Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Renowned Calgary Musician Oscar Lopez Adapts to Life Challenges

Oscar Lopez, a celebrated musician with a three-decade-long career, known worldwide for his exceptional guitar playing, is currently facing mental health and financial challenges that have led him to live out of his car in Calgary.

Despite having shared the stage with ballet companies and orchestras, recording a dozen albums, and earning two Juno Awards, Lopez recently set up a GoFundMe for himself, a step he never anticipated taking. Having taken a hiatus from performing for two years to address his mental health struggles, he now finds himself navigating a difficult situation but remains resilient and adaptable.

Reflecting on his journey, Lopez, who immigrated to Canada from Chile in 1979, spoke about his early years as a janitor, emphasizing the importance of paying dues. While seeking mental health treatment at Rockyview Hospital in Calgary, he discovered the transformative power of music, realizing its ability to connect and uplift.

Lopez, who has been candid about his mental health struggles, now volunteers at the hospital to assist others facing similar challenges. His former bandmate, James Keelaghan, highlighted the lack of funds for mental health support in the arts community, acknowledging the prevalence of mental health issues among musicians.

Keelaghan explained how the pandemic exacerbated financial difficulties for musicians, with streaming services further impacting their income. Despite his precarious living situation, Lopez maintains his well-dressed appearance and encourages others facing struggles to hold onto hope.

Expressing gratitude for the support he has received, the 70-year-old musician is now reinventing himself by planning to offer master classes in guitar. Despite the current challenges, Lopez remains optimistic about the future, viewing this period as a temporary setback.

This is just a bump in the road,” Lopez declared. “I will come up again. I will do what God put me here to do and that is to make myself happy and make others happy on the stage because who you see is who you get. I don’t put a mask on. I’m a straight shooter. I’m not perfect, but I am honest.