Podcast Summary

Podcast: Todo Concostrina
Host: Nieves Concostrina (SER Podcast)
Episode: Acontece que no es poco | La muerte de Carlos Gardel, sin épica ni lírica
Date: June 25, 2024
Theme: This episode examines the circumstances surrounding the death of legendary tango singer Carlos Gardel, debunking myths and focusing on the banality and chaos of the tragedy, with Nieves Concostrina’s signature mix of rigor and irreverence.

Main Theme & Purpose

Nieves Concostrina and co-host Carla explore the enduring legacy and controversial myths surrounding Carlos Gardel’s death, dissecting the facts, fables, and international disputes about his origin and demise. The tone is witty, irreverent, and heavily focused on dismantling the epic aura that surrounds historic events, especially when they're steeped in national pride and myth-making.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gardel: A Legendary Figure Overshadowed by Myths

• Gardel is recognized as the greatest tango singer of all time. His death created an international uproar, especially in Argentina and other parts of South America.
• The debate about his birthplace (France vs. Uruguay) is briefly mentioned but tabled for another episode.
• Quote: "Uruguay, por supuesto, abrió una guerra con Argentina porque consideran suyo a Gardel. En Colombia siempre quedará el estigma de que fue allí donde murió o donde lo mataron por negligencia." (Nieves, 01:12)

2. Circumstances of Death: No Epic, Just Tragedy

• Gardel died on June 24, 1935, in Medellín, Colombia, in a collision between aircrafts on the runway.
• Nieves emphasizes that the accident wasn't even technically "aéreo" (an airborne crash) but more of a "accidente de tráfico" (traffic accident with airplanes).
• "El accidente ni siquiera se puede calificar de aéreo porque el trimotor en el que viajaba Gardel con sus músicos colisionó con otro avión antes del despegue. Fue un accidente de tráfico." (Nieves, 01:55)

3. Gardel’s Last Words: Decidedly Mundane

• Unlike historic figures with solemn last words, Gardel’s final request was: “Indio, dame un chicle. Y algodón para los oídos, porque es que el ruido era infernal allá en la avioneta.” Immediately after, the collision occurred.
• Quote: "Para ser exactos, y no alargar el chiste ni el chicle, las últimas palabras, todas igual de informales, fueron algo así indio, dame un chicle. Y algodón para los oídos..." (Nieves, 04:03)

4. The Crash: What Really Happened?

• Gardel and his exhausted entourage were in the middle of an intense performance schedule; he had just performed his last tango "Tomo y obligo" on radio before the crash. (06:04)
• The probable causes of the crash:
  • Overloading: The airplane was carrying extra cargo, specifically film reels intended for cinemas in Cali. "Un exceso de carga, porque además de que ya iban pasaditos, parece subieron a bordo 12 rollos de películas de celuloide..." (Nieves, 07:32)
  • Rivalry: There was fierce competition between the pilots/airlines involved, leading to possible risk-taking on the runway. "La más aceptada extraoficialmente dice que fue una rivalidad entre pilotos y entre las compañías aéreas..." (Nieves, 09:01)
• The tragedy played out before 10,000 fans at the airfield.

5. Notable Survivors and Aftermath

• Out of those on board with Gardel, only a few survived; some with lifelong injuries, like his guitarist "Indio" Aguilar and Josep Playa. (11:12–13:04)
• Harrowing details: "El guitarrista indio Aguilar, el que le pasó el chicle a Gardel, salió como pudo porque no se había puesto el cinturón de seguridad... se tiró por una ventanilla envuelto en llamas y ayudó a salir a otros dos." (Nieves, 11:19)
• Gardel’s body was identified as “cadáver número 11... hallado boca abajo y pisado por las válvulas de uno de los motores. Junto al cantante, y quemadas en los bordes, se encontraron las partituras originales del tango 'Cuesta abajo.'" (Nieves, 12:50)

6. The Battle for Gardel’s Remains

• After his death, Argentina and Uruguay vied for the right to repatriate and bury Gardel.
• His mother, Berta Gardés, intervened decisively: “Quiero que los restos de Carlos descansen en su patria, la Argentina.” (Nieves, 13:51)
• The political dimension: Argentina strategically delayed repatriation for political gain.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On National Myths:
  • “Por esto que pregunta, hay un puñado de uruguayos ahí odiándome con mucha gana por haber dicho que Gardel nació en Francia y no en Uruguay.” (Nieves, 01:36)
• On Family Irony:
  • Nieves jokes about her Colombian friend, Daniel Samper, whose uncle piloted the plane: “De lo único que se queja es de que nadie les haya agradecido lo suficiente que su pariente matara Gardel...” (Nieves, 05:01)
• Impact of Gardel’s Death:
  • “Puso boca abajo América.” (Nieves, 13:41)
• Humanizing Details:
  • Carla’s reaction to the old sound recording: “Se nota la grabación que es antigua, pero qué sabor, qué cosa tiene, qué chulo, bonito.” (Carla, 03:29)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:20–01:53: Introduction, the myth and death of Gardel
• 01:55–04:03: Details of Gardel’s death, last words, and the rise of his myth
• 06:04–09:01: Antagonism between pilots and causes of the crash
• 11:12–13:14: Description of the crash’s aftermath, survivors, and Gardel’s body
• 13:41–14:55: International struggle over Gardel’s remains, Buenos Aires’ political maneuvering
• Throughout: Interspersed with classic tango songs and personal anecdotes

Tone

Witty, irreverent, and compassionate—a historical account that refuses to romanticize tragedy but also honors the human drama and cultural impact of Gardel’s death.

Conclusion

The episode demystifies Gardel’s passing with historical detail and humor, debunking sacred myths. Tomorrow’s episode promises a ‘segunda parte’, covering further fallout and international intrigue about Gardel’s legacy.