Remember the Heroes: Magoo

 

Englisz only

Alexander de Azevedo Felipe, known more as Alexander "Magoo". The leader of the bands Mutilator and later Chemako.

Internet can make things difficult sometimes. Finding a verifiable source, separating facts from fiction... It can be an impossible task with famous musicians. It becomes an urban legend with the less known artists. 

Mutilator is a legendary band that does not need any introduction, but still, they're known for their two masterpieces: "Immortal Force" from 1987 (what a great year for releases), a Death / Thrash blueprint instruction for many lesser bands to follow, and less-appreciated, but nonetheless classic "Into the Strange" from 1988, where the band took more Thrashy / Motorhead approach. Let's not forget that Mutilator also participated in the seminal "Warfare Noise" compilation (1986). It's worth noting, than on their debut, Magoo was mostly a guitarist, while on their sophomore, also a vocalist, taking duties from Kleber (another hero), who on the other hand, moved to being bassist. 

Apparently, it's a well-known story that Magoo refused Cavalera's offer to join Sepultura, because he believed much more in the potential of the Mutilator. And he was right, Mutilator was superior in every department, they just unfortunately gave up and moved elsewhere. With Magoo, his next project would be more Rock-oriented and be called Chemako, but taking more tribal / native american vibe. The album was released in 1991:

 

For years there were many rumors about Mutilator's reunion, and the death of the leader, and so on. Even the full name of Alexander was shrouded in mystery. It took more than 10 years to sort things out, and AFAIK, Mutilator did indeed try to do a reunion show in 2001, that tourned out to be a falstart, but Magoo himself died in 1997 due to a heart attack, in England. And apparently, Magoo's father was an owner of one of the Brazilian football team, which had a minute of silence in honor of the dead son. So much for gathering various pieces of puzzle over time.

The rest of the band tried to restart and do a reunion, but thankfully, they gave up in 2023, without any new stuff. Thank god, it would have been another soulless reunion that would result in a disaster.

It's a great "what if" question about Magoo and what he was capable of. We are left with a modest discography. But you know what they say, it's the quality that matters, not quantity. And for me, the level that Magoo achieved during his lifetime is still unachievable for the rest.

Hoka Hey folks