[Dancecult-l] [Dancecult & IASPM] Metal in Teheran

[hillegonda@zoo.co.uk]

Does anyone know more about metal, hip hop or, even, trance in Iran?

Today I read an old-ish Dutch newspaper clip from February 06, about a 
concert by a metal band SDS, at the university of Teheran. The band's 
crowd control, as well as 'secret' police, were present to curb any 
singing or dancing. The crowd was sitting still on chairs; 90% male in 
black T-shirts and long hair, while the women had their heads covered 
with black headscarves. The band performed whilst standing quite still 
and played instrumentals only, while the audience whispered parts of 
SDS' death-wish lyrics. Anyone heard reciting more than just the 
occasional single word, or making mild head banging or other rhythmical 
movements, was immediately removed from the room ... After 40 minutes, 
when it seemed impossible to keep the crowd sitting still, the 
authorities stopped the gig, upsetting the students who in despair asked 
the reporter (a concert pianist on professional visit in Iran) to report 
about it back in Holland.

Such 'moral panic' reminds me of orthodox Christian reactions in the US 
to 'immoral' (but arguably amoral) music and its events, from metal to 
hip hop, and from raves to night clubs. It speaks of clear fear of the 
'uncontrollable' communal dancing/singing body. Despite a long religious 
tradition of tranced out dancing and singing in Sufism, some Muslim 
authorities seem to take the Koran quite one-sidedly when it warns of 
the possible dangers of music.

Looking at the web site for SDS-band, the twist for me is its imagery of 
Western medieval gothic 'anti-Christ' fantasy. This can be understood as 
a flat simulacrum, but it may be interesting to follow possible changes 
in its meanings as current international politics produce new contexts?

Metal info:
http://www.sds-band.com/
http://www.explode-band.com/
http://www.dad-band.com/

More on Iranian or 'Persian underground' popular music:
http://www.pink-purple.com

Gonnie.

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Dr Hillegonda Rietveld
London South Bank University
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