Once
in a lifetime an individual is born with extra ordinary,
enigmatic, and charismatic qualities .It could be a scientist,
a politician, a philosopher, a humanitarian or an artist.
Googoosh falls into this category. Her long silence of 22
years and her consequent “return” certifies her enormous
charm and popularity not only within the Iranians, but also
through out the world. Googoosh has indeed achieved this
worldwide fame and recognition through limited means and
without resorting in making million Dollar videos in order to
market her image.
I
grew up with Googoosh like millions of Iranians. She was not
only a singer and an actress; she became an icon, a
trendsetter, and an “avant- garde” artist who was always a
few steps ahead of her contemporaries. She had style, charm,
and a certain presence, which made all us fall in love with
her and try to copy her image. She was the Romina Power,
Albano( for those who remember the beautiful Italian couple of
the 60’s and 70’s) and Abba of Iran.Googoosh chose her
lyrics well, her songs were meaningful and thus made it’s
mark in our hearts and in our memories.
For
22 years, I did not go to any concert nor did I listen to any
Iranian music because it was too painful. Hence when I heard
of Googoosh’s trip to Canada, all those trapped emotions
began to pour out like a volcano in eruption. All the memories
flooded back in my mind and created an emotional turmoil
within me. I was acting like a teenager! My children had never
seen me behave in such an irrational and childish
manner. I began explaining to them who Googoosh
was and why I was so happy, but I don’t think they
understood.
After
waiting for so long, the Wembley concert approached and I
was so excited that I couldn’t control my tears .We were
all nervous including Googoosh herself. We didn’t know
what to expect and neither did she. When the ice broke,
there was an explosion in the audience. She was full of
bottled up emotions, which she poured out through her
immortal songs. Her international band was professional and
above all, her choice of Babak Amini as her bandleader was
excellent. Mr. Amini played excellent flamingo guitar and is
an accomplished guitarist. I am proud to see a group of
young Iranian musicians coming out of Iran and taking
the world by storm with the leadership of Googoosh .It is an
accomplishment.
Her
second concert was by far better than the first one.
Googoosh was at ease and at home and so was the audience.
She cracked jokes, played “come die – serieux”,
created a rapport between herself and the spectators. The
atmosphere was ecstatic .She captured all of us for the
duration of the concert and we wept and wept song after
song. We are proud to present Googoosh, once again, as our
Ambassador. Her name was splashed all over foreign
newspapers. There were many Britons in the audience who
applauded and admired Googoosh along side the Iranians in
Wembley Arena.
