Dominican Singer Rubby Pérez Dies After Tragic Concert Collapse
The roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed mid-performance while he was singing
Rubby Pérez, the Dominican merengue singer known for his powerful voice and dynamic performances—which earned him the title «La Voz Más Alta del Merengue» (The Highest Voice of Merengue)—has been confirmed dead at 69 years old.
Tragically, on April 8, 2025, during a performance at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the venue’s roof collapsed, resulting in a devastating accident. The incident left many dead and injured. Pérez was among those critically hurt and was later pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the collapse. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the music world and left fans across the globe in mourning.
Born Roberto Antonio Pérez Herrera on March 8, 1956, in Bajos de Haina, Dominican Republic, Rubby Pérez’s musical journey was defined by resilience, talent, and a lasting influence on the merengue genre.
Acaban de confirmar la muerte de Rubby Perez en la tragedia de ayer. Uno de los mejores merengueros que hubo 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/AzYJ8fLdsW
— Javierhalamadrid (@Javierito321) April 8, 2025
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Rubby Pérez originally dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player, but those plans changed after a car accident left him with permanent damage to his left leg. That life-changing moment shifted his path toward music.
He went on to study at the National Conservatory of Santo Domingo, where he developed his vocal technique and deepened his understanding of music. During that time, he joined several musical groups, including the Choir of the Youth Guidance Society and the group Los Hijos del Rey—experiences that helped shape his early career.
According to LOS40 Spain, Pérez had his big break in 1982 when he became the lead vocalist for Wilfrido Vargas’s renowned orchestra. His voice quickly stood out on international hits like ‘El Africano,’ ‘Volveré,’and ‘Cuando Estés Con Él’. His time with Vargas not only brought him into the spotlight but also cemented his place as one of the key voices in modern merengue.
Solo Career
In 1987, Rubby Pérez launched his solo career with the release of his debut album Buscando Tus Besos, which featured the well-loved title track. Over the next few years, he continued building momentum with albums like Fiesta Para Dos! (1988), Simplemente Amor (1990), and Amores Extraños (1995).
These records gave us memorable hits such as «Dame Veneno,» «Enamorado de Ella,» and «Hazme Olvidarla.» Each song highlighted his emotional vocal style and helped solidify his place in the Latin music world. Over the course of his career, Pérez received numerous awards and recognitions for his talent and contribution to the genre.
Remembering Rubby Pérez
Rubby Pérez’s legacy endures through his extensive discography and the indelible mark he left on merengue music. His powerful voice, memorable performances, and contributions to the genre continue to inspire both artists and listeners. As the Dominican Republic and the global music community mourn his loss, Pérez’s influence remains a testament to his talent and dedication to his art.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Pérez was known for his philanthropic efforts. Notably, he was recognized by the Committee of Latin American Political Parties in the United States (COPOLA USA) for his assistance to victims of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
His life story serves as an inspiration, illustrating how resilience and passion can transform adversity into a legacy that resonates across generations.