Profile of Donny Fattah God Bless, Legendary Bassist Who Has Passed Away

Kapanlagi.com - Legendary musician Donny Fattah, bassist and co-founder of the rock group God Bless, has passed away. He took his last breath on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the age of 76. His departure leaves a deep sorrow for the music industry in the homeland.

Donny Fattah died at Fatmawati Hospital, Jakarta, after battling various serious illnesses. He is known as the creator of legendary hits for God Bless.

Throughout his life, Donny Fattah has left an indelible mark on the Indonesian rock music scene. He was a crucial pillar behind the success of God Bless and other bands.

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1. Donny Fattah's Early Journey in the Music World

Donny Fattah, bassist of God Bless, has passed away - Credit: instagram.com/godblessrocks

Donny Fattah, or Jidon Patta Onda Gagola, began his career in the music world at a young age. He entered the music scene around the 1960s and learned to play various instruments autodidactically.

In 1965, Donny Fattah formed a band called Harbour Beat with Bartje Van Houten and Minggus Tahitoe. Later, he joined Fancy Junior in 1968.

2. Donny Fattah and the Birth of God Bless

Donny Fattah, bassist of God Bless, has passed away - Credit: instagram.com/godblessrocks

The peak of Donny Fattah's musical journey was when he was invited by Fuad Hasan and Achmad Albar in 1972. They formed a band initially named Crazy Wheels, which would later become God Bless.

God Bless was officially formed on May 5, 1973, with Donny Fattah as its bassist. The initial formation of this band included Achmad Albar, Jockie Soerjoprajogo, Fuad Hassan, Donny Fattah, and Ludwig Lemans.

3. Donny Fattah's Irreplaceable Role as a Bassist

Donny Fattah's position as the bassist in God Bless was almost never replaceable, even though the band experienced personnel changes more than 15 times. This proves his dedication and crucial role for God Bless.

In the 1980s, Donny Fattah went to the United States to study music business and worked as staff at the Indonesian Embassy in Houston, Texas. However, he returned to Indonesia in 1983 to revive God Bless.

4. Timeless Works of Donny Fattah for God Bless

Donny Fattah is widely known as the creator of legendary and timeless hit songs for God Bless. Some of his works include "Semut Hitam", "Setan Tertawa", "Musisi", "She Passed Away", "Anak Adam", and "Huma di Atas Bukit".

These works have become an inseparable part of God Bless's discography, which includes albums such as God Bless (1975), Cermin (1980), Semut Hitam (1988), and Cermin 7 (2017).

5. Other Music Projects of Donny Fattah

In addition to God Bless, Donny Fattah has also been involved in various other music projects that enrich his musical profile. He was once recorded as a member of the music group Gong 2000 and Kantata.

Together with Gong 2000, he produced albums such as Bara Timur (1991) and Laskar (1991), while with Kantata, he released Kantata Takwa (1990). Donny Fattah also has a solo project titled Donny Fattah Project that released the album Hitam Putih in 2016.

6. Personal Life and Background of Donny Fattah

Donny Fattah Gagola was born in Makassar on September 24, 1949, and is known to have North Maluku blood. He was previously married to Rinny Noor before eventually starting a new chapter with Diah Pitaloka in 2005.

Diah Pitaloka is the biological sister of Jalu G Pratidina, the percussionist of Gong 2000. Donny Fattah's life story has also been immortalized in the book "Donny Fattah – 40 Years in God Bless, Together with GodBless, For GodBless" by Asriat Ginting.

7. The Struggle Against Illness Faced by Donny Fattah

Before passing away, Donny Fattah fought against several serious illnesses that affected his physical condition. He suffered from sarcopenia, vascular blockage, and autoimmune diseases.

In early 2012, Donny Fattah experienced a heart attack that forced him to take total rest from music activities. Doctors attributed his heart disease to his smoking addiction, which he had since 1968.

8. Donny Fattah's Legacy in the History of Indonesian Music

Donny Fattah is a musician and songwriter whose works will always be remembered. He is one of the main foundations of God Bless, the legendary Indonesian rock band.

His dedication and contribution to Indonesian rock music are not limited to God Bless but also through collaborations with other singers such as Ikang Fawzi and Nicky Astria.

(kpl/ums)