Raja Azreen Raja Talib, a 56-year old rock drummer from Malaysia, died mid-concert just two songs into his band’s set.
His band Meditasi was performing at Teruntum Rock Festival in Malaysia on July 18th when frontman Bakaruddin Daud (also known as Burn) noticed Talibslumped over his drum kit. While the incident took place over a month ago, it’s only being widely reported now.
Burn described the event to Malaysian newspaper Berita Harian (via People), saying, “I rushed towards him, but I could feel that [he] was gone. I called and patted [him], but there was no response. His body was already cold.”
He was rushed to a local hospital where at 11 p.m. local time, he was pronounced dead.
Talib’s older brother and bandmate Raja Azman Raja Talib said, “He was given respiratory assistance, but he did not regain consciousness or respond after the collapse.”
The family later confirmed that Talib had been diagnosed with diabetes and had been hospitalized for heart-related issues just the prior month. His brother told Berita Harian, “He was hospitalized twice; the first stay lasted two to three weeks before he was admitted again.”
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Vocalist Burn was confirmed by Talib’s brother to have handled all funeral arrangements. Meditasi plan to continue, citing a belief that it would be the drummer’s wish.
Meditasi, photo via Azreen Meditasi/Facebook