Today : Mar 10, 2025
Arts & Culture
09 March 2025

Sergio 'Kiskilla' Cisneros Of Mägo De Oz Passes Away

The legendary keyboardist's impact resonates as his former band prepares for their film adaptation.

Sergio "Kiskilla" Cisneros, the former keyboardist of the iconic Spanish band Mägo de Oz, passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 58 after battling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The band expressed their condolences through their official Facebook account, stating, "Our dear friend has stopped suffering and is now where there is no pain. These days, it hasn’t stopped raining here in Madrid, and it seems like even the sky is crying his loss. It has been an honor to share the yellow brick road with you. Wait for us and start organizing one last concert for when we arrive."

The news of Cisneros’ death has shaken the music community, particularly his fans, who remembered him as a fundamental part of the band’s unique sound. Known for his immense talent, he began his musical career in the 1980s with the band Cobra before joining Mägo de Oz in 2000, just as they released the album ‘Finisterra’, which catapulted them to stardom. His contributions can also be heard on albums like ‘Gaia’, ‘Belfast’, ‘La Ciudad de los Árboles’, and ‘Gaia III: Atlantia’. These works solidified his reputation as one of the great keyboardists in the history of Spanish metal.

Aside from his work with Mägo de Oz, Cisneros was involved with other musical projects, including Uróboros and Casa de Fieras. His illness had limited his public appearances for some years, raising concerns among his fans and fellow musicians about his health as his condition became more fragile. The tragedy of his passing marks the end of an era for the Spanish metal scene, and many have expressed their sorrow and admiration for his legacy via social media.

On another front, excitement is brewing as filming for the movie “Mägo de Oz: La Película” is set to commence on March 17, 2025, under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Álvaro Brechner, who has won numerous awards including the Goya for his film “La noche de los 12 años”. This ambitious production, which is being conducted by Eterno Island Pictures, promises to explore the story of the band like never before, melding spectacular concert scenes with intimate moments reflecting the group’s challenges and evolution over the years. The filming will take place over 12 weeks across Madrid and the Canary Islands.

Brechner describes the project as akin to creating "an epic concert" where every note and moment matters. He adds, "Having this window allows us to work calmly but without losing intensity. It’s not only ambitious due to the shooting’s duration but also because of the mixture of great concert scenes with much more introspective moments. Directing something like this is like composing a symphony: there are movements and moments for all tastes."

The film will feature notable actor Jorge López, widely recognized for his role in Netflix’s “Élite”, along with other talented artists such as Adrián Lastra, Adrià Mondaray, Guillermo Furiase, and Michelle Renaud. Collectively, they will bring to life the most significant members of Mägo de Oz. Lastra will portray the band’s founder and drummer Txus di Fellatio, Mondaray will play celebrated vocalist José Andrëa, and López is set to embody Fran, the guitarist who played a key role in defining the band’s sound. Other cast members include Carlos Librado ‘Nene’ as Carlitos, Guillermo Furiase as Carlos Prieto (Mohamed ‘Moha’), and Luis Bondía as Kiskilla, the recently deceased keyboardist.

Reflecting on the significance of the film, Brechner confirmed, "We aim to present the band’s untold story from its roots to its international acclaim, exploring the creative tensions, victories, controversies, and losses shaping their essence. It will highlight the unwavering devotion of their fans and how their music has impacted entire generations."

(Fans and fellow musicians continue to honor Cisneros’ memory as the film crew prepares to capture the legacy of the band, ensuring his spirit remains alive through the music and stories shared.)