Afghans rock at Kabul music festival

Over the weekend bands from Australia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan performed at a six hour musical festival live in Kabul. From blues, electronic music to heavy metal and rock, for many it was the first time they ever saw bands perform live. At the festival alcohol was banned and kebabs were on sale for those seeking snack food. Twice during the afternoon the electricity was turned off and the bands left the stage as the Muslim worshippers were called to prayer in the nearby mosques. The date and venue of the concert were kept a well guarded secret to prevent Taliban attacks. The festival was held under tight security in a corner of the Babur Gardens and some 450 fans paid to attend the concert with others trickling in from the street markets nearby.