Junoon (band)

Junoon

Company type	Music band
Industry	Music
Founded	1990
Founder	Salman Ahmad
Headquarters	Lahore, Punjab; Tappan, New York , Pakistan; United States
Area served	Pakistan, South Asia, International
Key people	Salman Ahmad (lead guitarist and songwriter), Nusrat Hussain (keyboardist), Brian O'Connell (bassist), Ali Azmat (vocalist)
Products	Albums, live recordings, video albums, compilation collections

Junoon ( ) is a Pakistani sufi rock ensemble established in 1990, with roots in both Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan and Tappan, New York. The band was initiated by lead guitarist and songwriter Salman Ahmad, who was soon joined by keyboardist Nusrat Hussain, bassist Brian O'Connell, and vocalist Ali Azmat. Recognized as one of the most prominent bands in Pakistan and South Asia, they have produced a total of nineteen albums, including seven studio releases, one soundtrack, two live recordings, four video albums, and five compilation collections, with global sales exceeding 30 million copies.

As trailblazers of Sufi rock characterized by a unique auditory style, Junoon achieved early acclaim during the 1990s. Their debut album Junoon, released in 1991 under the major label EMI Records, marked their entry into the music scene. Following Nusrat Hussain’s departure, Brian O'Connell joined the group for their 1993 album Talaash, which began cultivating a dedicated fanbase. The band’s 1996 release Inquilaab broadened their appeal across Pakistan by integrating rock guitar riffs and soulful vocals with traditional Eastern instruments such as the tabla and melodies influenced by raga. Their 1997 album Azadi signified their first international contract and debut launch in India. Later works include Parvaaz (1999), Andaz (2001), and Dewaar (2003), all supported by extensive touring. Junoon commemorated their 25 years with the release of their eighth studio album, Door, in 2016.

Formative period (1980 – 1989)

The beginnings of Junoon can be traced back to the 1970s in Tappan, New York. At age eleven, Salman Ahmad relocated from Lahore, Pakistan, to New York City, where his interest in rock music was sparked after attending a Led Zeppelin performance. He invested $235 to purchase an electric guitar and formed his initial band called "Eclipse" alongside Brian O'Connell. Ahmad returned to Pakistan in 1981 to pursue medical studies at Lahore’s King Edward Medical College.

In 1987, after Nusrat Hussain departed from the band Vital Signs, he suggested Salman Ahmad as his successor. Vital Signs recorded their first album at EMI Studios in Karachi, with many compositions crafted at Ahmad’s home. The album Vital Signs 1, released in March 1989, achieved nationwide success. Seeking a fresh artistic path, Ahmad exited the band in 1990 and shortly thereafter established his own musical group.

Formation (1990 – 1993)

Junoon came into existence in 1990, founded by Salman Ahmad who was motivated by a dream in which a teacher told him, "Tumhey mousiqui ka Junoon hai!" (You possess an obsession with music!). To complete the lineup for their self-titled debut album, Junoon, Salman brought on board vocalist Ali Azmat from the band Jupiters and former Vital Signs guitarist Nusrat Hussain to handle keyboards. The album was recorded at EMI Studios located in Karachi and released in September 1991, though it achieved only modest commercial success.

Following Hussain's departure to pursue a solo career with his 1992 release Amrit, Salman Ahmad invited Brian O'Connell to join as bassist. O'Connell left his social work profession and traveled to Karachi, reuniting with Ahmad after a decade apart. In 1992, the duo began working on their second album at Sound on Sound studios owned by Tahir Gul Hasan. At the same time, Junoon appeared as themselves in the well-known TV series Talaash, directed by Atiqa Odho and scripted by Anwar Maqsood, which significantly increased their visibility.

Their sophomore album, Talaash, was released on 23 September 1993. The politically charged tracks such as "Talaash" encountered censorship and were ultimately banned, underscoring the band's provocative position within Pakistan's music scene.

Rise to fame (1994 – 1997)

In 1995, Junoon unveiled their first compilation album, Kashmakash, marking a milestone as the first compilation by a Pakistani band. That same year, their manager Shehryar Ahmad launched www.junoon.com, which became Pakistan's pioneering website dedicated to a music group. The single "Ehtesaab" from Kashmakash featured a controversial video depicting a polo pony dining at an upscale restaurant, widely perceived as a critique of Pakistan’s political elite, including former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. As a result, the government prohibited the song and its video from state television broadcasts.

Junoon’s third studio album, Inquilaab, was released in 1996 and recorded at Aamir Hasan Studios. This album combined western musical elements with classical eastern Sufi influences and represented Junoon's major breakthrough. The track "Jazba-e-Junoon" became synonymous with the Cricket World Cup, serving as its anthem.

Capitalizing on this momentum, Junoon embarked on their inaugural extensive US tour in 1997, performing across cities from Birmingham, Alabama to Los Angeles at venues like the House of Blues, as well as at New York’s Roosevelt Hotel. Their performances attracted international media coverage including features in Newsweek. Additionally, they toured Canada and the UAE, broadening their international footprint.

September 1997 saw the release of their fourth studio album, Azadi, under their first global record contract arranged by Shehryar Ahmad with EMI/Virgin Records, which facilitated its launch in India. Within three weeks of release, Azadi sold over one million copies in India and attained platinum certification within a month. The lead single "Sayonee" was accompanied by a music video directed by Pakistani filmmaker Asim Raza.

International Achievements (1998 – 2000)

EMI launched Azadi in India in February 1998. The following month, Junoon was invited by Zee TV to perform at the Zee Cine Awards in Mumbai, where they garnered praise from prominent figures in India's entertainment industry. That year marked Junoon's inaugural tour across India, attracting audiences as large as 100,000 in cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Bangalore, and Delhi. Amid the tour, after India's nuclear tests at Pokhran on 14 May 1998, founder Salman Ahmad used interviews with CNN and BBC to call on leaders to emphasize education and healthcare instead of military armament. This stance resulted in the Pakistani government prohibiting Junoon's live shows and broadcasts, accusing them of sedition—a claim the band refuted by pointing to their history of opposing political corruption.

On 9 August 1998, Junoon performed before an audience exceeding 20,000 at New York's Central Park; this event was recorded and released as "Junoon Live at Central Park: A Tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan". They later appeared at London's BBC Mega Mela, recognized as the largest South Asian festival outside the subcontinent, where they received a "Contribution to Asian Culture" award at the BBC Asian Awards. On 28 November, Junoon earned the "Best International Group" title at the Channel V Music Awards, performing alongside artists such as Sting, The Prodigy, and Def Leppard. The album Azadi was nominated for "Best International Album" and emerged as the top-selling record across Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India that year.

In March 1999, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee invited Junoon to perform during his administration's anniversary celebrations in Delhi. Crossing the Wagah border from Lahore, they performed "Dosti" alongside Indian band Silk Route. Later that year, Junoon released their fifth studio album, Parvaaz, recorded at London's Abbey Road Studios and distributed internationally by EMI. Incorporating poetry by Bulleh Shah, singles such as "Bulleya", "Sajna", "Ghoom", and "Mitti" achieved chart success. Produced by New York-based John Alec, critics hailed it as Junoon’s most accomplished album. UNESCO invited the band to perform at its Millennium Peace concert in Paris, honoring them with an award for "Outstanding Achievements in Music and Peace" alongside artists like Lionel Richie and Zubin Mehta.

In 2000, Junoon issued a compilation album and video collection titled Millennium 1990–2000, featuring hits like "Azadi" and live recordings such as "Allah Hu". Their performances extended to Japan and on 30 June they appeared at Denmark’s Roskilde Festival near Copenhagen—the first Asian band to participate—sharing the lineup with Pearl Jam, Iron Maiden, The Cure, among others. Toward the end of the year, Junoon played in Dubai alongside Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam, attracting nearly 20,000 attendees at an event organized by Oberoi Middle East Events.

Sustained Accomplishments (2001 – 2004)

March 2001 saw the release of Junoon’s sixth studio album, Andaz (known as Ishq in Pakistan), which dominated music charts throughout Pakistan, the Persian Gulf, and South Asia. The lead track "Zamanae Ke Andaz (Saqi-Nama)" achieved No. 1 status in the Persian Gulf region and reached No. 5 on Asian charts. In April, Junoon sold out a concert at London's Wembley Arena and participated in the "United for Gujrat" benefit concert in New Delhi supporting earthquake relief efforts. In June, founder Salman Ahmad was named 'Goodwill Ambassador' for Pakistan by the United Nations. The band also performed at the Celebrate Brooklyn festival and venues across Chicago. September featured a collaboration with Norwegian artist Morten Harket of A-ha, performing a duet titled "Piya (Ocean of Love)". They additionally held a peace concert in China.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, Junoon embarked on a series of peace concerts across U.S. universities and high schools. On 9 October, they became the first rock group invited to perform at the United Nations General Assembly by Secretary-General Kofi Annan. VH1 aired Islamabad: Rock City on 29 November—a documentary about the band hosted by actress Susan Sarandon. On Christmas Day, they performed at Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s mausoleum alongside then-President General Pervez Musharraf. Throughout this period, Junoon continued advocating for peace and served as UN goodwill ambassadors focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness.

In 2002, Junoon expanded their global presence with the release of their English-language anti-terrorism single "No More," their first English track accompanied by a music video. CNN featured an extensive interview on Talk Asia. Esteemed publications including The New York Times, Billboard, and Newsweek offered positive critiques. On 29 March of that year, they released their second live album titled Daur-e-Junoon.

The following year saw performances at Lahore’s Basant Festival and Karachi's PAF Creek Club before headlining London’s Royal Albert Hall in June. The BBC broadcasted The Rock Star and the Mullahs, a documentary exploring Junoon’s influence within music and Islam. December brought their seventh studio album release—Dewaar. The single "Garaj Baras" featured prominently on the Bollywood film Paap soundtrack and topped charts in 2004; another track "Pappu Yaar" also reached number one within Pakistan. After this album cycle concluded, bassist Brian O'Connell returned to the United States while vocalist Ali Azmat embarked on a solo path.

In April 2004, Junoon issued their third compilation album titled Dewaar: The Best of Junoon. August witnessed the debut of the Ghoom Taana music video alongside the documentary "Building Bridges," unveiled during joint Independence Day festivities for Pakistan and India held in Karachi. On 14 October, Journeyman Pictures released a short film showcasing Pakistani rock bands including Junoon and Fuzön.

Separation Period (2005 – 2008)

Dewaar marked the final album featuring the original lineup of the trio. Following its launch, Brian O'Connell moved back to the United States. Subsequently, Pakistani bassist Mekaal Hasan and producer John Alec stepped in to perform bass duties during live performances. On 2 February 2005, Junoon organized a benefit concert at Alhamra Auditorium in Lahore to support victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami. The following month, on 3 March, Salman Ahmad appeared in the BBC documentary It's My Country Too: Muslim Americans. The last Junoon show featuring Ali Azmat occurred in Dubai, UAE in March 2005; Azmat then embarked on a solo career, releasing his first album Social Circus within the same year. Band manager Shehryar Ahmad also exited the group during this period. In July 2005, Salman Ahmad unveiled his solo project Infiniti.

In September 2007, Junoon reissued three albums—Parvaaz, Azadi, and Infiniti—in partnership with Magnatune. On 11 December, they performed at the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize Concert held in Oslo, which was broadcast live to audiences across more than 100 countries.

Junoon made their debut performance in Srinagar on 25 May 2008, attracting thousands of attendees. Shortly after, on 8 June, Ali Azmat performed a duet of "Garaj Baras" alongside Rahat Fateh Ali Khan during the inaugural episode of Coke Studio season one. On 15 August, Azmat released his sophomore album Klashinfolk, recorded at Mekaal Hasan Studios in Lahore. Although critically lauded throughout Pakistan, the album did not achieve substantial commercial success.

Aftermath: Rock & Roll Jihad Era (2009 – 2010)

Under Salman Ahmad’s guidance, Junoon broadened its international reach by performing at notable events such as the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, the Clinton Global Initiative, and at the Atlantic City House of Blues alongside Grammy-winning artist Melissa Etheridge. Salman also participated in Mystical Sufi Tours across North America and engaged with academic audiences at renowned institutions including Oxford, Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. He holds a professorship in Islamic Arts at Queens College NY.

On 12 September 2009, Junoon took part in "The Concert for Pakistan" held at the UN General Assembly Hall alongside artists like Sting and Outlandish. Salman collaborated live with Gavin Rossdale performing a rendition of "All Along the Watchtower." On 30 November, Junoon announced "Love Can You Take Me Back" as the lead single from their forthcoming album. Salman released his memoir titled Rock & Roll Jihad: A Muslim Rock Star's Revolution on 12 January 2010, documenting his experiences with Junoon. The music video for the single was launched on 14 March while Salman promoted both book and soundtrack on Good Day L.A. on 25 March. The accompanying album Rock & Roll Jihad was released on 1 June.

In July 2010, Salman opened and performed at Masala Mehndi Masti in Toronto. He appeared on BBC's HARDtalk, discussing intersections between religion and music within Islam. During August, Rolling Stone published an interview wherein Salman revealed plans for a new Junoon album and detailed the Indian edition of his book by Jaico Publishing House; this release included a complimentary CD featuring singles such as "Love Can You Take Me Back," "Bulleya/Lonely Heart," along with hits "Sayonee" and "Meri Awaz Suno."

Responding to the devastating floods in Pakistan during 2010, Salman announced a charity single titled "Khwab," intended for international release featuring both Pakistani and Western artists. He soon confirmed collaboration with Peter Gabriel on this track to aid flood relief efforts. Salman also discussed plans for organizing a benefit concert during interviews with Dutch media outlets. By September, Alison Sudol joined the project on the retitled song "Pakistan Humara" (later renamed "Open Your Eyes"), with Peter Gabriel contributing production expertise.

Both United States and United Kingdom governments enlisted Salman as an advocate against extremism. On 29 October, he released "Open Your Eyes" featuring Peter Gabriel and Alison Sudol; proceeds were directed to flood relief through the Salman and Samina Global Wellness Initiative (SSGWI). Subsequently, Peter Gabriel invited Salman to record a full-length album under Real World Records. Additionally, Salman began collaborating on a duet with American producer David Sisko, known for work with artists such as Justin Timberlake and Gwen Stefani.

Partial Reunion: Junoon's 20th Anniversary (2011 – 2012)

On 26 January 2011, Junoon took the stage at Lahore University of Management Sciences to support a United Nations campaign focused on HIV/AIDS awareness. Subsequently, on 16 March, they unveiled the single "Pakistan Humara," featuring Peter Gabriel, as a tribute to the Pakistan cricket team during the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Two days later, on 18 March, the band performed at The College of William & Mary in connection with its Asian studies program. The official music video for "Pakistan Humara," directed by Asad Pathan, was released on 23 March.

Salman Ahmad announced on 12 August that Junoon planned to commemorate their 20th anniversary alongside former bassist Brian O'Connell. A special concert was scheduled for 24 September at the Asia Society in New York, coinciding with the launch of a 20th anniversary album. This compilation featured contributions from artists such as Strings, Farhan Saeed, Bilal Khan, Outlandish, Aag, Usman Riaz, Laal's Taimur Rahman, Momina Mustehsan, and Sajid & Zeeshan, with lyrics penned by esteemed writer Shoaib Mansoor.

The event on 24 September marked Salman Ahmad and Brian O'Connell’s first joint performance in eight years. However, former vocalist Ali Azmat chose not to participate due to personal disagreements with Ahmad. Following this, Junoon appeared at Wesleyan University in Connecticut on 30 September and simultaneously issued the initial release of their anniversary album, Junoon 20.

EMI Pakistan officially launched the first volume of Junoon’s commemorative album during a ceremony held in Karachi on 21 December. A few days later, on 25 December, Ahmad revealed plans to collaborate with former Vital Signs frontman Junaid Jamshed to produce refreshed renditions of patriotic anthems "Dil Dil Pakistan" and "Jazba-e-Junoon."

In April 2012, Junoon embarked on an Indian tour, performing in Mumbai on 28 April. They honored Khwaja Gharib Nawaz with an informal Sufi gathering at Ajmer Sharif on 3 May, followed by a sold-out concert at BlueFrog in New Delhi on 10 May. During this tour, Salman Ahmad disclosed ongoing collaborations with singer Sunidhi Chauhan on two tracks—"Yaaron" and "Kaise Bolun"—for Vicky Kumar’s Bollywood film Rhythm.

Collaborations (2013 – 2016)

Members from both Vital Signs and Junoon joined forces to create the patriotic song "Naya Pakistan," co-written by Salman Ahmad and Aania Shah. The recording featured Shahi Hassan on bass, Nusrat Hussain handling keyboards and percussion, and vocals by Junaid Jamshed. Produced at Indus Music World Studios, the track was released on 22 February 2013.

In an interview on BBC's Asia Talk, Salman Ahmad explained that Junaid Jamshed agreed to contribute only the opening lines without musical accompaniment as a gesture symbolizing unity and compromise towards the vision of Naya Pakistan.

After a period of inactivity, Junoon marked their 25th anniversary by releasing the album Door in December 2016. Its lead single, "Door Bohat Door," included a music video filmed in Gwadar, Balochistan, featuring cricket legend Wasim Akram.

Coke Studio introduction and further partnerships (2017)

On 18 August 2017, Junoon presented their classic track "Sayonee" during the tenth season of Coke Studio, with Salman Ahmad serving as the musical director. This performance included notable artists such as Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Ali Noor. Despite considerable anticipation, the rendition was met with a range of reactions, from lukewarm to unfavorable, among critics and viewers alike.

Subsequent to "Sayonee," Salman Ahmad reimagined "Ghoom Taana" for Coke Studio, introducing fresh talent through a group of four female vocalists known as Irteassh. With endorsement from executive producers Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia, he highlighted the significance of creating opportunities for emerging performers. The revamped arrangement conveyed a more cinematic ambiance and featured singer Momina Mustehsan as part of the collaboration.

Reunion phase (2018 – Present)

In August 2018, Ali Azmat, Brian O'Connell, and Salman Ahmad came together once again to unveil a new video for "Khudi," sponsored by a biscuit brand. Following this, on 25 December 2018, Junoon held a sold-out concert in Karachi—their first in 13 years—followed by another fully booked performance in Dubai on 17 January 2019. The band then embarked on an international tour that included stops in the UK (August 2019), the US and Canada (October–November 2019), and a return to Dubai in November 2019. The lineup was bolstered by American drummer Taylor Simpson.

A concert near Toronto, Canada, was scheduled for January 28, 2022.

On February 18, Junoon performed at Dubai Exhibition Centre during Expo 2020, featuring Strings members Faisal Kapadia and Goher Mumtaz in the finale.

Language

Junoon’s initial albums Junoon and Talaash included songs performed in both English and Urdu; however, later albums predominantly featured Urdu lyrics. Notable exceptions are "No More" from Junoon for Peace and the duet single "Piya (Ocean of Love)" with Morten Harket of A-ha. The 2010 soundtrack Rock & Roll Jihad contains five English-language tracks by Salman Ahmad. Additionally, some compositions incorporate traditional Sufi poetry sung in Punjabi, Saraiki, and other regional dialects.

Influence

Salman Ahmad acknowledges influences from Led Zeppelin and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, which are evident in songs like "Lal Meri Pat", "Dharti", and "Mera Mahi". Poetry plays a substantial role in Junoon’s work; for instance, "Khwaab" is inspired by Faiza Fiza’s poetry. Tracks such as "Garaj Baras" and "Taara Jala" exhibit hard rock styles, whereas "Yaar Bina", "Zamane Ke Andaz", along with the album Parvaaz, incorporate elements of classical music. Other musical inspirations include Pink Floyd, Van Halen, U2, Bee Gees, A-ha, and Queen. The band’s music is also deeply influenced by the poetry of Maulana Rumi, Allama Iqbal, and Bulleh Shah.

Junoon's impact extends to many artists: Atif Aslam from Jal has performed covers of their tracks, acknowledging Junoon's influence. Goher Mumtaz of Jal similarly credits Junoon’s early contributions. The pop rock ensemble Strings attribute part of their revival to Junoon’s inspiration; they covered "Lal Meri Pat" at Oslo Mela in 2007. Local groups such as Jumbo Jutt have honored Junoon by covering singles like "Sajna". Pakistani rock band Call has delivered live renditions of "Bulleya". Indian vocalist Harshdeep Kaur has performed covers of "Saeein" during live shows. The American rock group Black Clover Leaf adapted the instrumental piece "Aap Aur Hum" into their song "Breathe" on their debut album released in 2009.

Musical style

Junoon fuses Western musical elements with traditional Eastern poetry, merging powerful guitar riffs with Sufi verses from renowned poets such as Maulana Rumi, Shah Hussain, Bulleh Shah (notably featured in "Bulleya"), and Allama Iqbal. Their compositions often tackle worldwide themes and advocate for peace, boosting national spirit throughout social difficulties over a span of more than thirty years. Tracks like "Jazba-e-Junoon", "Talaash", "Main Kaun Hoon", and "Sayonee" have struck a chord with Pakistani youth, helping the band sustain its global relevance even after the exit of contemporaries like Vital Signs and Nazia and Zoheb.

Although predominantly fronted by a male vocalist, Junoon has incorporated female singing since their initial album Junoon. Beginning with their third release, Inquilaab, their style matured to integrate classical Eastern poetry with Western musical influences. The seventh studio album, Dewaar, introduced elements of hard rock and heavy metal, exemplified by songs such as "Garaj Baras" and "Dewaar".

Live performances

Following the acclaim of their third album, Inquilaab, Junoon launched their inaugural extensive tour across the United States. Their performances spanned cities including Birmingham, Alabama, and Los Angeles at the House of Blues, culminating at New York's Roosevelt Hotel. This tour attracted media attention, including coverage in Newsweek.

Awards and nominations

At the 1998 Channel V Awards held in New Delhi, Junoon secured the title of "Best International Group," outperforming notable artists like Prodigy, Sting, and Def Leppard. Their debut international release, Azadi, earned triple platinum certification in India. The single "Sayonee" dominated MTV India and Channel V charts for more than two months. In 2004, Junoon was honored as "Best Rock Band" at the Indus Music Awards and received accolades at the ARY Asian/Bollywood Awards. Additionally, they have been recognized by organizations such as BBC, UNESCO, and the South Asian Journalists Association for their efforts in promoting peace and South Asian cultural heritage.

Junoon has also been frequently nominated for Best Musical Group at the Lux Style Awards.

Studio albums

• Junoon (1991)
• Talaash (1993)
• Inquilaab (1996)
• Azadi (1997)
• Parvaaz (1999)
• Andaz (2001)
• Dewaar (2003)
• Door (2016)
• Junoon Studio (2020)

Band members

Current lineup

• Salman Ahmad – lead guitar, vocals (1990–present)
• Ali Azmat – rhythm guitar, vocals (1990–2005, 2018–present)
• Brian O'Connell – bass guitar, backing vocals (1992–2003, 2011–2017, 2024–present)

Previous members

• Nusrat Hussain – keyboards (1990–1998)

See also

• List of Pakistani music bands

Published sources

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

External links

• Official Forums