Junoon (band)

This article is about the band. For the band's self-titled album, see Junoon (Junoon album).

Junoon
Junoon performing live at a concert. Visible from left to right are; Ali Azmat and Brian O'Connell.
Background information
Origin	Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Genres	Sufi rock, Psychedelic rock, Alternative rock
Years active	1990–present
Labels	EMI Records, VCI Records, Lips Music
Associated acts	A-ha, Noori, Awaz, Jupiters, Vital Signs, A Fine Frenzy, Laal, Aag, Outlandish
Website	www.junoon.com
Members
Salman Ahmad Brian O'Connell
Past members
Nusrat Hussain Ali Azmat

Junoon (Urdu: جنون, literal English translation: "obsession/passion") is a sufi rock band from Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, formed in 1990.^[1] The band is directed by founder, lead guitarist and songwriter, Salman Ahmad, who was soon joined by keyboardist Nusrat Hussain and vocalist Ali Azmat.^[2] Junoon is Pakistan's most successful band; the Q magazine regarded them as "One of the biggest bands in the world" and The New York Times called Junoon "the U2 of Pakistan".^[3] Since their inception, the group has released a collective total of seventeen albums: seven studio albums; one soundtrack; two live albums; four video albums; and three compilations. Junoon is also South Asia's most successful band of all time with more than 30 million albums sold worldwide.^[4]

Pioneers of sufi rock,^[5][6] with such an original sound they achieved success during the early 1990s. Its members were signed to major record label EMI Records and afterwards released their self-titled debut album Junoon in 1991.^[2] After two years, the band recorded their second album Talaash (1993) with their new bassist Brian O'Connell after Nusrat Hussain left the band. The release of their second album began to create a cult following for the band. In 1996, Junoon released their third album Inquilaab, and it was only then that Junoon developed a nationwide fan following, with blending rock guitars and bluesy vocals with eastern elements like the use of tablas, raga-inspired melodies, traditional Pakistani folk music, and Eastern inspired poetry.^[2] The following year, the band recorded the critically acclaimed Azadi (1997), being the band's first international record deal, and making it Junoon's debut album in India. The band went on to record and release Parvaaz in 1999. The band found renewed success and popularity starting with 2001's Andaz and through 2003's Dewaar and their supporting tours.

After the release of their seventh studio album, vocalist Ali Azmat and lead guitarist Salman Ahmad went on to pursue a career as a solo singer, while bassist Brian O' Connell returned to his native United States.^[7] Although Junoon's two other members, Ali Azmat and Brain O'Connell, left the band in 2005, Salman Ahmad continues to perform as a solo artist under the "Junoon" label and has moved to New York. In 2010, Junoon released the soundtrack album Rock & Roll Jihad based on Salman Ahmad and Junoon's musical journey throughout the years.

History

Early years (1980–1989)

Junoon's roots stretch back to Tappan, New York, in the 1970s. Salman Ahmad left Lahore, Pakistan, for New York with his family when he was eleven, and received his baptism in rock music when a friend offered him a ticket to a Led Zeppelin concert. Salman Ahmad was so enthralled by the show that he saved $235 to buy his own electric guitar. He also befriended Brian O'Connell in Tappan, another young aspiring musician, with whom Ahmad formed their first band together by the name of "Eclipse". Before the two friends could take their aspirations out of the basement and onto a bigger stage, Salman Ahmad's parents moved back to Pakistan in 1981, and Salman began to study medicine at Lahore's King Edward's Medical College.^[8][9]

In 1987, Nusrat Hussain, by then the lead guitarist of the band Vital Signs, after composing the song "Dil Dil Pakistan" parted ways with Vital Signs and suggested Rohail Hyatt, founder and keyboardist of Vital Signs, to bring Salman Ahmad as his replacement in the band. Vital Signs then went on to record their debut album at the EMI Studios in Karachi, but almost all the songs were written and composed at Salman Ahmad's residence where the band had been lodged. In March 1989, the band released their debut album, Vital Signs 1, which was a success throughout the country. The following year, Salman Ahmad parted ways with the most successful pop band of Pakistan as he wanted a change in the band's music for their second album and therefore after leaving the band he went on to form his own band.^[10] First, he recruited singer Ali Azmat from the Jupiters and then the former Vital Signs lead guitarist, Nusrat Hussain, on keyboards.

Formation (1990–1993)

Junoon, during its early days, rehearsing before a concert. Visible from left to right are; Ustad Ashiq Ali Mir and Salman Ahmad.

Junoon formed in 1990 when Salman Ahmad, founder, songwriter and lead guitarist, had a dream where one of his teachers shook him and said "Tumhey mousiqui ka Junoon hai!" (You have an obsession for music!).^[1][2] Junoon were not an over night success, the band members struggled for the first few years. Their self-titled debut album, Junoon, recorded at the EMI Studios in Karachi barely made a dent in the Pakistani music industry when released in September 1991.^[2] After the release of their debut album, Nusrat Hussain parted ways with the band to pursue his own career as a solo singer and went on to release his debut solo album Amrit in 1992.^[11]

After the departure of Nusrat Hussain, Salman Ahmad contacted Brian O'Connell and invited him to play bass on the band's second album. Brian O'Connell quit his job as a social worker and traveled 10,000 miles to Karachi, Pakistan, where he reunited with his old friend. It was after ten years both the friends reunited.^[8] In 1992, the band started working on their second studio album. The album was recorded and mixed at Tahir Gul Hasan's Sound On Sound recording studios in Karachi. While working on their second album at one side, on the other hand the band also featured in a television series, Talaash, directed by Atiqa Odho and written by Anwar Maqsood, based on the true story of the band in which the band members acted themselves and due to its novel storyline it became an extremely popular television series in Pakistan.^[12] The television series were aired on PTV.

On September 23, 1993, Junoon released their second album Talaash which began to create a cult of a following for the band. Singles from the album, such as "Talaash", were politically influenced and became subject to censorship, which led to the eventual ban from all state run television and radio during the rule of by then the Pakistani Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif.

Rise to fame (1994–1997)

In 1994, Junoon started working on their third studio album. In 1995, the band released their first compilation album, Kashmakash, which is believed to be the very first compilation album by a band in Pakistan. Junoon were courted for the controversial video release of the single "Ehtesaab", from Kashmakash, which included footage of a polo pony eating in a posh restaurant. Many thought that the image was an indictment of the corrupt Pakistani political elite, and especially of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.^[13] The government quickly responded to it and banned the song and video from the state television.^[8] In 1996, the band released their third studio album, Inquilaab, which was recorded and engineered with a completely new sound at Aamir Hasan Studios, Inquilaab was a blend of western music with classical eastern sufi music. It was the release of their third album when Junoon started to gain success and began to reach a wider audience when one of their singles, "Jazba-e-Junoon", became the signature song of the Cricket World Cup.^[8]

Junoon's fourth studio album, Azadi, hit platinum sales for which the band received a platinum certification. The album was a huge success in South Asia, being Junoon's highest selling album.

Following the success of their third album release, the following year Junoon went on their first full-scale tour of the United States, performing from Birmingham, Alabama, to Los Angeles where they appeared at the House of Blues^[8] and from there to New York's Roosevelt Hotel, which featured in Newsweek Magazine. They also went on tour to Canada and the UAE through which Junoon's fame grew rapidly. In September 1997, Junoon released their fourth studio album, Azadi, which was the band's first international record deal after the band manager, Shehryar Ahmad, secured a deal with EMI/Virgin Records and making it their debut album in India. Within three months of the release of Azadi, the album had sold over half a million copies and hit platinum sales status in a record of four weeks.^[8][14] The music video of the first single, "Sayonee", was shot by Asim Reza which became an instant hit in South Asia and the Middle East, shooting to the top of all the Asian charts, and staying at #1 on both Channel V and MTV Asia for over two months.

Later that year, Junoon went on their first Indian tour. The band's first concert was held in New Delhi, India. After traveling throughout the country, Junoon saw crowds of as many as of 50,000 fans at different venues. The band was courted for a controversy during their tour to India by the Pakistani government. The Indian government was testing nuclear devices at that time, and Salman Ahmad suggested that the Indian and Pakistani leaders should spend more on education and health and less on weapons.^[8] This led to a prolonged ban on Junoon's music by the Pakistani government. PTV, the Pakistan state television, refused to show the audience even clips from Junoon releases. The Ministry of Culture charged Junoon with making comments in India amounting to sedition and treason. The band members denied these charges, reminding people of the fact that they had been victimised since the release of "Ehtesaab" because they chose to speak out against political corruption.^[15]

Success (1998–2000)

On February 28, 1998, Junoon won the "Best International Group" title at the Channel V Music Awards, where they performed along with world-wide icons Sting, The Prodigy and Def Leppard.^[16][17] Azadi was nominated for "Best International Album", having achieved the prestigious honour of being the highest selling album in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India that year. In March, Zee TV invited Junoon to perform at the star-studded Zee Cine Awards in Mumbai, where the group received accolades from the crème de la crème of India's entertainment industry.^[18] On August 9, Junoon performed at the Central Park in New York, this concert was one of most famous concerts done by the band.^[19] Junoon then went on to perform at the BBC Mega Mela, which is the largest South Asian festival outside of South Asia, held in London, England. Junoon performed at all three days of the Mela and performed at the BBC Asian Awards where they were also awarded for their "Contribution to Asian Culture".^[20]

In March 1999, the Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in a spirit of cross-border friendship, invited the band to perform at the anniversary of his government in Delhi. Travelling in the same gilded bus that Vajpayee had travelled cross-border to shake hands with Pakistan and sign the Lahore declaration, Junoon crossed the Wagah border from Lahore into India. In a very emotional performance before the Prime Minister, they performed the Jupiters hit, "Dosti" onstage with Indian group, Silk Route. Later the same year, Junoon released their fifth studio album, Parvaaz, which was recorded and mixed at Abbey Road Studios in London and was hailed by many critics as the finest work by Junoon to date and was released by EMI internationally and by Lips Records in Pakistan. The album was mostly based on the poetry of Bulleh Shah and singles from the album such as "Bulleya", "Sajna", "Ghoom" and "Mitti" were a success and did well at the music charts. The album was produced by John Alec who came from New York to work on the band's fifth studio album. Also in 1999, UNESCO invited Junoon to perform at their Millennium Peace concert held in Paris, France. Junoon were presented with an award "Outstanding Achievements in Music and Peace" by UNESCO. The event was attended by many well known artists from around the world like Yesudas,^[21] Lionel Richie, Montserrat Caballe and Zubin Mehta. Famous actors like Gregory Peck, Sidney Poitier, and Peter Ustinov were also present at the concert. By the end of the year, Junoon toured to Bangladesh, where 45,000 ecstatic fans attended the concert at the Bangladesh Army Stadium in Dhaka.

In 2000, Junoon released a compilation of their albums and videos, Millennium 1990-2000, through Lips Music Records. The compilation album consisted of singles like "Azadi", "Muk Gaye Nay" and live tracks like "Allah Hu". Later the same year, Junoon performed in Japan. On June 30, the band then went on to perform at the European Rock Festival, Roskilde Festival, near Copenhagen, in Denmark.^[22] Junoon became the first Asian band to perform at the festival and performed along with many well known bands and musicians like Pearl Jam, Iron Maiden, The Cure, Queensrÿche and many other well known artists from around the world.^[23][24] At the end of the year, Junoon performed at a concert in Dubai, UAE, with Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam, with nearly 20,000 in attendance, which was organised by Oberoi Middle East Events.

Continued success (2001–2004)

In March 2001, Junoon released its sixth studio album, Andaz (titled as Ishq in Pakistan). The album topped the music charts in Pakistan as well as in the Persian Gulf and South Asia. The first single entitled "Zamanae Ke Andaz (Saqi-Nama)" made it to #1 in the Persian Gulf and to #5 on the Asian charts. In April, Junoon performed to a sold out concert at the Wembley Arena in London and went on to perform at the "United for Gujrat" concert, the first South Asian rock concert, held in New Delhi along with bands from India and Bangladesh, singing together to raise funds for the Gujrat Earthquake victims. In June, Salman Ahmad attended the UN General Assembly in New York where he was appointed as the 'Goodwill Ambassador' of Pakistan by United Nations.^[2][25] On June 30, Junoon performed at the Celebrate Brooklyn festival at Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn, New York. On July 7, the band performed at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, Illinois. In September, Junoon did a concert in Norway with Morten Harket, lead vocalist of A-ha,^[26] performing a duet "Piya (Ocean of Love)".^[27][28][29] The same year, the band also made a trip China to perform a peace concert.

Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Junoon, in the aftermath of the attacks, traveled to the United States for a series of shows at universities and high schools. On October 9, the band played a peace concert at the United Nations (UN). On November 29, the music television channel, VH1, aired a special doucmentary, Islamabad: Rock City, about the group hosted by Susan Sarandon.^[8][30][31] On December 25, Junoon had once again been embraced by the Pakistani government, and were even joined on stage by then the President, General Pervez Musharraf, as he invited them to perform at the mausoleum of Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on Jinnah's birthday.^[8] Although Junoon continues to promote peace and harmony, the band also speaks out on contentious issues that most popular groups avoid. The band served as goodwill ambassadors for HIV/AIDS awareness for the UN and raised several issues.

In 2002, Junoon opened a new chapter by releasing the antiterrorism song "No More" in English, yet another attempt by the group to spread their message to a wider audience.^[8][32] Although, Junoon had previously released English songs on their first two albums, such as "Our Land", "Lady Magic", "Downtown Princes" and "Game Of Chance". The song "No More" is the first English song for which Junoon released a music video.^[33][34]

Junoon performing live at Webster Hall, New York City, on June 6, 2004. Visible from left to right are; vocalist Ali Azmat and lead guitarist Salman Ahmad.

CNN aired a 30 minute interview of Junoon on the program Talk Asia. They received rave reviews in The New York Times, Billboard Magazine, The New York Post, Newsweek, and others.^[35][36] On March 29, Junoon released their second live album and the overall twelfth album, Daur-e-Junoon.^[37]

On February 16, 2003, Junoon performed at the Basant Festival Show held in Lahore. On May, 5, the band went to Karachi to perform at the PAF Creek Club. On June 18, Junoon performed live at the Royal Albert Hall, London, England. On July, 17, the documentary The Rock Star and the Mullahs by Wide Angel was aired on BBC based upon Junoon and music in Islam.^[38][39] In December, Junoon released their seventh studio album, Dewaar.^[40][41] The single "Garaj Baras" was selected as the soundtrack of the Bollywood movie Paap directed by Pooja Bhatt,^[42] the song topped the charts in the country again in 2004. Another single off the album "Pappu Yaar" shot to the #1 spot on the music charts in Pakistan. This was the album which last featured the trio together. After the release of the band's seventh studio album bassist, Brian O'Connell went back to United States and vocalist, Ali Azmat went on to pursue his career as a solo singer. In April 2004, Junoon released their third compilation album, Dewaar: The Best of Junoon. In August, Junoon released Ghoom Taana video and a special documentary entitled "Building Bridges" which was screened at a launch ceremony in Karachi in time for the Independence Day celebrations of Pakistan and India. On October 14, Journeyman Pictures released a short film documentary based on Pakistani music featuring local rock bands, Junoon and Fuzön.^[43]

Breakup (2005–2008)

Dewaar was the album which last featured the trio together. After the release of the album Brian O'Connell went back to United States.^[44] Since his departure, Pakistani musician Mekaal Hasan and the band's producer John Alec have been playing bass guitar for live shows in place. On February 2, 2005, Junoon performed a charity concert for the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami victims at Alhamra Auditorium in Lahore. On March 3, Salman Ahmad appeared on the documentary It's My Country Too: Muslim Americans aired on BBC television documentary strand This World.^[45] The last Junoon concert to feature Ali Azmat took place in Dubai, UAE in March 2005 after which Ali Azmat went on to pursue his career as a solo singer.^[46] Later the same year, he released his debut solo album, Social Circus.^[47][48][49] Shehryar Ahmad, the band manager also departed from the band. Salman Ahmad also released his debut solo album, Infiniti in July 2005.^[50]

In September 2007, Junoon re-released three albums, Parvaaz, Azadi and Infiniti with Magnatune. On December 11, Junoon performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway together with a variety of artists, which was broadcast live to over 100 countries.^[51]

On May 25, 2008, Junoon performed in Srinagar for the first time and turned thousands of music lovers hysterical.^[52][53][54] On June 8, Ali Azmat performed a duet of "Garaj Baras" with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan along with singles from his solo albums at the Coke Studio season one first session.^[55] On August 15, Ali Azmat released his second album, Klashinfolk,^[56] which was recorded at Mekaal Hasan Studios in Lahore.^[57] The album received significant critical acclaim across Pakistan, although, like the previous album, it was not a huge commercial success.

Post-breakup: Rock & Roll Jihad (2009–2010)

Junoon performing live at the 'Concert of Pakistan', on September 12, 2009.

Salman continues to take the band to new heights. From performing at the Nobel Peace Prize, featuring at the Clinton Global Initiative to performing at the Atlantic City House of Blues with Multi Academy/Grammy winning artist Melissa Etheridge after collaborating with her on one of her albums.^[58] Salman also featured in the series of Mystical Sufi Tours throughout the US and Canada. He has performed at various famous educational institutions throughout the world, including places like Oxford, Harvard, Yale, Stanford etc. various times and continues to actively tour and engage college audiences. He also happens to be actively involved as a professor of Islamic Arts at Queens College NY.

On September 12, 2009, Junoon performed at "The Concert for Pakistan" along with other musicians from around the world which included, Outlandish, Sting held at the UN General Assembly Hall.^[59] At the concert Salman Ahmad also performed on stage with Gavin Rossdale covering the song "All Along the Watchtower".^[60] On November 30, Salman Ahmad, as Junoon, announced that the first single from the upcoming album will be "Love Can You Take Me Back".^[61] On January 12, 2010, Salman Ahmad published a book, Rock & Roll Jihad: A Muslim Rock Star's Revolution, regarding his time with Junoon and all the struggle he faced to become a rockstar.^[62] On March 14, Junoon released the video of their first single. On March 25, Salman Ahmad was invited at the television programme Good Day L.A. where he talked about his soundtrack album and about the book.^[63] On June 1, Junoon released the soundtrack album Rock & Roll Jihad based on Salman Ahmad and Junoon's musical journey throughout the years.

On July 23, Salman Ahmad was present at the opening ceremony of Masala Mehndi Masti 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. On July 24, Salman Ahmad with his band performed at the Masala Mehndi Masti 2010.^[64] On July 26, Salman Ahmad appeared on the BBC television programme, HARDtalk, where he talked about religion and music in Islam.^[65] In August, Salman Ahmad was interviewed by American music magazine The Rolling Stone, he talked about his novel and the soundtrack album based on the novel. In the interview, Salman informed that in India the book will be published by Jaico Publishing House and will be accompanied by a free cd which includes two singles, "Love Can You Take Me Back" and "Bulleya/Lonely Heart" and also including two other tracks, "Sayonee" and "Meri Awaz Suno". Salman also confirmed that he's currently working on a new Junoon album release, which will release in next year.^[66] On August 16, in an interview with BBC World Service, Salman Ahmad confirmed that he's writing a song named "Khwab" for the Pakistan flood victims in order to raise funds for them. He also confirmed that the song will be internationally released within a few week's time and hopes to record it with Pakistani and Western artists.^[67] After a few days, it was confirmed that Salman Ahmad will collaborate with Peter Gabriel on the song "Khwab", in an attempt to raise funds for the Pakistan flood victims.^[68] On August 25, Salman Ahmad talked to Dutch TV about organizing a charity concert with various artists to collect money for the flood victims in Pakistan.^[69] In September, Salman Ahmad confirmed that he has collaborated with Alison Sudol on the song "Pakistan Humara" (first named "Khwab", later named "Open Your Eyes") for the Pakistan flood victims.^[70] Salman further added that Peter Gabriel will be bringing his genius to the song on September 6. “Will try and send a picture from the studio”, says Salman.

In an interview with ABC News, it was confirmed that both the U.S. & British governments have enlisted Salman Ahmad to speak against extremism.^[71] On October 29, Salman Ahmad released the song "Open Your Eyes" with Peter Gabriel and Alison Sudol for the Pakistan flood relief.^[72] The song was launched on November 2, to be downloaded from digital music sites globally. Each dollar for download will go to Pakistan flood relief through their charity organisation, Salman and Samina Global Wellness initiative (SSGWI).^[73] After the release of "Open Your Eyes", Peter Gabriel offered Salman Ahmad to record a complete album with his Real World Records label next year.^[74] Salman Ahmad also confirmed that he's working on a duet with American artist and producer David Sisko who has worked for the likes of Justin Timberlake & Gwen Stefani.^[75]

Reunion: Junoon's 20th anniversary (2011-present)

On January 26, 2011, Junoon performed at Lahore University of Management Sciences for United Nations HIV/AIDS campaign. On March 16, the single "Pakistan Humara" in collaboration with Peter Gabriel was dedicated to the Pakistan cricket team playing at the 2011 Cricket World Cup.^[76] On March 18, Junoon performed at The College of William & Mary as part of W&M's Asian studies initiative.^[77] On March 23, Junoon launched the music video of the single "Pakistan Humara" directed by Asad Pathan.^[78][79] On June 19, Junoon performed at the Festival Mundial held in Tilburg, Netherlands.

On August 12, in an interview with The Express Tribune Ahmad confirmed that he is set to celebrate Junoon’s 20th anniversary with the band's former bassist Brian O'Connell.^[80] “We are reaching Junoon’s 20th anniversary, so I’m excited about more projects coming up regarding that,” Ahmad told The Express Tribune.^[80] Ahmad also confirmed that Junoon’s 20th anniversary celebration concert will be held at the Asia Society on September 24 in New York.^[80] The band also announced that it will release an album to mark two decades of Junoon. The album will be featuring Strings, Bilal Khan, Outlandish, Aag, Usman Riaz and Laal’s Taimur Rahman.^[80] Shoaib Mansoor will be writing lyrics for the band's anniversary album.^[81]

Music

Language

On their debut album Junoon and their second album Talaash, songs were written in both the English and Urdu languages, but since then the band has only written songs in Urdu, with the only exceptions being "No More" from the live album Junoon for Peace and the single "Piya (Ocean of Love)", which is a duet with Morten Harket of A-ha. The soundtrack album Rock & Roll Jihad released in 2010 contain five tracks written in English by Salman Ahmad.

Influence

Salman Ahmad, writer of most of the band's lyrics and music scores, says that he gets most of his inspiration for Junoon's songs from Led Zeppelin and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan music.^[2] Songs like "Lal Meri Pat" (from Azadi), "Dharti" (from Andaz) and "Mera Mahi" (from Inquilaab) are some examples of this influence. Other songs, such as "Garaj Baras" and "Taara Jala" (from Dewaar) have elements of hard rock,^[82] and some others, like "Yaar Bina" (from Azadi), "Zamane Ke Andaz" (from Andaz) and the album Parvaaz have elements of classical music. Bands stated as influence include Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, U2, Bee Gees, A-ha and Queen.^[2]

Poetry by famous poets like Maulana Rumi, Allama Iqbal and Bulleh Shah are also a big influence on Junoon's music.^[83][84] The album Parvaaz is a tribute album to Bulleh Shah and is mostly based on Bulleh Shah's poetry. The songs "Zamane Ke Andaz", from the album Andaz, and "Khudi", from the album Azadi, are poems by Allama Iqbal.

On the other hand, Junoon has also been noted as a source of inspiration for other bands. Atif Aslam, former lead vocalist of rock band Jal, has done many covers of Junoon's music, most notably "Dosti" of which a video was also released.^[85] Atif Aslam also acknowledged that Junoon had greatly inspired him. Goher Mumtaz, lead guitarist of Jal, has also shown fondness for Junoon and acknowledged that some early work of the band has inspired him.^[86] In an interview, internationally acclaimed pop rock band Strings have acknowledged that Junoon has been influential to the band for making a comeback in the local music industry in 2000.^[87][88] In 2007, Strings performed a cover of Junoon's single version of "Lal Meri Pat" at Oslo Mela.^[89] Underground local band, Jumbo Jutt paid tribute to Junoon by covering their single "Sajna".^[90] Pakistani rock band Call performed a live session cover of Junoon's hit song "Bulleya" on Indus Music.^[91] Indian singer Harshdeep Kaur have covered Junoon's single "Saeein" in many live performances.^[92] The instrumental song "Aap Aur Hum" (also known as "Jugalbandi", from Talaash) was covered by American rock band Black Clover Leaf, adding vocals to the instrumental and releasing it on their self-titled debut album as "Breathe", in 2009.^[93]

Musical style

Junoon performs a blend of western music and classical eastern poetry. Junoon aimed to combine loud guitar riffs with the tranquility of sufi poetry by the likes of Maulana Rumi, Shah Hussain, Bulleh Shah and Allama Iqbal.^[2] Their music has been based on worldly issues and to have peace in the world. Their music has been one major force which has truly kept the national spirits high amidst the prevailing social woes which have surely worsened in the last three decades. Songs like "Jazba-e-Junoon", "Talaash", "Main Kaun Hoon" and "Sayonee" are examples. Their music has been captivating to the Pakistani youth for over ten years and have been the only saving grace of Pakistani music internationally after the departure of groups like Vital Signs and Nazia and Zoheb.^[94] Junoon's music has also been compared by some critics with the likes of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Lata Mangeshkar.

While the music of Junoon is centered around a male lead singer, the band has also featured some female vocals on their albums ever since their self-titled debut release Junoon. Since the release of their third studio album Inquilaab the band's music has been based on classical eastern poetry blending with western music. Their seventh studio album Dewaar featured elements of hard rock music with songs like "Garaj Baras" and "Dewaar".^[95]

Live performances

As the band started to gain success after the release of their third studio album Inquilaab, Junoon went on their first full scale tour of the United States, performing from Birmingham, Alabama, to Los Angeles where the appeared at the House of Blues^[8] and from there to New York's Roosevelt Hotel, which featured in Newsweek Magazine.

Junoon performing live at the Channel V Music Awards in 1998.

During the tour to India in 1997, Junoon saw crowds of as many as of 50,000 fans at different venues. The band was courted for a controversy during their tour to India by the Pakistani government. The Indian government was testing nuclear devices at that time, and Salman Ahmad suggested that the Indian and Pakistani leaders should spend more on education and health and less on weapons. This led to a prolonged ban on Junoon's music by the Pakistani government. PTV, the Pakistan state television, refused to show the audience even clips from Junoon releases.

Junoon also became the first band ever to perform at an UN conference when they performed their Millennium Peace concert held in Paris, France. For their performances they were presented with an award, "Outstanding Achievements in Music and Peace", by UNESCO.

One of the most popular concerts that Junoon performed was their tour to Denmark and Europe in 2000-2001. This tour played a pivotal role in increasing Junoon's international popularity and standing and in spreading awareness about Pakistani music. During their tour to Denmark they became the first Asian band to perform at the Roskilde Festival along with many well known bands and musicians like Pearl Jam, Iron Maiden, The Cure, Queensrÿche and many other well known artists from around the world. On September 5, 2001, Junoon performed in Norway with Morten Harket of A-ha as they performed a duet, "Piya (Ocean of Love)", at the Oslo Spektrum which attracted a crowd of about 3000 people.

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Junoon

Junoon won the "Best International Group" award at the Channel V Awards in 1998. Junoon have received one nominee from the Lux Style Awards and ARY The Musik Awards^[96] but has not received an award; Junoon already won awards from Indus Music Awards^[97][98] and from ARY Asian/Bollywood Awards. Junoon has also been awarded several awards for their contribution towards peace and South East culture by BBC, UNESCO^[99] and South Asian Journalists Association.^[100]

Discography

Main articles: Junoon discography and List of Junoon songs

Studio albums

• Junoon (1991)
• Talaash (1993)
• Inquilaab (1996)
• Azadi (1997)
• Parvaaz (1999)
• Andaz (2001)
• Dewaar (2003)

Band members

For more details on this topic, see List of Junoon band members.

Current members

• Salman Ahmad - vocals, lead guitar (1990–present)
• Brian O'Connell – bass guitar, backing vocals (1992–2003, 2011–present)

Former members

• Nusrat Hussain – keyboard (1990–1992)
• Ali Azmat – vocals, backing vocals, Rhythm guitar (1990–2005)

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Junoon Biography & Awards Retrieved on May 18, 2009
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i} Salman Ahmad – Interview Retrieved on June 05, 2009
3. ^ Junoon featuring Salman Ahmad: The U2 of the Muslim World Retrieved on 30 May 2010
4. ^ Salman Ahmad Talks “Rock and Roll Jihad” in New York City Retrieved on July 25, 2010.
5. ^ A Rock and Roll Jihad for the Soul of Pakistan. Huffington Post
6. ^ The Pluralism Project at Harvard University: Salman Ahmed Brings Sufi-Rock, Political Message to Harvard (Massachusetts)
7. ^ A band is dead. Long live music!', Retrieved on 26 December 2006.
8. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k} Junoon - Biography Retrieved on May 30, 2010
9. ^ ‘Prof. Rock Star’ Urges Muslim Students in Queens to Rock Out Retrieved on July 25, 2010
10. ^ Vital Signs: A Personal History Retrieved on August 13, 2010
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24. ^ Roskilde Festival 2000 Retrieved on April 30, 2011.
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26. ^ Morten guest artist with the Pakistani band Junoon Retrieved on July 16, 2010.
27. ^ Junoon Rehearsing with Morten for concert on September 5th in Oslo Retrieved on July 16, 2010.
28. ^ Morten Harket Side Projects Retrieved on July 16, 2010.
29. ^ Musical bridge in Oslo Retrieved on July 16, 2010.
30. ^ 'VH1 News Special: Islamabad Rock City' Retrieved on July 21, 2010.
31. ^ Islamabad: Rock City (2001) Retrieved on July 21, 2010.
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34. ^ "Junoon Rocks for Peace". Junoon.com. http://www.junoon.com/articles/art_09.html. Retrieved 2009-06-05. 
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36. ^ Band Fights Extremism Retrieved on May 18, 2009
37. ^ Evaluation - Daur-e-Junoon Retrieved on July 27, 2010
38. ^ "Wide Angle" The Rock Star and the Mullas (2003) Retrieved on July 16, 2010.
39. ^ The Rock Star & The Mullahs Retrieved on July 16, 2010.
40. ^ Dewaar Review Retrieved on May 18, 2009
41. ^ Back to Junooni style Retrieved on April 17, 2011.
42. ^ Paap Soundtrack Review Retrieved on July 16, 2010.
43. ^ [1] Retrieved on March 20, 2010
44. ^ My Position in Junoon is Temporarily Non-existent Retrieved on July 27, 2010.
45. ^ It's My Country Too Retrieved on July 27, 2010
46. ^ Ali Azmat Explains Going Solo Retrieved on April 19, 2011.
47. ^ Social Circus Review Retrieved on July 25, 2010.
48. ^ Social Animal Retrieved on July 25, 2010.
49. ^ Social Circus: Ali Azmat launches first solo album Retrieved on April 17, 2011.
50. ^ Junoon splitting Retrieved on May 18, 2009.
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55. ^ Coke Studio Season One Episode 1 Retrieved on June 8, 2008.
56. ^ Ali Azmat - Klashinfolk Retrieved on July 16, 2010.
57. ^ Klashinfolk the second coming of Ali Azmat Retrieved on July 25, 2010.
58. ^ Ring the Bells by Melissa Etheridge and Salman Ahmad, Retrieved on 29 September 2010.
59. ^ Concert for Pakistan: Another Crazy Night for Junoon Retrieved on November 3, 2009
60. ^ Gavin Rossdale at the UN 09-12-09, All Along The Watchtower (cover) Retrieved on March 16, 2011
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62. ^ Rock & Roll Jihad A Muslim Rock Star's Revolution, Retrieved on 14 March 2010.
63. ^ Salman Ahmad on Good Day LA Retrieved on July 25, 2010.
64. ^ Salman Ahmad: opening doors, and minds, through music Retrieved on July 26, 2010.
65. ^ Salman Ahmad, musician and campaigner Retrieved on July 26, 2010.
66. ^ Salman Ahmad latest interview for Rolling Stone Retrieved on August 4, 2010.
67. ^ Rocker Salman Ahmad plans Pakistan flood victims song Retrieved on August 18, 2010.
68. ^ Salman Ahmad (Junoon) to collaborate with Peter Gabriel on ‘Khwab’ Retrieved on August 28, 2010.
69. ^ Pakistan Aid Salman Ahmad on Dutch TV Retrieved on September 10, 2010.
70. ^ Alison Sudol to sing a Sufi inspired melody on ‘Pakistan Hamara’ Retrieved on September 4, 2010.
71. ^ Meet Salman Ahmed, Rock and Roll Jihadi Retrieved on October 4, 2010.
72. ^ Peter Gabriel records song for Pakistan Retrieved on November 18, 2010.
73. ^ Salman Ahmad releases song for flood relief Retrieved on October 29, 2010.
74. ^ Peter Gabriel Offered Salman Ahmad To Record Complete Album Retrieved on December 10, 2010.
75. ^ Salman Ahmad collaborating with American artist & producer David Siskovic Retrieved on November 30, 2010.
76. ^ The Unity of Purpose WC Unity Jam: Song for Pak Cricket Team Retrieved on March 16, 2011
77. ^ World music, Sufi rock superstars Junoon perform live in concert Retrieved on March 19, 2011
78. ^ Pakistan Hai Humara ft. Peter Gabriel (Music video) Retrieved on March 24, 2011
79. ^ Pakistan Hai Hamara by Salman Ahmad feat. Peter Gabriel Retrieved on March 24, 2011
80. ^ ^{a b c d} 20 years of Junoon Retrieved on 12 August 2011
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89. ^ Strings - Lal Meri Pat Retrieved on April 30, 2011.
90. ^ Jumbo Jutt: Sajna (Cover) Retrieved on March 4, 2011
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Bibliography

Published sources Boston Globe, May 2, 2002, p. B1. Herald, May 2003. Journal News (Westchester, NY), June 30, 2001, p. B3. Los Angeles Times, August 7, 1998, p. 6. San Francisco Chronicle, February 10, 2003, p. A1. Seattle Times, May 2, 2002, p. F3

Literature Ahmad, Salman (2010). Rock & Roll Jihad: A Muslim Rock Star's Revolution. United States: Free Press. ISBN 9978-1416597674.

External links

• Official Website
• Official Forums
• Junoon at the Open Directory Project