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; Brian O'Connell, Ali Azmat and Salman Ahmad.
Background information
OriginLahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Genres
Sufi rock, psychedelic rock, hard rock, heavy metal
Years active1990–present
LabelsSadaf Stereo, EMI Records, Lips Music, Universal Music
Members
Past members

Junoon (Urdu: جنون transl. Obsession/Passion) is a Pakistani sufi rock band from Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, and Tappan, New York, formed in 1990.[1][2][3]

The band is directed by founder, lead guitarist and songwriter, Salman Ahmad, who was soon joined by keyboardist Nusrat Hussain, bass guitarist Brian O'Connell and vocalist Ali Azmat.[4] Junoon is Pakistan's and one of South Asia's most successful bands.[5] Since their inception, the group has released a total of nineteen albums: seven studio albums; one soundtrack; two live albums; four video albums; and five compilations.[6] They have sold over 30 million records worldwide.[7][8]

Pioneers of Sufi rock with an original sound,[9][10] 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.[4] 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.[4] 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 neighbouring 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. Junoon celebrated their 25th anniversary[11] by releasing their eighth studio album titled Door in 2016.[12]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference NYT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Newsweek was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Sally Quinnn (14 March 2010). "Salman Ahmad, lead singer of Pakistani band Junoon, talks Sufism, jihad and peace". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Junoon-Interview was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Junoon featuring Salman Ahmad: The U2 of the Muslim World
  6. ^ Salman Ahmad Talks “Rock and Roll Jihad” in New York City Archived 15 December 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ Sharma, Purnima (5 June 2010). "Salman Ahmad: From Junoon to Rock and Roll Jihad". Times of India. Archived from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  8. ^ "Salman Ahmad – Junoon Band". Indo-American Arts Council.
  9. ^ A Rock and Roll Jihad for the Soul of Pakistan. Huffington Post
  10. ^ "Salman Ahmed Brings Sufi-Rock, Political Message to Harvard – The Pluralism Project". pluralism.org. Archived from the original on 19 October 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  11. ^ Taazi (2 December 2016). "Junoon's new album 'DOOR' is going to send you in a state of ecstasy!". Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  12. ^ "Door by Junoon". iTunes. 16 December 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2018.