Last month, the [ Iranian ] government announced a campaign against rap music, which it considers obscene. But De Burgh, known for soft rock ballads like Don t Pay The Ferryman, seems unlikely to raise the ire of the ministry for culture and Islamic guidance. According to the report, de Burgh s lyrics have been translated and turned into a popular book of poetry in Iran, and his cassettes and CDs are still in wide circulation.

While western music is pretty much forbotten over there, Chris de Burgh gets a pass because his music is seen as revolutionary . For the concert, de Burgh will be playing with the Iranian pop group Arian , purportedly the first band in Iran to have both male and female singers performing together.

(Yes, Iran s really breaking their stride here.) The two camps have recently recorded a song titled A Melody for Peace, which according to Arian s manager Mohsen Rajabpour, was intended to reflect the peace-seeking spirit of the Iranian people to the world . This comes hot on the heels of the news that Russia is sending uranium to Iran , on the promise that they get it back afterwards.

Okay, so to recap, Iranian seeks peace, Chris De Burgh s music is revolutionary, oh and Russia just sent uranium to Iran . Have a good Monday.