Mad Sheer Khan was born Mahamad Hadi, in Algiers (Algeria) in 1955, of mixed Persian and Arabic origin. He studied in France, where he resided until he passed away. His experience of being steeped in three different cultures enabled him to develop fruitful relations between these varied influences. His Middle Eastern roots were apparent everywhere in the rhythms, colors, scales, and sources of inspiration of his music.
Furthermore, his aim was to go beyond the worn-out image of the ‘exotic East’, and in order to achieve this he constantly sought points of contact between a western-inspired eastern culture and its counterpart, an eastern-inspired western culture. Mad Sheer Khan worked hard to give his music a wide range by juxtaposing ideas from both classical and folk music, developing them in compositions in which classically urban and rural styles exist side by side. His sound was characterized by the powerful blow of the dilruba, an Indian violin that he performed uniquely.
Mad Sheer Khan formed his first group in 1975. In 1981, he created a duo and adopted an image that was quite rare for the time: he spent the 1980s swathed in a turban, deliberately going against what was then the normal practice. His unconventional appearance did not deter the critics, who responded enthusiastically to his playing; in 1982 the well-known English magazine New Musical Express listed him among the ten best guitarists in the world. During this period Mad was in fact living in London, where he worked with Velvet Underground’s muse, Nico, on the albums Drama of Exile 1 & 2, and was acclaimed for his virtuosity.
On his return to France, still under the influence of his London experiences. Mad Sheer Khan wrote pieces with a harder edge than any he had composed before and formed the group Harem, with which he performed a mixture of electronic and acoustic music. In 1994, he went solo again, returning to a more ethnic style of acoustic music.
The album Demoncracy (2008) was a new step in Mad Sheer Khan’s pacifist development, in line with the musician rebels of the 1970s whose views he used to share. The album featured a tribute to The Velvet Underground’s muse, Nico, with whom he recorded in 1981 “Orly Flight”, a hymn to illegal aliens. The other tribute is devoted to Edwin Star and his so popular “War”, transposed from former Vietnam to present Iraq.
He appeared with many other musicians, including Nina Hagen, Michael Hutchence, Keziah Jones, Jean Louis Aubert and Sting.
Mad Sheer Khan passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023. His family released a statement in his official Facebook page: “This Saturday, July 15, 2023, Mahamad Hadi (Mad Sheer Khan), who, beyond being a wonderful husband and father, was an exceptional artist, left us. His legacy resonates in our hearts, illuminating our lives with his unforgettable light.
“His disappearance leaves a deep void, as much as he knew how to touch the hearts of his genius and wisdom. He was a free activist and a virtuoso visionary.
“His essence will forever dance in our most precious memories, and her melodies of harmony will continue to accompany us forever.
“Together, let’s pay tribute to the Man who touched our souls, and whose influence will last through his works.”
Discography:
Rahmann (Polydor Records)
1001 Nights (Erato-Detour 27319 /Atlantic Records, 1999)
Chai Machine (Flying Rhino)
Mahjuba (Origins)
Talisman
Samarkand Hôtel (2002)
Demoncracy (2008)
Far Oued (2012)
Website: www.madsheerkhan.com
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
Updated biography.