Junoon !!!

A brief history of Junoon.

Junoon meaning obsession and passion is a rock band from Pakistan. Probably South Asia's biggest rock band, Junoon consists of three leading artists: Salman Ahmad the lead guitarist and composer, Ali Azmat, lead vocalist and Brian O'Connel who plays bass guitar. The band mostly sing in the language of Urdu and Punjabi, in style of blending Western rock, using soaring guitar riffs to deliver a Sufi message of mystic harmony.

Forget about limousines, body guards and backstage buffets; for these stars, rock and roll is a 'Do It Yourself' business. They have also attracted controversy, for converting sufi religious texts into songs, and calling for peace between Pakistan and India. When the members of Junoon hit the stage, there is no shortage of showbiz talent! In their more than a decade together, the group has lived up to its name. They have gathered a faithful flock of devoted fans known as 'Junoonis' around the whole universe!

Junoon's music is hard to define. Members themselves say that they're influenced by everything from Led Zeppelin, Santana and Queen, right through to traditional punjabi folk melodies and sufi poetry. Trace inducing rhythms are created, supported by modern drums, and traditional dholaks, tablas and tambourines.

In 1998, Junoon struck a sour note with the authorities by saying that Pakistan and India should work together to solve their problems. At the time Pakistan and India were testing nuclear weapons, raising fears of a regional arms race, Junoon had been on a sellout concert tour of India, and told fans there that the 2 sides should give peace a chance. It was for this comment that the authorities turned against them, just because they were trying to promote peace and harmony in the world. Junoon is a staunch believer of the Eternal Eternity!

The seeds of Junoon were laid when Salman Ahmad was a teenager. His enchantment with eastern musical styles fused with his passion for the sound of the electric guitar led him to dream of a unique new sound which begged to be heard. That dream began to be realized in 1990 when Salman joined Ali Azmat, a young raw vocalist who'd had some degree of success with the Jupiters.

The two of them formed Junoon on the premise that they would expand the horizons of the fledgling music scene. They later asked Nusrat Hussain, a pilot, to join them as a part time member. The story of the way Junoon found it's name is an interesting one : It happened in a dream! Salman dreamt one night that an old man came to him and declared: "Thumhe mauseeqi ka junoon hai.." (You have obsession for music). When Salman suggested "Junoon" as a possible name for the group, Ali & Nusrat agreed immediately. Nusrat Hussain was later replaced by a professional and a great musician from the U.S.A, Brian O' Connell. Brian O' Connel has been in Pakistan and has been with the band officially since 1988, and now calls Pakistan 'Home'.

From then on, with Ali Azmat's powerful and versatile singing and Salman Ahmad's flashy guitar ruffs, alongwith the anchoring of Brian O' Connell, Pakistan was introduced to its first taste of home grown rock'n'roll. Junoon was born! Long live the passion, Long live the Junoon !!!

Junoon has won numerous awards, like the Channel V Best International Band Award. Their latest success is the achievement of the 'Best Band Award' of Indus TV Network Awards, held in Lahore in the year 2004. Junoon surely is the best rock band in the whole universe!!!

Brian O' Connell is currently not performing with the band due to some personal reasons. We pray to the Almighty to make Brian win every challenge which he faces in his Eternity, and hope to see him with the band soon! As for the present, Mr. Mekaal Hasan is now working with the band as a guest member on Electric Bass. Mr. John Alec Raubeson is also performing with the band on bass.

The UN Goodwill Ambassador for the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign in Pakistan, and Pakistan's best and most influential guitarist, Salman says, "I am just the guitarist!".

The most popular American in Pakistan, Brian has made his home in Karachi. Strumming his acoustic on the shores of the Arabian Sea, he loves to spend time with his daughters and fooling around with his computer.

With the success of "Garaj Baras" as part of a Bollywood soundtrack album, Ali's status as a songwriter has been confirmed. Ali shines now with his vocals and his new gems "Taara Jala" and "Sapnay". With offers to act in Indian movies, who knows what Pakistan's # 1 Bad Boy will be up to next!