Tehran To Host Western Pop Concert

Irish-born singer Chris de Burgh will perform in Tehran in late November alongside Iranian band Arian, Reuters reported today. The concert will mark the first time a Western singer has performed with an Iranian band in Iran since 1979. Western pop music is generally banned by Iranian authorities, and Iranian bands have to get their lyrics approved before broadcasting or performing. Iranians are sometimes exposed to Western music or unapproved songs through the black market, however, and Mr. de Burgh has developed a large and loyal following in the country, Reuters said.

The performance, scheduled for the last week of November, will take place at Azadi Indoor Stadium, which seats 12,000.