God Bless Returns To Appear At Taman Ismail Marzuki After 50 Years

God Bless during the press conference of the 2023 Everyday Festival (Ivan Two Men/VOI)

JAKARTA - God Bless and Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) have their own stories. In 1973, in this place where Jakarta artists are 'home', God Bless's name is the band for the first time introduced to the public

The Indonesian rock music legend will appear at TIM, Cikini, Central Jakarta in the 2023 Everyday Festival which carries the theme Jakarta Year End Holiday Festival is Coming.

Tirtinaya Aji, CEO of SAJILive! as the promoter, called God Bless' return to TIM a historic moment. He stated that his party was ready to welcome the presence of Achmad Albar cs by giving the best performance.

"Today, thank God, we are grateful that we have received the sustenance to welcome God Bless back home in the TIM. This is a historic day and will never happen again. Fifty years ago God Bless appeared for the first time in the TIM. After 50 years had passed, they appeared again," said Tirtinaya Aji during a press conference at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Tuesday, December 5.

"Why is it special, because this can be called one of the heroes of Indonesian music. It is very worth it for God Bless to get privileges or a special place for Indonesian music," he continued.

Achmad Albar also welcomed God Bless' return to the TIM. However, he stressed that his appearance concept will be different from the 50th anniversary celebration concert which was held at Istora Senayan on 10 November.

"Unlike at a 50 year concert, we will not play with the orchestra from Tohpati. But there will be a bit of a surprise from us later," said Achmad Albar.

From the plan for the 15 songs to be performed, God Bless will prepare a special collaboration with traditional Indonesian music.

Furthermore, Ian Antono said that God Bless would also give another surprise regarding the selection of the songs to be performed.

"About songs in the TIM, there is one privilege, we will perform the songs we like but have never been performed so far," said Ian Antono.

Meanwhile, Abadi Soesman said his appearance would show the journey of God Bless' career as a band. If in 1973 they perform songs belonging to others, later they will perform with the best songs ever composed.

"Every band must start a career performing another song. We already have our identity and will perform our own songs," said Abadi Soesman.

Held for a week, starting from December 21-27, Everyday Festival 2023 also presents Andmesh, Vina Panduwinata, Tickets, Java Jive, Padi Reborn, Danilla, Budi Doremi, Maliq & D Essentials, Fiersa Besari, Club Eighties, White Shoes & The Couples Company, Yura Yunita, The Changcuters, Sisitipsi, HIVI!, Kunto Aji, Nadin Amizah, Gigi, Fourtwnty, and Tiara Andini.