Tehran - Islamic Iran has approved a concert by a Western pop artist in Tehran, Fars news agency reported Sunday. Irish pop singer Chris de Burgh, who has recorded the song A Melody for Peace, with the Iranian band Arian, is scheduled to give a concert with Arian next August, Arian's manager Mohsen Rajabpour told Fars.
He confirmed that Culture Ministry's music department, which is responsible for granting permission for music releases and concerts, had agreed to grant permission.
The manager said that due to the popularity of the Irishman in Iran, the concert would be held in an open air venue, such as one of the football stadiums in Tehran, so that numerous de Burgh fans in Iran could attend.
Rajabpour added that de Burgh would first visit Iran in March but would only be visiting several Iranian cities and historic sites. No performances were planned then.
A Melody for Peace is supposed to reflect the "peace-loving Iranian spirit to the people of the world," the Iranian press said.
It was the first time a music group from the Islamic state has played with a Western pop artist.
Previously, joint pieces had only been produced in the World Music genre, such as with British composer Michael Nyman.
Observers believe that the government might issue a permit for a joint performance of the song A Melody for Peace, but not for a whole concert with songs such as Lady in Red.
The peace song, which will be included in the next Arian album, is reportedly scheduled to premier in Tehran just before Christmas, but apparently without de Burgh.
Arian is the most successful pop group in Iran, and its concerts abroad have also found a wide resonance among Iranian expatriates.
Although Western pop music with vocals is forbidden in Iran, CDs by de Burgh can be legally purchased.
The Irishman is one of the most popular pop singers in Iran and a book with the Persian translation of his lyrics has been published.
Despite the ban on Western music and movies, both can easily be found as pirated copies on the black market at prices ranging between 1 and 2 dollars.
