Is This the End for La Oreja de Van Gogh?
Vocalist Leire Martínez departs from Spanish pop band La Oreja de Van Gogh, as rumors circulate about the possible return of the band’s original lead singer.
Fans were shocked when La Oreja de Van Gogh posted a three-paragraph announcement on their social media platforms, stating that they “would follow separate paths.” The group expressed that the decision had been “hard and difficult,” adding that it came after “a long time of reflection and deep conversations in which we were unable to bring together our different ways of living the group.”
However, fans reacted with outrage to the brief parting message, expressing their disappointment with how Martínez’s departure was handled. Many felt it was distasteful to reduce such significant news to just a few sentences, prompting speculation about the band’s internal dynamics.
Qué feo lo que habéis hecho con Leire … no la merecíais
— Mami Ra (@Ramartinactriz) October 14, 2024
Tampoco a Amaia
Some even suggested that the statement might have been written using AI.
Buen texto hecho con IA XD pic.twitter.com/u0B9uxVvBw
— DannyTheUber (@DannyTheUber) October 14, 2024
Fans’ frustration stems from the deep connection Martínez had built with the band and her contributions over 17 years as lead vocalist, following Amaia Montero’s departure in 2008. During her time with the group, Martínez recorded five studio albums, two of which received Grammy nominations. Her first album with the band, A las cinco en el Astoria (2008), was a critical success. Released during a time when fans were mourning Montero’s absence, the public initially doubted whether the band could reach the same heights again. Yet the album became a worldwide sensation, earning a 2009 Latin Grammy nomination for Best Pop Album and widespread recognition for the track “Jueves”, a tribute to the victims of the 2004 Madrid train bombings.
As the news spread, fans were eager to hear Martínez’s side of the story. Early Wednesday morning, she broke her silence in an exclusive message to Juntos on Telemadrid. Known for her reserved presence on social media, the singer shared, “The group has communicated what it has considered. I have not signed the statement. When I feel that I am well, I, myself, will tell you anything. But, for the moment, I don’t have much to say.”
Meanwhile, rumors are swirling that the band’s original vocalist, Amaia Montero, may return in 2025, though the Spanish singer has yet to confirm anything.
Ultimately, this change marks a significant shift for La Oreja de Van Gogh’s fanbase. While it closes one chapter, it could also open new doors for both Martínez and the band. We’ll have to wait and see how the story unfolds. You can find more of the latest music and entertainment news here.
Writer | Follow me @alondratolentno
