska, who has stood by him through thick and thin.
Alaska, expressing her own grief, shared, “It was extremely hard for the entire family, and Mario didn’t smile for years.” The couple’s bond deepens with shared memories of Ángel, whom they honor on anniversaries, with Mario often taking to social media to write touching tributes such as, “Happy Birthday, Angelito. We miss you so much, but you are always in our hearts.”
Despite the dark clouds of loss hovering over his life, Mario Vaquerizo continues to reinvent himself. Having been bullied during his school years for his interests, often quipped to prefer “reading Super Pop instead of playing football,” he has since embraced his identity wholeheartedly, channeling his experiences of bullying and loss through his artistry.
After receiving his journalism degree and embarking on various media endeavors, including being Alaska’s manager, he laid the groundwork for his band Nancys Rubias, which has become synonymous with glam pop and LGBTQ+ culture.
Throughout his career, Vaquerizo has been recognized as more than just Alaska's husband. He is his own brand—one filled with humor, charisma, and undeniable talent. Yet, grappling with chronic pain from arthrosis and the sight-threatening retinopathy has challenged him. “I have to keep taking care of myself, working with my physiotherapist,” he said, pointing to the need for self-care against his health setbacks.
While the legacy of loss and tragedy remains etched within him, Vaquerizo has chosen to focus on the positivity surrounding his career resurgence, his family values, and his drive to share joy through music. All this culminated with the recent release of his single, ‘Reset,’ gearing up for yet another triumph with Nancys Rubias.
The famed family man has come to appreciate his time with loved ones, often reflecting, “Things should always be done when alive; life can be fleeting.” This mantra helps stave off regrets, urging him to capture and cherish moments with family and fans alike. Notably, he has chosen not to have children of his own, respecting Alaska’s decision against motherhood—showcasing the trust and respect fundamental to their relationship.
Through the laughter on stage, Mario Vaquerizo’s story resonates deeply—a blend of heartbreak, triumph, and resilience. He continues inspiring countless others to remain strong amid adversities, not only through music but by sharing his life experiences candidly. With the support of his sister, his wife Alaska, and the enduring memory of his brother, Vaquerizo marches forward, ready to embrace whatever may come next.