Shihad’s Frontman Is Home AgainShihad’s Frontman Is Home Again
Days Like These — True Stories
Will rock god Jon Toogood surrender? Or will the Shihad singer keep fighting his fate? Jon built a career as frontman for the New Zealand band Shihad, infusing stadium-sized songs with his avowed atheism. But when he fell in love with a Muslim woman, he was forced to wrestle with his identity and belief — and forces way beyond his control. From Wellington to Melbourne and Los Angeles and back, Jon charts his journey through an epic tale of love, identity, empathy and belief... plus a few things he could never have seen coming.
24:37•3 Nov 2020
Rock and Reflection: Jon Toogood's Journey of Love and Identity
“I didn't want to make it public because I didn't want to become a poster boy. I don't want it to be part of Shihad's brand or anything like that.”
Imagine being a rock star and having your entire worldview shaken by love. That's exactly what happened to Jon Toogood, the frontman of New Zealand's iconic band, Shihad. In this episode of 'Days Like These', Jon opens up about his life on stage and the surprising turns it took off stage. From the band's early days in Wellington to the bright lights of Melbourne and Los Angeles, Jon's story is anything but ordinary.
But it wasn't just the music that shaped him. Falling in love with a Muslim woman forced Jon to question his beliefs and identity, leading him down a path of self-discovery he never anticipated. He talks about the band's controversial decision to change their name after 9/11 and the deep empathy he felt visiting a mosque after the Christchurch shooting. Jon's journey is a testament to the power of love and music to break down barriers and build bridges.
If you're curious about how a rock god navigates life's unexpected twists, this episode is a must-listen.
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