Junoon (Urdu: جنون)
(meaning "obsession" in Urdu and "madness" in Arabic) is one of
Pakistan's most popular Rock bands, based out of Karachi. It was
formed in 1990 by guitarist/songwriter/medical doctor Salman Ahmad.
History
Though the band's first album, the self titled "Junoon" barely made
a dent in the Pakistani music industry, their second album "Talaash"
(The Quest) began creating a cult following for Junoon.
It was only after their 1995 release of their third album "Inquilaab"
(Revolution), that Junoon developed a nationwide fan following,
blending rock guitars and bluesy vocals with eastern elements like
the use of tablas (traditional south Asian hand drums),
raga-inspired melodies, traditional Pakistani folk music, and
Eastern inspired poetry.
The band were one of the first bands in Pakistan to insist on
playing live music where most music was sampled and programmed synth
pop. Heavily influenced by rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Junoon
aimed at combining loud guitar riffs with the tranquility of sufi
poetry by the likes of Maulana Rumi, Allama Iqbal and Baba Bulleh
Shah.
Success didn't come easy to Junoon as they tried to defy traditions
in a conservative country like Pakistan. Their politically
influenced songs were often subject to censorship, which led to
their eventual ban from all state run television and radio during
the rule of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
In 1997, the band took both Pakistan and India by storm with their
hit single "Sayonee" which was part of their tremendously successful
fourth studio album "Azadi" (Freedom) released by EMI. In 1999,
Junoon released their fifth studio album "Parvaaz" (The Flight),
which was based mostly on the poetry of Baba Bulleh Shah. "Parvaaz"
was recorded and mixed at Abbey Road Studios in London and was
hailed by critics as Junoon's finest work to date. Junoon won the
award of "Best International Group" at the Channel V Music Awards in
New Delhi, India in November 1999, where Sting, Def Leppard, and
Prodigy performed with Junoon.
UNESCO invited Junoon to perform at their Millennium Peace concert
in 1999 in Paris. The synergy created by Junoon aimed at peace, was
an inspiration to all those present, which included renowned
legendary artists like Lionel Richie, Dr. K.J. Yesudas, Ray Charles,
Montserrat Caballé and Zubin Mehta conducting the Moscow
Philharmonic Orchestra. Actors Gregory Peck, Sidney Poitier, and
Peter Ustinov were the masters of ceremony. Dignitaries from around
the world, including the heads of the European union and the
ambassadors from 170 countries attended this global event.
Compilation albums of the bands music and videos were released in
2000 (Junoon 1990-2000). Junoon released "Ishq" in 2001 and "Dewaar"
in 2003 . Salman Ahmad was appointed Goodwill Ambassador by the
United Nations, attending a Special Session of the UN General
Assembly. Following the 9/11 attacks, Junoon helped to organise a
concert at the General Assembly on UN Day with Junoon and an Indian
group performing at the Assembly Hall, a first of its kind. They
also released their what they called their first English-language
single, "No More" - an anti-violence song which deals directly with
the events of that day. However, before "No More" they had released
English songs in their first two albums, including "Our Land", "Lady
Magic", "Downtown Princes", "Game Of Chance". The song "No More" is
the first English song for which Junoon made a video.
Junoon has been the most successful Pakistani group in history,
having toured extensively around the planet, including at the
renowned European rock festival, Roskilde in June 2000, where Pearl
Jam, Iron Maiden, Travis, Queensrÿche, and over 200 other world
famous artists performed. The band has been across Asia, Europe,
North America, the Middle East, and performed for kings, queens,
presidents and prime ministers across the globe.
Junoon's track "Garaj Baras" was selected as part of a Bollywood
movie soundtrack in 2003 for the Pooja Bhatt film Paap. The song
topped the charts again in that country in 2004 . The band's
controversial single "Pappu Yaar" again shot to the #1 spot in
Pakistan.
In 2005, Brian O'Connell returned to his native New York. Pakistani
musician Mekaal Hasan and the band's producer John Alec have been
playing bass guitar for live shows in his place. A reunion concert
took place in Dubai, UAE in March 2006.
Both band members Ali Azmat and Salman Ahmad have released their
debut solo albums.
In September 2007, Junoon released three albums (Parvaaz, Infiniti,
and Azadi) with Magnatune.
Members
Salman Ahmad (Guitar/Songwriter)
* Founder of the band
* Song Writer/Leader/Lyricist/Guitarist/Pianist/Composer/Co-Producer
of the band
* Previously was in Vital Signs, Eclipse, Eastern Winds, The
Doctor's League (pop band)
* Brought up in Rockland County, New York.
* Appeared in the VH1 News Special Islamabad Rock City, a
rockumentary on Junoon hosted by Susan Sarandon
* Appeared in the PBS/BBC documentary The Rockstar and the Mullahs
in 2003.
* Appeared in the PBS/BBC documentary It's My Country Too in 2005.
* UN Goodwill Ambassador for HIV/Aids
* Made two appearances on Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher in
2001.
* Currently teaches a course on Islamic Music at the City University
of New York's Queens College campus and is involved with QC
professor Dr. Mark Rosenblum's efforts to bring Jewish and Muslim
students together through shared cultural and musical experiences.
* Performed at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies in 2008, headlining
the event with famous stars such as Kylie Minogue, Annie Lennox,
Umma Thurman and Kevin Spacey.
Ali Azmat (Lead Vocalist)
* Previously was in Jupiters.
* An icon of angry youth, he commands a wide range of vocals.
Brian O'Connell (Bass)
* A U.S. citizen by origin who eventually called Pakistan his
home[citation needed].
* Was friends with Salman Ahmad long before Junoon was formed.
* Joined the band during the second album Talaash in 1992.
* Responsible for harmonizing the western 5-string bass riffs with
the traditional tabla and drums.
* Was married toPakistani actress and model Ayeshah Alam
Shehryar Ahmad (Band Manager)
* Pakistani-American, born in London, England
* Attended University of California, Los Angeles
* Trained as an investment banker with JP Morgan at their 23 Wall
Street office
* Designed www.junoon.com as the first Pakistani music
website[citation needed]
* Joined the band to release the Azadi album, negotiating the band's
first international record deal with EMI World.
* Arranged Junoon's first international tour of the US, UK, Europe,
the Middle East, Japan, China and India.
* Negotiated largest endorsement contract with Coke in 2003.
* Announced departure from the band in 2005 to join BMA Capital, an
investment bank.
John Alec (Producer/Bassist)
* Mixed and produced Azadi, Parvaaz, Ishq, Daur-e-Junoon, and Deewar
* Childhood friend of founder Salman Ahmad
* Owns J.A. Studios in New York
* Started playing bass for Junoon after Brian's departure from the
band
Nusrat Hussain (Keyboards)
* Was previously with the band Vital Signs.
* Was part of Junoon only during the debut album.
* Was the voice behind the first composition and hit 'Khawab'.
* Went on to release a solo album in 1992.
* Is a pilot for Pakistan International Airlines.
Malcolm Goveas (Drums)
* An early member of Junoon.
* Left the band in 1999 to move to Canada.
* 1st live drummer used on a Pakistani album, Inquilaab (the drum
machine was used previously).
* Among all the live performances, his most notable was the one in
Central Park, NY.
(meaning "obsession" in Urdu and "madness" in Arabic) is one of
Pakistan's most popular Rock bands, based out of Karachi. It was
formed in 1990 by guitarist/songwriter/medical doctor Salman Ahmad.
History
Though the band's first album, the self titled "Junoon" barely made
a dent in the Pakistani music industry, their second album "Talaash"
(The Quest) began creating a cult following for Junoon.
It was only after their 1995 release of their third album "Inquilaab"
(Revolution), that Junoon developed a nationwide fan following,
blending rock guitars and bluesy vocals with eastern elements like
the use of tablas (traditional south Asian hand drums),
raga-inspired melodies, traditional Pakistani folk music, and
Eastern inspired poetry.
The band were one of the first bands in Pakistan to insist on
playing live music where most music was sampled and programmed synth
pop. Heavily influenced by rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Junoon
aimed at combining loud guitar riffs with the tranquility of sufi
poetry by the likes of Maulana Rumi, Allama Iqbal and Baba Bulleh
Shah.
Success didn't come easy to Junoon as they tried to defy traditions
in a conservative country like Pakistan. Their politically
influenced songs were often subject to censorship, which led to
their eventual ban from all state run television and radio during
the rule of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
In 1997, the band took both Pakistan and India by storm with their
hit single "Sayonee" which was part of their tremendously successful
fourth studio album "Azadi" (Freedom) released by EMI. In 1999,
Junoon released their fifth studio album "Parvaaz" (The Flight),
which was based mostly on the poetry of Baba Bulleh Shah. "Parvaaz"
was recorded and mixed at Abbey Road Studios in London and was
hailed by critics as Junoon's finest work to date. Junoon won the
award of "Best International Group" at the Channel V Music Awards in
New Delhi, India in November 1999, where Sting, Def Leppard, and
Prodigy performed with Junoon.
UNESCO invited Junoon to perform at their Millennium Peace concert
in 1999 in Paris. The synergy created by Junoon aimed at peace, was
an inspiration to all those present, which included renowned
legendary artists like Lionel Richie, Dr. K.J. Yesudas, Ray Charles,
Montserrat Caballé and Zubin Mehta conducting the Moscow
Philharmonic Orchestra. Actors Gregory Peck, Sidney Poitier, and
Peter Ustinov were the masters of ceremony. Dignitaries from around
the world, including the heads of the European union and the
ambassadors from 170 countries attended this global event.
Compilation albums of the bands music and videos were released in
2000 (Junoon 1990-2000). Junoon released "Ishq" in 2001 and "Dewaar"
in 2003 . Salman Ahmad was appointed Goodwill Ambassador by the
United Nations, attending a Special Session of the UN General
Assembly. Following the 9/11 attacks, Junoon helped to organise a
concert at the General Assembly on UN Day with Junoon and an Indian
group performing at the Assembly Hall, a first of its kind. They
also released their what they called their first English-language
single, "No More" - an anti-violence song which deals directly with
the events of that day. However, before "No More" they had released
English songs in their first two albums, including "Our Land", "Lady
Magic", "Downtown Princes", "Game Of Chance". The song "No More" is
the first English song for which Junoon made a video.
Junoon has been the most successful Pakistani group in history,
having toured extensively around the planet, including at the
renowned European rock festival, Roskilde in June 2000, where Pearl
Jam, Iron Maiden, Travis, Queensrÿche, and over 200 other world
famous artists performed. The band has been across Asia, Europe,
North America, the Middle East, and performed for kings, queens,
presidents and prime ministers across the globe.
Junoon's track "Garaj Baras" was selected as part of a Bollywood
movie soundtrack in 2003 for the Pooja Bhatt film Paap. The song
topped the charts again in that country in 2004 . The band's
controversial single "Pappu Yaar" again shot to the #1 spot in
Pakistan.
In 2005, Brian O'Connell returned to his native New York. Pakistani
musician Mekaal Hasan and the band's producer John Alec have been
playing bass guitar for live shows in his place. A reunion concert
took place in Dubai, UAE in March 2006.
Both band members Ali Azmat and Salman Ahmad have released their
debut solo albums.
In September 2007, Junoon released three albums (Parvaaz, Infiniti,
and Azadi) with Magnatune.
Members
Salman Ahmad (Guitar/Songwriter)
* Founder of the band
* Song Writer/Leader/Lyricist/Guitarist/Pianist/Composer/Co-Producer
of the band
* Previously was in Vital Signs, Eclipse, Eastern Winds, The
Doctor's League (pop band)
* Brought up in Rockland County, New York.
* Appeared in the VH1 News Special Islamabad Rock City, a
rockumentary on Junoon hosted by Susan Sarandon
* Appeared in the PBS/BBC documentary The Rockstar and the Mullahs
in 2003.
* Appeared in the PBS/BBC documentary It's My Country Too in 2005.
* UN Goodwill Ambassador for HIV/Aids
* Made two appearances on Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher in
2001.
* Currently teaches a course on Islamic Music at the City University
of New York's Queens College campus and is involved with QC
professor Dr. Mark Rosenblum's efforts to bring Jewish and Muslim
students together through shared cultural and musical experiences.
* Performed at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies in 2008, headlining
the event with famous stars such as Kylie Minogue, Annie Lennox,
Umma Thurman and Kevin Spacey.
Ali Azmat (Lead Vocalist)
* Previously was in Jupiters.
* An icon of angry youth, he commands a wide range of vocals.
Brian O'Connell (Bass)
* A U.S. citizen by origin who eventually called Pakistan his
home[citation needed].
* Was friends with Salman Ahmad long before Junoon was formed.
* Joined the band during the second album Talaash in 1992.
* Responsible for harmonizing the western 5-string bass riffs with
the traditional tabla and drums.
* Was married toPakistani actress and model Ayeshah Alam
Shehryar Ahmad (Band Manager)
* Pakistani-American, born in London, England
* Attended University of California, Los Angeles
* Trained as an investment banker with JP Morgan at their 23 Wall
Street office
* Designed www.junoon.com as the first Pakistani music
website[citation needed]
* Joined the band to release the Azadi album, negotiating the band's
first international record deal with EMI World.
* Arranged Junoon's first international tour of the US, UK, Europe,
the Middle East, Japan, China and India.
* Negotiated largest endorsement contract with Coke in 2003.
* Announced departure from the band in 2005 to join BMA Capital, an
investment bank.
John Alec (Producer/Bassist)
* Mixed and produced Azadi, Parvaaz, Ishq, Daur-e-Junoon, and Deewar
* Childhood friend of founder Salman Ahmad
* Owns J.A. Studios in New York
* Started playing bass for Junoon after Brian's departure from the
band
Nusrat Hussain (Keyboards)
* Was previously with the band Vital Signs.
* Was part of Junoon only during the debut album.
* Was the voice behind the first composition and hit 'Khawab'.
* Went on to release a solo album in 1992.
* Is a pilot for Pakistan International Airlines.
Malcolm Goveas (Drums)
* An early member of Junoon.
* Left the band in 1999 to move to Canada.
* 1st live drummer used on a Pakistani album, Inquilaab (the drum
machine was used previously).
* Among all the live performances, his most notable was the one in
Central Park, NY.
Album:
Junoon - Deewar
01-TAARA
JALA.MP3
02-PAPPU
YAR.MP3
03-GHOOM
TAANA.MP3
04-DEWAAR.MP3
05-MAZA
ZINDAGI KA.MP3
06-KHWAB
2003.MP3
07-GARAJ
BARAS.MP3
08-BAARISH.MP3
09-HUNGAMA.MP3
10-SAPNE.MP3
11-JHULLE
LAL.MP3
12-BALAMA.MP3
13 Ghoom
Tana (Remix).mp3
Album:
Junoon - Pervaaz
01.
Bulleya.wma
02. Pyaar
Bina.wma
03.
Sanwal.wma
04.
Mitti.wma
05.
Ghoom.wma
06.
Sajna.wma
07. Ronde
naina.wma
08. Ab To
Jaag.wma
09.
Aleph.wma
10.
Bulleya(reprise).wma
Album:
Junoon - Aazadi
Wahda
Hoo.wma
Kyun
Parishan.wma
Mahiwal.wma
Kisne
Suna.wma
Lal Meri
Pat.wma
Dil Nahin
Lag Raha.wma
Loishay.wma
Saeein.wma
Album:
Junoon - Album 1
02 - Chori
Chori.wma
03 - Neend
Aati nahin.wma
04 -
Jeeain.wma
05 -
Heer.wma
06 -
Jogia.wma
07 -
Khwab.wma
08 - Merey
Paas Aja.wma
09 - You
Never Give me your Love.wma
10 -
Rangon Mein Khoya.wma
11 - A
Game of Chance.wma
12 -
Sunn.wma
13 - Down
Town Princess.wma
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