On Thursday, November 26, Slapshock vocalist Vladimir “Jamir” Garcia took his own life by hanging. He was 42.
A report from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit of Quezon City Police District (QCPD-CIDU) stated that his body was found by his aunt at his home in Project 8, Brgy. Sangandaan, Quezon City.
Garcia was rushed to the Metro North Medical Center and Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Social media was bombarded with posts of condolences and sympathy from friends, family, and fans alike. These include Garcia’s long-time colleagues in the metal scene, Ian Tayao (Queso) and Reg Rubio (Greyhoundz), who both went live on Facebook to communicate with fans by addressing mental health and listening to old Slapshock tunes.
We competed against each other with our hearts out. Always at each other’s throats. But the friendship was real. Kapatirang tunay.
Pahinga, kapatid. ?
Posted by Reg Rubio on Thursday, November 26, 2020
Slapshock, founded in 1997, has been one of the major forerunners of heavy metal music in the country with their hit songs “Cariño Brutal”, “Agent Orange”, “Adios”, “Direction”, and many more.
Earlier this year, the band celebrated its 23rd anniversary but disbanded months after bassist Lee Nadela revealed a falling-out among the members due to numerous issues. This left fans dumbfounded as the band was also supposed to release its 10th studio album in-line with the anniversary.
Photo Credit: Slapshock Official Facebook Page
