# Death of musician Richard Tesařík

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-musician-richard-tesak
> Updated: 2026-09-12T06:25:05.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

Richard Tesařík, the singer, songwriter, and frontman of the Yo Yo Band, has died at the age of 80.

As a pioneer of reggae, ska, and soul music in Czechoslovakia, Tesařík co-founded the Yo Yo Band in 1975. The group gained significant popularity in the 1990s, notably with the album Karviná, which earned three Czech Grammys. His musical legacy includes hits such as ‘Rybitví’, ‘Karviná’, ‘Kladno’, and ‘Jedem do Afriky’.

Reports indicate that Tesařík had been fighting cancer since the end of the previous year. The illness reportedly spread to his bones, causing significant pain. Despite his condition, he continued to perform as long as his health permitted, with his final concert occurring on June 5 at the Útulek Fest in Ústí nad Labem.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Richard Tesařík, Yo Yo Band frontman, dies at 80

Czech musician Richard Tesařík, leader of the band Yo Yo Band, has died at age 80 after a battle with cancer.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/richard-tesak-yo-yo-band-frontman-dies-at-80

### 2026-09-06: Richard Tesařík, Yo Yo Band frontman, dies at 80

Richard Tesařík, co-founder and frontman of the influential Yo Yo Band, has died at age 80 after an illness. He was a pioneer of reggae and soul music in the Czech Republic.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/richard-tesak-yo-yo-band-leader-and-reggae-pioneer-dies-at-80

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Cite as: Death of musician Richard Tesařík. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-musician-richard-tesak