LAHORE:
Following the interview of Laal’s former frontman, Shahram Azhar, the band’s current lead singer Taimur Rahman issued a long statement denying several of the claims made in the interview. While speaking to The Express Tribune, Rahman who is also a professor of Political Science at Lahore University of Management Sciences (Lums), remained adamant that the band was struggling for the “rights of the oppressed” with their sophomore album Utho Meri Duniya.
“It has been a great opportunity to work with some incredibly talented people. Differences in work and in life arise and people go their separate ways. It’s not nice, but it happens. We can only wish them the very best in their endeavours and continue to support their progressive work for a new Pakistan,” said Rahman, who is currently in India for the launch of Laal’s album. “Irrespective of our differences, the future may still bring us back together in ways we cannot imagine at this moment.”
The band recently released the title track “Utho Meri Duniya”, which includes Rahman on the vocals for the first time. Speaking about the tour, the musician said that the tour was the band’s greatest success, which has also been a testament to increasing support for Laal across the border. “The India tour has been the singular triumph for Laal. We went for five performances and ended up performing on 13 occasions in two weeks because people just kept inviting us. We received standing ovations in nearly every show. We performed in the streets, in schools, in universities, in cafes and even at conferences,” said Rahman.
Clearing the air
Despite this, a recent interview with former vocalist Shahram Azhar brought to the surface several questions regarding the band’s credibility, also highlighting that Laal has slowly become a family venture. Refuting that claim, Rahman said that Haider Rahman and Sarah Waqar had always been part of the band. “Last I checked, it was not a crime to have family members play in a band together. Anyone heard of the Santana brothers, Bee Gees etcetera. Nearly every single one of our eastern qawwali groups is a family band. And we have entire gharanas dedicated to music. Why the fuss in Laal’s case? Is this a band or a government position that it must be open to everyone for application?” said Rahman matter-of-factly.
With Rahman on the vocals, many questions have been raised regarding his ability to sing. For instance, koolmuzone.com even had a comic called “Laal changes the band name”, poking fun at the new line-up. Responding to critics, Rahman said that these claims are baseless. “They can question whatever the hell they like. But let them try and answer why our live performances get so much audience participation, enthusiasm and explosive energy,” said Rahman.
Bubbling with optimism
Despite the current negative vibe surrounding the band here in Pakistan, the musician remains optimistic; pointing out that the response in India has really shown the progress of the band. “Our new style of performing, our teamwork as a band, our stage craft, everything has matured and we are sounding better than ever before. Soon we will be performing our new songs in Pakistan to show our own people why India has fallen in love with Laal. Our album will be released by Fire Records in Pakistan this year. It is also available on iTunes and amazon.com,” added Rahman.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 2nd, 2012.
COMMENTS (15)
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Laal singing Fareeda at Tagore International http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm3mp9Aalc8&feature=youtu.be
Laal singing at JNU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFPN5WNLDOQ&feature=relmfu
The audio is bad but the crowd response says it all.
Regards Taimur
I am sorry but prefer Shahraam's voice. I hope Shahraam starts singing again.
My best advice to Taimur would be to stop making a joke out of himself. Laal is NOT sounding good. Accept the truth as it stands man; stop deluding yourself. I have attended one of your recent shows and can tell u what most ppl in the audience felt. Come out of the closet and accept the fact that Laal fans want to see Shahram. Period.
One last comment: I watched Taimur's song (Neend aati nahi) on the eve of 20th anniversary of Junoon. Recall, what happened to Junoon when the band members parted their ways??? Shahram might have his reasons, and Taimur has a set of his own, but in the end, the music is suffering. As an ardent fan of Laal (And I have been to your live concert), I request both of you to patch up and play some great music. Play more Faiz, more Iqbal, more Ghalib, more Jalib. I hope both of you read this message and call to your friend at first.
How money you have earned from 13 shows and how much you are going to donate into charity ?
Despite my personal disliking to both of them, I agree Shahram is the real singer! . With borrowed lyrics, at least get some decent singer!
I predict that Laal will become another Jal, and Shahram Azhar will be similar to Atif Aslam.
@Bilal: True. Shahram's plaintive voice is a unique voice, while Taimur might be very talented in compositions, but he is not anywhere near to Shahram. I wish that the common sense prevails and they patch up again. Otherwise, I don't see any future of LAAL.
Agreed. Taimur can not sing to save his life. Just check out their cover of need aati nahi. Its embarrassing. Only thing keeping this band going is its elite connections and cheap gimmickry, hiding behind some great cause. Rubbish!
Nope. Taimur can't sing. Let's face it. If he was actually writing the lyrics himself, there would be a slight justification for him being the lead singer, but its just another case of a big ego and not enough talent. I heard their Neend Aati Nahin cover and couldn't stop laughing. That's why they disabled the comments and likes/dislikes bar on youtube.
Taimur has a horrible singing voice....he can't sing.....
Though i am the proponent of Laal's ideals but this song lacks the element of passion for INQUILAAB...Rahman should have brought a more rebellious tone in his vocals...
I have no sympathy with either of you. . In fact, both of you are made for each other for the reasons I have expressed in other places on this website:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/371760/laal-was-not-just-another-band/
http://tribune.com.pk/story/248754/laal-dont-express-yourself/
‘Laal is sounding better than ever’
Err no, it isn't.
Shahram's trained vocals were a million times better.