Vanhalen 0 Report post Posted August 24, 2004 Rock band Queen, fronted by gay icon Freddie Mercury, has become the first rock act to receive an official seal of approval in Iran. Western music is strictly censored in the Islamic republic, where homosexuality is considered a crime. But an album of Queen's greatest hits was released in Iran on Monday. Mercury, who died in 1991, was proud of his Iranian ancestry, and illegal bootleg albums and singles made Queen one of the most popular bands in Iran. Lyrics explained The album contains hits such as Bohemian Rhapsody, The Miracle and I Want to Break Free, but reportedly omits a number of Queen's love songs. The cassette, costing less than $1 (55 pence), comes complete with translated lyrics and an explanatory leaflet. It tells Queen fans that Bohemian Rhapsody is about a young man who has accidentally killed someone and, like Faust, sold his soul to the devil. On the night before his execution he calls God in Arabic, "Bismillah", and so regains his soul from Satan. Akbar Safari, a salesman at a Tehran book and record store, said the album was already selling very well. "It is the first rock album to hit the market legally and people are surprised and pleased to see it has the lyrics, not just the music," he said. Other western acts to have had albums of selected songs released on the official Iranian market include Elton John, Julio Iglesias and The Gypsy Kings. Books containing original and translated lyrics by many western singers have also been published in Iran, in response to the demands of a nation where 70% of the population is aged under 30. The books contain lyrics by artists such as Leonard Cohen, Celine Dion and controversial rapper Eminem. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest TheZsaszHorsemen Report post Posted August 24, 2004 Off to a good start. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
razazteca 0 Report post Posted August 24, 2004 Will the Darkness be the second? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest TheZsaszHorsemen Report post Posted August 24, 2004 Will the Darkness be the second? One can only hope. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Hot Thumbtack In The Eye 0 Report post Posted August 24, 2004 Freddy Mercury is an Iranian name? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Agent of Oblivion Report post Posted August 24, 2004 No, it's a stage name. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
razazteca 0 Report post Posted August 24, 2004 Farooq was his real 1st name. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Hot Thumbtack In The Eye 0 Report post Posted August 24, 2004 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DMann2003 0 Report post Posted August 25, 2004 Just proving that fundamentalist Islam is no match for the majesty of "Bicycle Race" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vanhalen 0 Report post Posted August 26, 2004 Just proving that fundamentalist Islam is no match for the majesty of "Bicycle Race" Funniest goddamn post of the year Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
