Welcoming The Golden Age, God Bless Prepares Big Plans: From Biography Books, Documentaries, New Albums To Grand Concerts

God Bless (Dok. God Bless/Evan Antono)

JAKARTA - The legend of Indonesian rock music, God Bless celebrated his 49th birthday on May 5. In a simple thanksgiving event held in the Cibubur area, East Jakarta, a number of relatives and musicians were present.

God Bless was formed in Jakarta in 1973. During almost half a century of career, this legendary band has released seven studio albums, including God Bless (1975), Mirror (1980), Semut Hitam (1988), Giant (1989), Apa Kabar ( 1997), 36th (2009), and Mirror 7 (2017). This does not include a number of single songs, such as Start Today which was released last year.

Currently, God Bless is crewed by Achmad Albar (vocals), Donny Fattah (bass), Ian Antono (guitar), Abadi Soesman (keyboards), and Fajar Satritama (drums). However, on several occasions when Donny Fattah was undergoing treatment for heart disease, his position was replaced by Arya Setyadi.

In the event which was also attended by former members of God Bless: Eet Sjahranie, Yaya Moektio and Teddy Sudjaya at Ian Antono's residence yesterday, it was revealed a number of agendas from the band that once plunged the song Huma di Atas Bukit into the film Laila Majenun (1975).

Achmad Albar said in his speech, God Bless was preparing a grand concert to mark their 50th anniversary which falls next year. This concert will be packaged in a special manner which will then be followed by a long tour.

"It's very nice that we can still gather to celebrate 49 years of God Bless. Thank you to all of you who attended. We hope for your prayers so that we stay healthy," said Achmad Albar.

"Next year we will celebrate the age of 50 years. We will hold a concert. Wish us health so that we can perform (in concerts and tours) next year," continued the rocker.

In addition to the concert, God Bless is also preparing a biographical book written by journalist and senior music observer Denny MR. So far, the cultivation process has reached 50 percent.

Then, they will also release a documentary, which includes behind-the-scenes stories when God Bless opened the Deep Purple concert in Jakarta in 1975, including the terrible incident at the Sahid Jaya Hotel on December 5, 1975 when the Deep Purple crew Patsy Collins died after falling in an elevator hole as high as eight meters.

Not only that, Achmad Albar et al will release a new album containing old songs which will be reinterpreted in an orchestral band recorded with the Czech Symphony Orchestra. All the compositions contained in this album, specially arranged by God Bless with Tohpati Ario.