Vali Sepi, a key member of the iconic Romanian band Phoenix, has died at the age of 80. Known affectionately as “the corporal,” Sepi passed away in Timișoara, as confirmed by the manager of the local hospital. He was a multi-faceted contributor to the band, serving not only as a percussionist but also as a stage designer and graphic artist. Sepi’s passing represents a significant loss for Romanian music and cultural heritage. Phoenix, formed in 1965, is renowned for its fusion of rock, folk, and psychedelic sounds. Further details regarding the cause of death have not yet been released. His decades-long dedication helped shape the band’s distinctive visual and sonic identity.