19 Apr 2024
Monday 11 December 2017 - 17:52
Story Code : 286217

German electronic band to give first Western pop concert in Iran in 39 years

German electronic band to give first Western pop concert in Iran in 39 years
Deutsche Welle- German electronic musician Christopher von Deylen and his band Schiller will become the first pop group to perform in Iran's capital, Tehran, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The German electronic band Schiller, named after the German poet and dramatist Friedrich Schiller,is set to performfive concerts in Iran's capital, Tehran, starting Monday. Theywill bethe first Western music pop concertsheld in the country since the Islamic Revolution 39 years ago.

"I have a good feeling," the band's founding memberChristopher von Deylantold Iranian press agency MNAupon arriving in the country. "We're excited to find out how people will react to our concerts. I've always been convinced that when you write a poem or a piece of music, you can bring it around the world and share it with everyone."

The two first concerts on Mondays and Tuesday at the Keshvar Big Hall are sold out, reported the Iranian music websiteRitmeno, which is also the organizer of the event. There are only a few tickets left for the three other concerts, according toRitmeno.

Greeted with flowers

Schiller is one of the most popular European electronic bands in Iran. "I have always received positive feedback from Iranian fans," said von Deylen. "They have often asked me to perform in the country."The project has been planned over the last year. "I'm happy to have been invited," added the musician.

Iranian journalist Reza Khaasteh posted on Twitter a video of the band arriving in Tehran, showing how the musicians were greeted with flowers.

Two-hour concerts are planned for all five nights. Along with all their greatest hits, fans can expect an extra "surprise," revealed von Deylen.

Initially focusing on club and dance music, Schiller was formedin 1998 and has sold over 7 million albums worldwide.

Slowly opening to Western culture

Iran's clerics see Western music as part of a conspiracy leading to the "cultural invasion" of their Islamic country.

In 2008, Iranian music company TS had already attempted to organize a concert with Irish singer Chris de Burgh. The concert organizers had obtained a permit from the Ministry of Culture and de Burgh was already in Tehran by the time the country's ultra-conservative clericsvetoed the event, cancelling the gig at the last minute.

Under the country'smoderate PresidentHassan Rouhani, who was reelectedlastMay, Islam has played a less prominent role in politics, as well as in society and culture, which is why such a concert could be held for the first time in four decades.
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