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have never asked for autographs from any celebrities before, but Slank are truly legends,” said Toto, showing off his T-shirt signed by the band at the I Slank U album launching on Thursday at Planet Hollywood in Jakarta.

Slank have made a name for themselves in Indonesian rock for the last three decades through 18 studio albums. Now they are back — with love — releasing a new album that will only be available at KFC.

“Slank is like water, which always tries to find a way although there are many obstacles,” said vocalist Akhadi Wira Satriaji, or Kaka. Some of the obstacles he was referring to are piracy and distribution channel issues, and so the band signed a deal with the fast food restaurant chain that has more than 400 outlets all over Indonesia.

Drummer and founder Bimo Setiawan Almachzumi, or Bimbim, said, “It’s not because of bad sales, we don’t own the places to sell [our albums]. This album is dedicated to all Slankers, who might live in the mountains or by the beach, from Aceh to Papua. KFC can help us with that.”

The band, filled with ardent soccer fans, has always utilized creative marketing strategies, for example by giving away guitar picks, T-shirts, masks and even condoms.

Slank’s Valentine’s Day gift to their fans — packaged in pink and released only days after the holiday — comprises two CDs: I Slank U and a bonus CD Anthem for a Broken Heart, which was produced by American rock guitarist Blues Saraceno and released in the US in 2008.

The band said they wanted to sing about love on their newest album, rearranging three of their hits, “Foto Dalam Dompetmu” (Picture inside Your Wallet), “Terlalu Manis” (Too Sweet), and “Ku Tak Bisa” (I Cannot) to be included on the album along with new songs.

Beginning the excitement at the launch party, Slank’s “Intro Indonesia” from their 2001 album Virus was sung by the Mia Patria Choir from their seats in the audience. They then joined young singer Chantiq from the girl band 3C on stage. The audience was enthusiastic, as was the media and the many Slankers among the crowd.

A video recording of the band hanging out in the US was screened after followed by a message from the band’s manager, Bunda Iffet.

Then Slank took to the stage, rocking their fans with 10 numbers, including two new songs from I Slank U, “Ku di Negri Orang” (I’m in Another Country) and “Kupu Biru” (Blue Butterfly). Actress Poppy Sovia and progressive rock singer Yuyun were even invited to join Kaka onstage for the second song.

Kaka said between songs that he was truly enjoying their performance that night. That is Slank — Indonesia’s highest-paid band between 2008 and 2009, yet still down to earth.

Beyond Kaka’s high-pitched rocker’s voice and the other members’ musical skills, Slank is still just an indie band with much love to give their fans, like they did when they started playing on tiny Gang Potlot in 1983.