Cult rocker Udo Lindenberg (76) has to say goodbye to an important constant in his life. As the musician announced on his official Instagram account, his long-time "bodyguard and tour companion, masseur and friend and really good buddy", Hansi Westerfeld, passed away. According to reports, Westerfeld was only 57 years old.

Lindenberg says goodbye with a picture of the two together: "Dear Hansi, you crossed the big river way too early and way too suddenly … Life isn't fair. You'll stay here forever – in the heart of our panic family."

The panic rocker could always rely on his friend: "You were there for me around the clock when the marathon man needed new power, we went jogging at four in the morning, it didn't matter that you were always reliable. Thank you for everything. Bon voyage, my dear." What Hansi Westerfeld died of so suddenly is not clear from the posting.