Willie Colón’s Arrest in Medellín: The Story Behind “Special No. 5”
The recent passing of Willie Colón at age 75 has prompted fans to revisit not only his musical legacy but also the fascinating stories behind his life, and career. One such story centers around an arrest in Medellín, Colombia, in 1985, an experience that ultimately inspired the song “Special No. 5.”
The Medellín Concert and Contract Dispute
On September 7, 1985, Willie Colón and his orchestra were scheduled to perform at the Iván de Bedout Coliseum in Medellín.1 The event drew a large crowd eager to hear the salsa icon perform. However, logistical issues arose when the flight from Bogotá carrying Colón and his orchestra was delayed, pushing the performance back to midnight.1
Upon arrival, a contractual dispute with Rumba Producciones, represented by Giovani Andrés Ulloa and Diego A. Parra, escalated the situation. Colón refused to take the stage, alleging that the agreed-upon payment had not been made.12
Riot and Arrest
The cancellation of the concert sparked outrage among the audience, leading to a riot.13 Police intervened, resulting in the arrest of Willie Colón and all 13 members of his orchestra.13 They were charged with breach of contract and fraud.3
48 Hours in Detention and Inspiration for “Special No. 5”
Colón and his orchestra were detained for 48 hours at the Belén police station.3 Colón later shared a photo from his time in jail on his X account in 2021, captioning it, “Special No. 5. Photo of the cell in Medellín where I was imprisoned with the boys in 1985.”3
The experience served as the inspiration for the song “Special No. 5,” released in March 1986.1 The song’s title references the cell number where he was held, and the lyrics recount the events of his arrest.1
A Lasting Connection with Medellín
Despite this incident, Willie Colón maintained a strong connection with Medellín, performing at the La Macarena events center during the Flower Fair in August 2019.4 The city consistently welcomed his performances with enthusiasm throughout his career.