PIONEERING Malaysian musician Mohamed Hussein Indris, who achieved national acclaim as the multi-talented drummer and lead vocalist for the historic pop-rock group The Strollers, has passed away at the age of 77.
His death occurred shortly after the local entertainment industry and members of the public united for a major medical fundraising event to assist the ailing artist following severe health complications.
The veteran performer had recently suffered a stroke and a heart attack, which left him bedridden and in need of round-the-clock medical care. In response to his declining health, the domestic music community organized a farewell and fundraising concert on 24 May to secure financial aid for his ongoing healthcare requirements.
Hussein first entered the music industry during the 1960s with a Petaling Jaya-based outfit known as The Typhoons, before co-founding The Strollers in 1965.
The ensemble secured a permanent place in Malaysian cultural history by becoming the very first domestic group to sign a contract with an international record label for English-language material, subsequently producing nine singles, one extended play record, and a full-length studio album over the course of their career.
Within the industry, Hussein was exceptionally well-regarded for his rare ability to simultaneously anchor the band's rhythm from behind the drum kit while delivering lead vocals.
Beyond their sonic output, the group earned a reputation for their strict adherence to personal principles, famously rejecting television broadcast opportunities offered by state broadcaster Radio Television Malaysia when ordered to cut their long hair, an act of defiance that became a legendary moment in local music folklore.
The surviving members of the group experienced a brief, emotional renaissance in 2023, when Hussein reunited with long-term bassist Billy Chang and original member Michael Magness for a special reunion performance entitled Just As We Were.
Chang, who shared the stage with Hussein for over five decades, expressed profound sorrow over the passing of his colleague.
“We shared thousands of songs, thousands of miles and countless memories, Chang remarked, adding that it is difficult to imagine a world where I do not look across and see him behind the drums,” New Straits Times reported him saying.
A recent tribute successfully generated significant financial contributions to offset Hussein's final caregiving and medical bills.
Reflecting on the widespread community response during the final chapter of his father's life, Hussein's eldest son, Reymee, offered the family's heartfelt appreciation to the public.
“My father always believed music was meant to bring people together, Reymee stated, observing that in his final weeks, we saw that belief come back to him through the kindness of friends, fans and strangers.” - June 15, 2026
