Who are Laibach?

Laibach are an experimental rock fourpiece from Slovenia, who formed in 1980. One of the country's best-known musical exports, the band have consistently provoked debate with their work by adopting fascist uniforms, a tactic they say challenges totalitarian regimes.

They will play two concerts in North Korea this summer, making them the first Western band to ever perform in the country.

How did they manage to get there?

Securing the gig reportedly took a year, and is the handiwork of Norwegian cultural activist Morten Traavik, who is acting as the band's director for these two shows. Traavik has arranged exchanges with North Korea in the past, and worked with the group last year on a video, when the idea to perform in the country first occured.

Traavik told The Guardian that the shows were a "logical extention of the previous collavorations I've had with [North] Korean artists and cultural authorities"

He added: "The idea of trying to connect Laibach, a band which has always celebrated the notion of mass movements and collective efforts, and North Korea was kind of bound to raise its head at some point."

Why are they playing North Korea?

In the words of Laibach member, Ivan Novak, the band don't intend to rile the North Korean authorities, nor its people, but "are actually going there to provoke everybody outside of North Korea".

By playing in North Korea, Traavik says, Laibach are cracking open North Korea's access to the wider world, and educating it about the insular country in the progress - potentially even making way for greater diplomatic relations between the two.

Their performances coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Korean peninsula's liberation from Japanese colonisation.

Where will they be playing?

In Pyongnang, North Korea's capital city, to 2,000 people at each concert.

What will they play?

Laibach have an extensive back catalogue, spanning 12 studio and cover albums in their 35-year career. As well as delving into this, however, they have put together a setlist that reflects the musical appetite of the North Korean people.

They will also play covers from The Sound of Music, because the 1965 film is popular in the country, as well as their own take on some songs of Korean heritage, and We Will Go to Mount Paektu, one of this year's biggest hits in North Korea, by native girl band Moranbong.

Will there be any theatrics?

Laibach are known for their controversial live performance, which has historically included pornography, politically offensive imagery and performance art. But they promise to be on their best behaviour in Pyongnang. "We’ll behave like guests normally should," Novak said.

How can we watch the show?

Unsurprisingly, there won't be any live-streaming. However, the two Pyongnang gigs will form the makings of a documentary, which is due for release early next year.