Mexican Rock Legend David "El Guadaña" Lerma Dead at 61

David Lerma, best known as "El Guadaña" and the iconic frontman of the Mexican rock urbano group Banda Bostik, died at the age of 61. The band confirmed his death with a heartfelt message on their official Facebook page:

"Banda Bostik is in mourning. Our brother David Lerma has left this plane. Thank you, brother, for so many moments lived. There are no words to express our loss."

David Lerma was born on February 1, 1964, in Tlalnepantla, State of Mexico. He formed Banda Bostik in 1983 alongside close friends, and the band's name came from an old warehouse where they practiced, which was filled with boxes of adhesives and sealants from the Bostik brand.

His nickname "El Guadaña" (The Scythe) came from childhood, originally a mispronunciation of "araña" (spider), which his brothers playfully teased him about. It later became his on-stage persona, representing both his edge and his mystique.

Banda Bostik quickly emerged as a pillar of the urban rock movement, known as rock urbano in Mexico, a genre that fused hard rock with lyrics rooted in street life, inequality, and social injustice. Songs like 'Abuelita,' 'Tlatelolco,' and 'Ladrón' became anthems for generations who saw their realities reflected in Lerma's raw, often poetic narratives.

Banda Bostik chose to embrace themes of marginalization, addiction, violence, and migration. Lerma's lyrics told stories of young men navigating gang life, of mothers losing children to the streets, and of entire communities forgotten by the state.

In doing so, he gave rock urbano a purpose beyond entertainment. The group gained a cult following, not through radio play or major label promotion, but via street tapes, underground concerts, and word-of-mouth popularity in working-class barrios.

Despite never receiving mainstream radio play or corporate backing, Banda Bostik filled venues across Mexico and parts of the U.S., where they had a significant fan base among Latino immigrants. They often performed at massive outdoor festivals with other legendary bands like Lira N' Roll, El Tri, and Interpuesto.

Despite his decades-long success, Lerma never abandoned his roots. He often returned to perform free shows in his hometown and was known for declining commercial endorsements to maintain the band's independence.

Tributes poured in following the announcement of his death. Rockers from bands like Lira N' Roll, Interpuesto, and El Haragán shared memories and condolences across social media platforms. Lira N' Roll wrote on Facebook that he was an "endearing human, passionate about rock n' roll and a companion in thousands of battles, he left an indelible mark and it was an honor to know him."

The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed as of this writing.