Junoon is gearing up for a concert in Doha

This is the first time the band will perform in the region after their reunion

ISLAMABAD: After 17 long years, Pakistan's reunited Junoon is coming to Qatar this month to bring back the nostalgia and relive the magic of their smash hits, according to a press statement by the organisers.

The ‘Sultans of Rock’ will rock the Doha stage once again through a live performance at the Qatar National Convention Center on January 30.

The concert, ‘PK Music Fest Season II’, is presented by Rahmodus as part of Shop Qatar, with the support of Q-Tickets. However, this is not the first time the group will perform over there. In 2003, the band won several hearts in Doha and now it is headed for “another full-house show as they enjoy a devoted fan base in the country,” according to the organisers.

The group has also earned the recognition of being ‘South Asia’s most successful band’. They have also been regarded as ‘One of the biggest rock bands in the world’ by Q Magazine and ‘The U2 of Pakistan’ by The New York Times.

Formed in 1990, the band was the brainchild of lead guitarist and songwriter Salman Ahmad, while vocalist, Ali Azmat and bassist, Brian O’Connell, then completed the trio. As the pioneers of Sufi rock, Junoon's music became an influence for many to come.

Some of their record-breaking hits include Sayonee, Saeein and Jazba-e-Junoon, among others. Hailing from Lahore, the band has released 19 albums and sold 30 million copies worldwide.

Junoon made a comeback after a 13-year hiatus. They called it quits in 2005 after three decades of stardom, following which they sold-out international concert tours since reunion in 2018.

Nevertheless, Qatar will once again witness “Junoon’s intense musical chemistry that is as electrifying as their music”, the statement notes. The band’s loyalists, who call themselves ‘Junoonis’, are “highly anticipating the grand comeback”, the organisers added.

Fans coming from the UK, the US, GCC and the subcontinent are all gearing for the reunion tour in Qatar. Tickets for the concert can be booked online.