Iranian rock

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Iranian rock, also called Rocka red, is rock music made by Iranian artists. It began in the 1960s when Western rock arrived in Iran. Early pioneers included Kourosh Yaghmaei, Farhad Mehrad, Fereydoon Foroughi, and Habib Mohebian, and bands like The Black Cats helped the scene grow. The music used electric guitars, bass, drums, and often keyboards, mixing Western rock with Iranian melodies.

A key moment was the Couchini Restaurant in Tehran, where many musicians learned and performed. The scene spread to cities like Tehran, Abadan, and Astara, and bands formed in cafes, clubs, and restaurants. Iranian rock drew on English, American, and European influences, while artists tried to bring Iranian rhythms and sounds into the mix.

After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, rock was banned in Iran and many artists stopped performing. Kourosh Yaghmaei was banned for 17 years, and some of his work could only be released later in restricted forms. Despite this, rock slowly continued underground and in other ways, with musicians staying active in different kinds of projects.

In the post-revolution era, Kaveh Yaghmaei (Kourosh’s son) helped revive Iranian rock. He blended Western rock with Iranian traditions and worked with musicians from Iran and abroad. Other bands and artists began to experiment with new styles, including alternative rock, blues, and psychedelic influences, though official permission to play could be hard to obtain.

Underground scenes and later bands gained attention outside Iran as well. Hypernova, formed in 2006, became a notable Iranian rock act with international connections. Kiosk, Mohsen Namjoo, and other artists pushed boundaries and kept the music alive, often addressing social and political themes in their work. Some groups from places like Astara, Mashhad, and Abadan also contributed to the growing diversity of Iranian rock.

Today, Iranian rock remains a mix of underground activity and international collaboration. Musicians continue to blend Western rock with Iranian sounds, use guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards, and perform in Iran and abroad, keeping the spirit of Iranian rock alive despite challenges.