Junoon reunion not happening

Ali Azmat says new solo album is in the works

KARACHI: One question that fans of Pakistan’s iconic rock band Junoon have wanted to hear ever since Salman Ahmed, Ali Azmat and Brian O’Connell parted ways: is there hope for a possible comeback? While Salman has many a time raised what turned out to be false alarms, Ali is of the view that there’s no chance whatsoever.

Talking to The Express Tribune, he said a Junoon reunion is not happening. “Bilkul bhi nahin! (Not at all) It’s not happening… under no circumstances. Everyone else is in the US and I am in Pakistan.”

Ali’s Coke Studio 8 song Rangeela met with a lukewarm response, however, he seemed satisfied with the stint. “That was a mazedaar (fun) performance. I have received another call from Coke Studio to do a song for their upcoming season.”





Following his departure from Junoon, Ali embarked on a solo career and went on to release more than one studio albums. When asked about any news on future projects, he said, “Yes we have an album in the works. But it is a little difficult to decide how to release it. We will probably do it online since there is no proper record label in town.” For EMI Pakistan, he said, “It makes no difference whether they’re there or not.”

After a string of Bollywood releases, Ali had stopped releasing music. “I never went away though. Last year I appeared in Coke Studio and Pakistan idol but yes there has been no music appearance as such because all the music channels have been closed. And I am not coming on morning shows until they decide to pay me.”



So has the rock star now adopted a more settled, family life for good? “It’s [fatherhood] a good experience and is enjoyable. Family life is fun and gratifying. It’s another phase of my life.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2016.

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