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Lebanese Authorities Continue Crackdown On 'Devil-Worshipping' Music

July 3, 2003

Kleo Mitsis of The Daily Star reports that playing rock music carries its own special set of problems, particularly in Lebanon, where the specter of devil worship has been linked to heavy metal — and where bands such as NIRVANA, GUNS N' ROSES, and METALLICA have been partially or totally banned.

Earlier this year, a popular local five-piece called THE KORDZ received an official summons to Beirut's Office of Anti-Terrorism and Important Crimes. It was "just general questioning," lead singer Moe Hamzeh says of the four-and-a-half hour session. "They wanted to know about our activities, songs we play, fans, places we play."

For example: "Do you play hard rock, like METALLICA?"

"No." A smile, shake of the head, and Hamzeh rolls his eyes. "Pop rock."

"Do your fans worship the devil?" Another no.

In the end, the band were forced to sign a statement declaring: "We do not now, nor have we, nor will we ever play for the devil — even if someone asks us to." Read more.

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