The Journey of Naser Mestarihi: Dreams, Challenges, and Rock Music
A Dream from the Beginning
Many people live their lives pondering their true passions, but Naser Mestarihi has always been clear. His heart beats to the rhythm of rock music. Hailing from Doha, with a Jordanian father and a Pakistani mother, Naser’s musical journey began early. The moment he first heard The Beatles, he was intrigued, but it was listening to Guns N’ Roses that ignited a fire within him.
The Catalyst: Guns N’ Roses
Naser reminisces about the fateful moment when his uncle borrowed a car that contained the album Appetite for Destruction. At just eight years old, he swiped the cassette and was blown away by the sound. "I didn’t get the whole album because the tape I used to copy it was too short, but what I heard was enough to blow my mind," he recalls. This pivotal moment transformed his curiosity into a lifelong ambition: "That record made me want to become a musician."
Milestone Moments
Fast-forward to last month, and Naser’s dream took a massive leap when his band, Winterburn, opened for none other than Guns N’ Roses at a concert in Bahrain. Describing the experience as “kind of surreal,” he confesses he still cannot fully comprehend it. The band performed not just in Bahrain, but they also toured Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi in a series of gigs that strengthened their presence in the Gulf region.
Meeting Icons
While in Bahrain, Naser had the incredible opportunity to meet Duff McKagan, visiting the backstage area before the big show. Their conversation covered various topics, making Naser feel genuinely welcomed in the rock community. "Duff wished us well and gave me a hug," he recalls, adding that it drove him to perform with more energy and enthusiasm.
After the concert, Naser encountered McKagan once more, who praised Winterburn’s performance and expressed his support. It was a full-circle moment for Naser, confirming that the journey he had embarked upon was indeed bearing fruit.
The Struggles and Triumphs
Despite his success, Naser’s path hasn’t been without obstacles. Once settled in Dubai, where a burgeoning rock scene was emerging, he found music venues less supportive. “Promoters didn’t want to book rock music,” he explains, noting that some claimed it was “too rock and roll” for their venues.
This challenge led to years of struggle in finding collaborators. However, even as the pandemic hit and former band members opted out, Naser continued to pursue his vision. In 2021, he completed the album Ivory Towers by playing every instrument himself, drawing inspiration from artists like Lenny Kravitz and Prince.
A Resilient Spirit
Naser’s story is about resilience and determination. “It’s been a journey, full of obstacles,” he admits, “But I’ve always pushed through. I just don’t give up. I keep going no matter what.” His tenacity shines through, especially after the emotional rollercoaster of navigating personal challenges, including a brief hiatus during the Gaza crisis to show respect for those suffering.
Despite initial doubts about his future in music, Naser found renewed vigor in recent months, buoyed by the positive feedback from iconic figures in the industry and a growing fan base.
A Bright Future Ahead
Naser recently relocated to Saudi Arabia, which he believes is ripe for nurturing burgeoning rock talent. “Saudis have been very receptive,” he notes, highlighting a cultural openness toward original music. He has seen local bands perform their own material, enhancing the sense of community and culture around music.
With 17 new songs in the pipeline for two upcoming albums, Naser is optimistic. “It’s going to be incredible.” Each track is a reflection of his past struggles, aspirations, and determination to push the limits of his musical journey. His recent experiences serve as a reminder that dreams, when chased fervently, can lead to extraordinary milestones.
