the pioneers

Description

Junoon (Urdu: جنون, literal English translation: "obsession/passion") was a sufi rock band from Lahore, Pakistan, formed in 1990 by songwriter/guitarist Salman Ahmad, vocalist Ali Azmat, who were soon joined by keyboardist Nusrat Hussain. Junoon was Pakistan's most successful band and were regarded as the pioneers of sufi rock music (influenced by Sufism - a mystic, devotional tradition within Islam).[1] Q magazine calls them "One of the biggest bands in the world". They sing mostly in the language of Urdu, in a style blending Western hard rock with Sindhi and Punjabi folk and Qawwali. Junoon, in effect, had to create an audience for rock music in Pakistan. "The band's appeal reaches beyond the Westernised elite", says Newsweek. The New York Times called Junoon as "the U2 of Pakistan". In a preview to Junoon's performance at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, the L.A. Times says Junoon's "ability to captivate audiences" is "inspiring Beatles-like reactions". Studio albums * 1991: Junoon * 1993: Talaash * 1996: Inquilaab * 1997: Azadi * 1999: Parvaaz * 2001: Ishq * 2003: Dewaar Live albums * 2001: Junoon for Peace * 2002: Daur-e-Junoon Compilation albums * 1995: Kashmakash * 2000: Millennium 1990-2000 * 2004: Dewaar: The Best of Junoon Television Series * 1992: Talaash Videos * 2000: The Videos 1990-2000 * 2001: United for Peace * 2004: Ghoom Taana [edit] Band members Main article: List of Junoon band members Final lineup * Salman Ahmad vocals, lead guitar (19902005) * Ali Azmat vocals, backing vocals (19902005) * Brian O'Connell bass guitar, backing vocals (19922005) Former * Nusrat Hussain keyboard (19901992)