Reunited rockers deliver a night to remember

At 8pm, 60 minutes before the scheduled start of Junoon’s ‘The Comeback Concert’ in Dubai on January 18, the venue was already 80% full. It was this winter’s first considerably cold evening, but most of the audience was in place – seated in the stands, standing in the Fan Pit – nobody really moving from their spots. In a city where it’s normal to come late to a party, it was a clear indication of how committed the crowd was to this event. People had converged at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium from all corners of the world, eager to see the iconic Pakistani band reunited for their first international concert following a split in 2005, and their long absence from stage thereafter.

Over the next couple of hours, as the sold-out stadium brimmed to capacity and more than a thousand fans thronged outside the venue in the hope of getting in, Junoon proved yet again why they have often been called the world’s best Sufi Rock band. Salman Ahmad, Ali Azmat and Brian O’Connell were in top form, blending western rock music with elements of Pakistani folk songs, classical poetry and mysticism to recreate the unique Junoon sound, delivered in their distinctive high-energy, free-flowing style.  

Junoon is one of those bands whose live performances transcend the magic of the music captured in studio albums. A Junoon concert is never just a show; it’s an experience, a journey of the heart and mind, filling and enriching spaces that are hard to access in everyday life. ‘The Comeback Concert’ was no different.

Just as the first note was played, the band’s connect with the audience was instant; the 13-year break bridged in a moment. Then followed an emotionally charged and highly entertaining showcase of Junoon’s musical wizardry, propelled by Ali’s powerhouse vocals and showmanship, Salman’s genius on the guitar and Brian’s quiet but crucial presence as the bassist.

The trio was ably supported on stage by a slightly bigger-than-before ensemble of backup musicians, led by Junoon’s legendary tabla player, Aashiq Ali. At ‘The Comeback Concert’, a refreshing addition to this line-up was Irteassh, Pakistan’s newest four-member vocal girl band who found fame after Salman picked them out of a singing competition he was judging and featured them in his hit song ‘Ghoom Taana’ on Coke Studio. The Dubai concert was the first live international appearance of these very talented young girls in front of a gigantic audience, so understandably there was some palpable nervousness. Also performing for the first time on Dubai stage were Salman two sons, aspiring musicians Sherjan and Imraan, making it an extra special occasion for the Ahmad family.

All eyes, however, mainly remained on Ali and Salman. The concert’s two-part setlist went through Junoon’s eight studio albums as well as hits from Salman and Ali’s repertoire as solo musicians. For most parts, the show moved at an intense pace, creating several outstanding moments as the totally in-sync, reunited rock veterans displayed no signs of the long separation. While the temperature dropped further as the night set in, the on-stage fiery energy kept the atmosphere supercharged. Dancing and singing with abandon, the audience embraced the songs with just as much passion as the band put into their rendition. In no time, it was an exhilarating celebration of oneness as Junoon took everyone on a memorable journey and landed them in a parallel universe.

To those who have even a remote doubt about the current abilities of these ageing rockers and their synergy after so many years apart, it can simply be said: Junoon is at its best right now; time and age have only polished their craft to sparkle brighter than ever.

This sparkle was given an additional glow at ‘The Comeback Concert’ by the top quality sound, stage and lights arrangements, which seamlessly came together for a wonderful production experience.

‘The Comeback Concert’ was Junoon’s fifth show in Dubai by Oberoi Middle East Events (OME), a company whose commitment to presenting perfectly executed live music shows has been validated time and again over the past three decades. This immensely successful concert has added yet another glorious page to their impeccable track record. Thanks OME for making Junoon come alive in our lives again.

The final word: Having attended a big number of wide-ranging events over more than 25 years, including many Junoon shows, I will just say this was a night like no other, it was a show like no other! Junoon, welcome back, now we want a really long second innings from you.