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Overload's Farhad Humayun passes away at 42

Overload's Farhad Humayun passes away at 42

The news was announced on the band's official page with a call for prayers.
Updated 08 Jun, 2021

Farhad Humayun, the founder and drummer of the iconic Pakistani band Overload with a musical career spanning over two decades, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 42.

The news was announced by the band's official Facebook page.

"The magnificent Farhad Humayun left us for the stars this morning. Stoic in the face of challenges, uncompromising in his values, generous to a fault, witty as hell! Fadi was far too ahead of his time, both in spirit and art," read the post announcing his death.

"He would want us to celebrate his life, so we request his family, friends and fans to honour him and say a prayer for him today. We can almost hear him say these words by David Bowie: 'I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring'. Godspeed our gentle giant and thank you for creating a Riot."

The post did not mention the cause of Humayun's death but in 2018 the musician, revealed that he had a brain tumour that was being operated on by the "world's greatest surgeon". His cousin, Taimur Rahman, told Images that the musician had undergone two major operations for the tumour in Lahore and Dubai but had still been suffering from it.

He was laid to rest on Tuesday afternoon at the Mian Meer Graveyard in Lahore. He is survived by his mother, Navid Shahzad, and sisters, Sarah Shahzad and Reema Bukhari.

The bandleader behind the percussion-based act was also running Riot Studio, a recording studio and live gig venue.

An ace drummer

Humayun's musical journey didn't start with drums but the instrument appeared to be his calling from the start.

"I got into playing music when I reached the eighth grade, and made friends who were like-minded [...] I used to play the guitar until someone advised me to try playing the drums. And when I did, I got to know that this was the instrument for me," he said in a 2013 interview with Dawn.

"Even before I got my hands on a real drum kit, I used to imitate drumming on different objects using sticks and pencils, as if I were playing a real drum kit."

"I produce music for myself, Overload, and other bands, and also direct videos. I don’t keep myself limited to a particular thing, and keep exploring new facets," he had said.

Speaking about his foray into singing as the frontman for Overload, he spoke of how he had so far stayed away from the limelight. "Due to the nature of the instrument I play, I’ve been mostly behind the drums, and playing the drums for almost 20 years now."

Back in 2010, Humayun launched a track online of himself singing verses of Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare, calling it "my adventures in falsetto and respect to William Shakespeare, Bryan Ferry and David Gilmour".

Comments

Usman Ali Jun 08, 2021 10:43am
This is shocking! I loved his music and voice, and I believe he was one of the most underrated musicians of modern era. He was far more gifted and created than all musicians around him. RIP, man! You've left behind truly great music for your fans.
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Qurat ul ain Jun 08, 2021 10:56am
May Your soul rest in Peace. He was son of my beautiful teacher Madam Naveed Shehzad :(
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Ali Jun 08, 2021 11:16am
Just yesterday I was listening to his tracks Lahore, Nerey aa , Dhamal and Pichal Pari on YouTube thinking how talented he is as a drummer, vocalist and composer. he needs to make more music. The news has totally shocked me .
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Zak Jun 08, 2021 11:32am
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un Brave and talented artist.
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INDEPENDENT Jun 08, 2021 11:36am
RIP
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Shagufta Aziz Jun 08, 2021 12:15pm
So sad. RIP
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Asif Parvez Jun 08, 2021 01:23pm
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un
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Tanvir Khan Jun 08, 2021 02:11pm
A very tragic and untimely farewell, unfortunately death sees neither age nor handsomeness.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jun 08, 2021 02:34pm
Inna Lilla Hay Waa Inna Illehey Rajayoon.
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Asif Jun 08, 2021 03:24pm
He was good man and passionate musician; a legend. Somehow good men leave this world early. RIP
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Jalal Jun 08, 2021 05:34pm
Gone too soon . RIP
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Javed Qamer Engineer Washington DC Jun 08, 2021 06:31pm
OMG I met Humayun in Virginia for a OPEN function. I was impressed by his demeanor and humble personality. I am shocked to say the least. May he rest in peace.
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Shirin Zafar Jun 08, 2021 06:49pm
May you rest in peace.
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Tariq Choudry Jun 09, 2021 12:39am
RIP my senior cambridge class fellow from Aitchison college. Will hear your drums in heaven.
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Aziza Jun 10, 2021 01:41pm
Apart from being so young and handsome, Fahad Humayun was a very dignified and talented artist of a Khandani background. I am in utter shock and can't stop thinking of his lovely mother Naveed Shahzad. May he rest in peace and may his mother and family have the strength to face this tremendous loss. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.
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Dr.Sadaf Jun 10, 2021 06:28pm
Very different and stylish artist, a big loss.
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