Malaysian ‘Carlos Santana’ dies

KLANG: Ronnie Pereira, 56, lead guitarist and singer of the popular band Revolvers died at 5.40am at the Klang General Hospital yesterday. 

Ronnie, who has been a diabetic for the past 11 years, died of an infected wound that did not heal for the past two months, his brother Jude said. 

The Revolvers were renowned during the 1970s and Ronnie, a founder member of the band, performed with them for 15 years until he retired at the age of 33. 

Ronnie: Was lead guitaristand singer of the popularband Revolvers

The band became famous because of its lively performances at the Glass Bubble in Jaya Puri Hotel, now known as Petaling Jaya Hilton. 

Among the songs they performed were cover versions of songs by Chicago, Deep Purple and Bread. 

According to band member Freddie Fernandez, Ronnie was known as the Malaysian Carlos Santana, for the way he emulated Santana in playing the guitar. 

The Revolvers released three albums and finally decided to part ways due to personal commitments. 

“Those were the best days. People used to pay RM10 to watch us perform at Dewan Bahasa because pubs did not exist at that time,” said Fernandez. 

Ronnie's body is at his sister Agnes' house. A service will be held at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Klang today.  

Ronnie leaves behind wife Jane Pereira and daughter Leslie.  

He will be laid to rest at the Meru cemetery in Klang.