Karachiites were treated to the most awaited concert of the year featuring reunion of Pakistan’s biggest Sufi rock band, Junoon. The event also celebrated the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam and commemoration of Junoon’s nearly 30 years in music

It was a night to remember when Pakistan music scene witnessed an iconic moment. Junoon, the Sufi rock band that made nearly everyone in 90s fall in love with rock music and then fell apart, reunited at a live concert for the sake of music and its diehard fans, after a long hiatus of 13 years.

The jubilating crowd was bursting with energy when it welcomed Ali Azmat, Salman Ahmed and Brian O’ Connel who were almost smitten with people going gaga over the reunion of Junoon.

“That is what I have missed so much in all these years,” said an overwhelming Brian to a humongous crowd of music lovers.

Never in my entire life had I seen the crowd swooning over every single beat of music and that is the impact Junoon has on us. People are happy to be ‘Junoonis’, such love they have for Junoon and their rock numbers. It was a sight to behold when Ali took to stage, mic in his hands, crooning to one of his hit numbers from the past with never-ending energy. Salman’s rock movements as a lead guitarist and the grace of Brian on bass guitars, the trio somehow gelled together.

“Wow! Look at all these people!” remarked a flabbergasted Salman as he made an appearance on stage in front of the crowd of more than 10,000 people.

After paying tribute to Quaid of the Nation, the band went on to perform their hit numbers including Sayoon Ni, Khudi etc that made me realise that the numbers Junoon produced in 90s are still relevant and touch the soul.

As to what made December 25th as the reunion date, Salman told the cheering crowd, “Because it’s the birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” and why Karachi was selected at the venue for this historical reunion, “Because it is the city of Quaid and lights,” added Salman.

Being true to Salman's claim, the stage was set in a most awe-inspiring way Karachiites have ever witnessed; a light show, accompanied by LED graphics and animations playing on three humongous screens spanned more than 200 feet in length. It was the showcase of live effects and animations that took the energy of roaring crowd to the level.

Apart from rendering some classic numbers from good ol’ days, the band members also had a revelation to make that “it was Junaid [Jamshed’s] one of the last wishes that Junoon reunite,” said an emotional Salman.

It was Salman who had been talking throughout the event with Ali behaving in a very calculated way that amazed most of the people who know Ali for his outspoken nature. “The reunion has taken place because of our fans, Pakistan and because of Junaid Jamshed,” Salman revealed further to a sentimental audience that was in for a treat as the band paid tribute to Junaid Jamshed with a heartfelt rendition of ‘Dil Dil Pakistan.’

Wrapping up the historical event, the band performed ‘Jazba Junoon’ that literally gave me goosebumps followed by, arguably, the longest and most entertaining firework show. The rendition of National Anthem with everyone gasping and cheering with green fireworks in the background, was all planned to perfection.

To say the least, the year 2018 wrapped up on a big note for Pakistani music and the credit goes to various efforts that had been made to bring the music maestros alive for the reunion that is ‘Pakistan ka Junoon’. •