Guitarist Hans dies at 49

Guitarist Hans dies at 49

JAKARTA: Guitarist Hans of Panjaitan Bersaudara (Panbers) died of a stroke here on Saturday.

The 49-year-old Hans, whose full name is Portahan BMS Panjaitan, is the oldest of the four-member band, which was one of the most popular in the 1970s.

Hans, who was unmarried, was admitted to the Pelni Petamburan for stroke a week ago. His remains were buried yesterday at the Menteng Pulo public cemetery in central Jakarta.

His last public appearance was last month when the Panbers, along with a number of aging bands such as the Favourite Group, D'lloyd and the Mercy's, performed at Jakarta's Ancol entertainment center.

One of the Panber's hits that he composed and sang is Kunang- kunang (Fireflies). He took part in the band's recent tour to promote its latest album Cinta dan Permata (Love and Diamond).(pan)