Since their founding in 1997, Antònia Font have been Mallorca’s most successful indie-pop band. On Wednesday, their bassist, Joan Roca (53), passed away. The band had been scheduled to headline the Saturday night of the three-day Mobo Fest in Sant Joan. Their appearance was initially cancelled, but on Saturday the four other members of the band took to the stage for one of the most emotional concerts imaginable.
Singer Pau Debon, who had words of heartfelt gratitude to the festival organisers, said: “Joan told us, right up until the end, that he was really looking forward to being here today. He didn’t make it, but we believe the best way to honour him is by making music for him on stage. So we’ll play a couple of songs, but you’ll have to help us.”
In the end they performed five songs, one of them accompanied by a choir who added an epic feel.
It was an emotional night for another reason. Last November, the organisers announced that this year’s Mobo Fest would be the last. It has showcased Mallorcan and other talent, but as was said in November: “Everything comes to an end.”