Died On This Date (January 22, 1993) Noel “Helno” Rota / Les Negresses Vertes

Helno (Born Noel Rota)
December 25, 1963 – January 22, 1993

Helno was the lead singer of French alternative world rock band, Les Negresses Vertes.  Formed in 1987, the group members had never played their instruments prior to starting the band.  But their skills and style soon evolved into an exciting mix of  gypsy, punk, Mediterranean and South American, often augmented with the use of traditional instruments.  By the early 90s the band was expanding their audience thanks in part to their dymanic performances at Peter Gabriel’s WOMAD Festival.  Meanwhile, Helno was struggling with a heroin addiction, finally losing his life to an overdose at his parents’ house on January 22, 1993.

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