Dubai, home to an enormous amount of Pakistani residents, was the venue, once again, for the staging of Pakistan's two most widely-acclaimed pop music bands, Junoon and Vital Signs. The two bands performing together was, indeed, a treat to watch. They have both performed here before, individually, but this time under the organisation of Channel V, a local radio station 'Radio Asia' and Sprandi Shoes, they were performing together for the first time .The Al Nasr Leisureland's Ice Rink, an all-time favourite for such concerts, was absolutely jam-packed by the time the concert started that Thursday evening on December 18, 1997. People who couldn't find seats simply perched themselves on the barriers separating the various sectors or even opted to stand.

Junoon were the first to come on stage, with Ali Azmat displaying his usual strength, vitality and and electrifying energy. This energy was so contagious that it caught on to the crowd in a matter of seconds and before anyone knew it, the whole auditorium was at its feet, swaying to numbers like 'Mera Mahi', 'Khwab', 'Saeein', 'Heeray', 'Husan Walo' and many more from their latest yet, Azadi. Salman Ahmed stuck to his calm-occasionally-vibrant attitude and provided backing vocals. Brian O'Connell at bass guitar, had the characteristic grin on his face and was his usual quiet self. During the past few years, Junoon's popularity has accelerated to extraordinary heights especially after their album, Inquilaab, which included hits like 'Saeein' and 'Mera Mahi'. Their appearance in Dubai earlier this year had been very successful, too.

Another feather in their cap is their patriotic hit Jazba-e-Junoon, which was the last song they sang before leaving the stage.

The break that followed featured a raffle organised by the Standard Chartered Bank. At this point, the crowd was simply dying for Vital Signs whose popularity seems to have a slight edge over Junoon's in this part of the world.

With the break over and the mood just right, Vital Signs stepped on stage amid a standing ovation. They kicked off the show with 'Woh Kon Thee' followed by various other other numbers including favourites like'Sanwali', 'Dil Dil Pakistan', 'Aitebar','Gori', 'Yaarian', 'Mera Dil Nahin Available', 'Tere Liye', 'Yeh Shaam' and a lot, lot more. The three consistent band members Junaid Jamshed, Shehzad Hasan and Rohail Hyatt were in full stead and the fourth fluctuating member was Amir Zaki, who is also an established solo performer. The most active participant of the proceedings was undoubtedly Junaid Jamshed while the other three were fairly passive. The crowd, on the other hand, was anything but passive with screams from the female following evident throughout the show. The Vital Signs had last appeared in Dubai in May 1994 and had been sorely missed since that memorable concert.

The last item were the unforgettable 'duets' sung by both groups on stage. Patriotic hits 'Jazba-e-Junoon' and 'Hum Hain Pakistani' were sung jointly and they, along with Salman Ahmed's amazing acoustic representation of the National Anthem, provided the best grand finale ever experienced at such a concert before. The professional way in which Channel V, Radio Asia and Sprandi Shoes organised the show was truly remarkable. Pakistani residents in this part of the world always do look forward to such events. In line with Pakistan's Golden Jubilee celebrations, this provided to be the perfect setting for the show. From all of us down here, we just hope there's more to come.

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