Ever heard of a grandma who traded knitting needles for leather jackets? Today we visit the statue of Ángeles Rodríguez Hidalgo also known as La Abuela Rockera.
Ángeles Rodríguez Hidalgo’s story is not your typical grandmother tale. Born in Argentina in 1900 she later moved to Spain. After being widowed at 41 with five children she worked hard to support them. She probably never imagined headbanging to heavy metal.
But Madrid in the 1980s was rocking. One night her grandson took her to a heavy metal concert. Ángeles fell in love with the music. Her life changed forever. She became a fixture in Madrid’s music scene rocking her leather jacket and cap.
Ángeles contributed to radio shows like El búho and Parada. Into her 90s she even had a weekly column in Heavy Rock magazine called La abuela consulta. Imagine getting life advice from a rock and roll grandma.
This life-size statue by Carmen Jorba commemorates her legacy. It stands on the boulevard of Calle Peña Gorbea in the Puente de Vallecas neighborhood. The monument was inaugurated on May 16 1994. The statue captures Ángeles in her classic rock attire giving the rock salute.
Sadly some locals mistook the gesture for something obscene. Vandals mutilated two fingers on the statue’s right hand. Despite this the spirit of La Abuela Rockera lives on.
Several Spanish musical groups promoted the monument. They funded it through a concert at Sala Canciller. Artist Mario Scasso a friend of Ángeles also contributed. Even the now defunct record store Madrid Rock chipped in.
The statue is made of granite and bronze. Look closely at the pedestal. Two bronze plates bear inscriptions. One reads Adiós abuela amiga rockera. Sólo el tiempo nos separa. The other lists friends and bands that dedicated the monument to her.
Ángeles Rodríguez Hidalgo passed away in 1993 at 93. She left behind an amazing legacy. Her statue reminds us that you are never too old to rock. It stands as a testament to her unique spirit. It also celebrates Madrid’s vibrant culture. So next time you are in Vallecas come hang out with La Abuela Rockera.