Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, Franz Ferdinand's genre is referred to as art-rock. Critics hailed their 2004 self-titled debut album as a "masterpiece of funky, punky, suave cool from the first track to the last". Franz Ferdinand was the 2004 winner of the UK's coveted Mercury Music Prize.

Franz Ferdinand cancelled because they had to do promotional work and major concerts in the U.S. over the summer months. They were very apologetic and committed to performing in Lebanon next year.

Byblos Festival music promoter, Naji Baz, has his work cut out for him: "It is a semi-nightmare," says Baz. "In one sense I am under massive pressure now to provide a big act for the festival ... but in another sense the band will be releasing their new album in September and so by 2006 they will be big news again. Perhaps it will be better they play then."

Franz Ferdinand performed in Russia most recently, where they previewed six tracks from their un-released album. Afterwards the band packed up and headed to New York City to master their upcoming release. The title of the album has yet to be set, but the record is tentatively due in September.

Souces: Ya Libnan, Franz Ferdinand, Daily Star