Soroush "Looloosh" Farazmand joined the 27 club on November 11, 2013. The cause of death is recorded as: Murdered
Soroush "Looloosh" Farazmand was born on October 31, 1986, in Tehran, Iran. He was one of the founding members and the guitarist of the influential Iranian-American rock band, the Yellow Dogs. The band was formed in Tehran but later relocated to Brooklyn, New York, in 2010. Soroush, along with his brother Arash (drummer) and an associate Ali Eskandarian, tragically lost their lives on November 11, 2013, in a shooting incident in Brooklyn.
The Yellow Dogs rose to prominence singing in English and playing Western instruments, citing bands like Joy Division and Talking Heads as influences. Their music was not approved by Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and was therefore illegal. Despite the risks, they performed extensively both in Iran and abroad, including at the Cannes Film Festival for their documentary "No One Knows About Persian Cats" (2009). They played their first 'aboveground' concert at the Peyote club in Istanbul in January 2010 and later in New York City. Their music was well-received, with tracks such as "New Century" being included in the film's soundtrack and in various EPs and singles, such as "In the Kennel EP" (2011) and "Upper Class Complexity" (2012).
Soroush was a talented musician known for his passionate guitar playing and dedication to the band. He and his brother Arash formed the Yellow Dogs with their friends Siavash Karampour (vocalist) and Kourosh Mirzaei (bass), creating a unique sound that blended Western rock styles with Middle Eastern influences. Their music was not only significant for its innovative style but also for its defiance of Iran's cultural and musical restrictions. The Yellow Dogs became an iconic representation of artistic freedom, inspiring many Iranian musicians both within and outside the country.
Tragically, Soroush's life was cut short when he was shot dead on November 11, 2013, along with his brother Arash and their associate Ali Eskandarian. The shooter, a disgruntled musician named Ali Akbar Mohammed Rafie (also known as Raefe Akhbar), took his own life after the crime. Soroush's legacy lives on through the Yellow Dogs' music, which continues to inspire and challenge musical boundaries. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of artistic freedom and the dangers faced by those who dare to defy cultural and political norms.
In memory of Soroush "Looloosh" Farazmand and his brother Arash, the Yellow Dogs' music continues to resonate with fans around the world. Their legacy extends beyond their music, serving as a testament to the power of artistic expression and the importance of defying societal expectations, even in the face of adversity. Soroush will always be remembered as a dedicated musician and a pioneer for Iranian rock music.