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Koes Plus vocalist Yon Koeswoyo passes away
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Yon Koeswoyo, the vocalist of pop band Koes Plus that gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s, passed away on the morning of Jan. 5, 2018. He was 77. (Erasmus Huis /File)
Yon Koeswoyo, the vocalist of legendary pop band Koes Plus, has passed away on Friday morning at the age of 77.
According to Antara News agency, Nomo Koeswoyo, one of Yon’s brothers and an original member of the band, made the announcement in Magelang, Central Java.
Music journalist Bens Leo confirmed the vocalist's passing with tribunnews.com, adding that he was headed to a funeral home in Pamulang, South Tangerang.
Vocalist Rian of pop band D'MASIV posted a photograph he had taken with Yon during a visit to Eka Hospital BSD, where Yon had reportedly been receiving treatment for health complications.
Two years ago, the band held a concert at the Balai Sarbini in Central Jakarta. At the time, Yon had said that it was his first performance since recovering from an undisclosed illness for which he had been hospitalized for two months.
Read also: Legendary pop band Koes Plus to hold concert in December
Koes Plus was formed in 1958 as Koes Bersaudara, or the Koes Brothers, and originally consisted of all five brothers of the Koeswoyo family. The band changed its name in 1969 when Kasmuri “Murry”, who was unrelated to the family, joined to replace drummer Nomo.
Band members Tonny Koeswoyo and Murry passed away respectively in 1987 and 2014. (wir/kes)
