Damaso Gonzalez

Times have changed for Damaso Gonzalez now is retired and has a grandson fighting the bulls, but throughout the 1970s and 1980s, this  sad-eyed torero with his slender facial features, slicked down hair and characteristic nose, graced countless carteles with his image, while his name was prominently featured in an effort to draw in a large nob of fans who followed his every move.

Though as artistic as they could come when he wanted to be, he was also known for his special adornos, dropping to his knees before the bull and staring at it face to muzzle. He was likewise acclaimed for his work with the capote and especially his quites as major palzas such as those in Sevilla, Madrid and Barcelona saw again and again.

Born In Carrassco, Spain in 1948, Gonzalez gained early acclaim as a novillero, with several triumphs in the smaller towns as well as interesting presentations in Madrid and Barcelona.

His actual alternativa at the hands of Miguelin and Paquirri in 1969 was a frightening experience in its own right, based on blood and passion,. Dressed in pink and silver, he looked impressive enough with the capote and had started well with yhe faena when he was suddenly tossed. Losing his temper, but not his nerve, Gonzalez returned to the offending bull and forced it through several passes before being tossed again,. Four times this happened, until he was finally gored.

Refusing to go to the infirmary, he delivered a fatal sword thrust and was thrown again as he did so, The bull fell dead, he was given an ear and was then assisted to the awaiting doctors.

By the time he confirmed his alternativa in Madrid,  in 1970,  he was much more refined. The ceremony was confirmed at the hands of El Viti, who was the triunfador of the day, though the newer matador likewise looked promising, Again, his work with the capote showed great skill..

He would continue to be a favorite in Las Ventas until his  final retirement,

Mundo De Los Toros, a weekly newspaper in the 1970s and 1980s, would continually praise Gonzalez and frequently feature him on the front page, Several books, including those by the Botan family, would also carry photos of him in action. In 1988, a commercial postcard depicting him in one of his familiar adornos, kneeling before the bull, became popular among the tourists visiting Spain.

Gonzalez, like many of his associates, would retire, only to come back to the sand a few years later on at least two occasions. Now, of course, he is out of the suit of lights for good, with a praiseworthy career behind him.Incredibly, he still does pick up the lure and appear in a charity festival while wearing the traje corto.