On what seemed like a laid-back Sunday morning in the latter part of September, I was jolted awake by a text message that read, “We’re counting you in for the Coldplay concert.” This message marked the beginning of a whirlwind journey filled with intense excitement and anticipation, only to be followed by moments of disappointment and eventual indifference. Across the nation, thousands have experienced similar emotional rides. Over recent years, live music events and festivals have surged in popularity, drawing enthusiasts who traverse borders for a chance to witness performances by global icons like K-pop sensation BTS, pop star Taylor Swift, and acclaimed bands such as Imagine Dragons, among others. These events are cherished as much for the music as they are for the encompassing experience they offer.
Attending a concert or music festival, even with limited familiarity with the line-up, presents an excellent opportunity to explore unfamiliar music while creating lasting memories. While many missed the chance to book tickets for Coldplay or witness Diljit Dosanjh live, there remains a chance to secure passes for Maroon 5’s debut in India. Additionally, several music festivals and concerts offer thrilling experiences worth considering.
Lollapalooza – March 8-9, 2025, Mumbai: Known for its highs and lows over three decades, Lollapalooza revolutionized the concept of uniting diverse musical genres within a single line-up. It was the first festival to expand across multiple days, introduce a second stage, and seamlessly integrate art and activism. After two immensely successful editions in India, the third edition was unveiled in September, featuring renowned American punk rock band Green Day as headliners. Alongside them, 35 other artists, including Shawn Mendes, Louis Tomlinson, Humankind, Glass Animals, Isabel LaRosa, and many others, will grace four stages over the span of two days.
Sting performing at Lollapalooza 2024 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
According to Owen Roncon, chief of business, live events, at BookMyShow, a dedicated team invests nearly an entire year into planning. They strategically align global touring routes of artists, uncover new sounds, and painstakingly research to ensure the line-up matches the Indian audience’s taste. Innovation is a cornerstone in enhancing the festival experience. Last year, the VerTech Stage System, a cutting-edge, all-steel, high-capacity stage structure with integrated towers for extra stability, was introduced. It can support up to 50 tonnes, making it ideal for large-scale events. As expected, tickets for the upcoming Lollapalooza edition sold out five months in advance.
Echoes of the Earth — December 7-8, 2024, Bengaluru: Recognized as India’s greenest music festival, Echoes of the Earth celebrates its seventh edition with an eclectic blend of genres, instruments, and cultural influences. Festival director Roshan Netalkar notes, “The younger generations are increasingly eco-conscious. We’ve emphasized eco-awareness since inception, and annually, our community of music enthusiasts grows.” The sixth edition was attended by 23,000 people. This year’s line-up includes Mount Kimbie, Satori, French 79, Yīn Yīn, and others.
Echoes of the Earth | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The current year’s theme, Symphony of Seasons, promises a unique experience. Festival grounds will be divided into zones, each embodying a season’s essence. The Electro Live Stage epitomizes summer’s vigor, while the Electronic Stage symbolizes monsoon’s renewal.
. The Big Tree Stage captures spring’s awakening, contrasting the World Fusion Stage which evokes winter’s resilience. Integral to these zones are innovative waste-to-art installations crafted by various artists, such as a community-crafted bee sanctuary constructed with repurposed materials like corks and reclaimed wood.
Tickets on insider.in
Magnetic Fields — December 6-8, 2024, Rajasthan: Celebrated as India’s most stimulating contemporary music and art festival, Magnetic Fields invites attendees to explore new electronic music styles. Hosting its 10th edition, the festival occurs amidst the historic backdrop of Alsisar, Rajasthan. The event spans atmospheric venues within the desert town. Over 40 bands and artists are set to perform on three stages. Munbir Chawla, festival director and co-founder, emphasizes the festival’s focus on experiences, stating that the unique atmosphere often eclipses even the line-up itself.
The BUDx North Stage at Magnetic Fields 2023 | Photo Credit: Abhishek Shukla
Highlights include performances by Ecuadorian producer Nicola Cruz, German-Italian composer David August, and a marathon five-hour session from DJ Midland. Artists Jane Fitz, Ahadadream, Sofia Kourtesis, Nikki Nair, Tom VR, and others are also scheduled to perform.
Tickets on tickets.magneticfields.in
Bandlands — November 23-24, Bengaluru: Emerging as a significant festival for metal and rock enthusiasts, Bandlands is generating considerable buzz in Bengaluru. The festival’s second edition boasts a dynamic line-up of 14 international and Indian acts spanning various genres, performing across two stages. The event is headlined by American metal band Avenged Sevenfold and the funk rock legends Extreme. New talents like Everything Everything, Bloodywood, Lebanese blues rockers The Wanton Bishops, and others share the stage, alongside breakthrough artists such as Big Special and Himachal Pradesh’s guitar virtuoso, Sutej Singh.
Deep Purple took the stage as headliners at the first edition of Bandland | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Curation is central to Bandland’s appeal. Owen Roncon from BookMyShow explains their focus on selecting acts that not only embody the spirit of rock and metal but also bring distinctive elements to the festival. The previous edition showed a striking pattern where 57% of attendees arrived solo, yet departed with new friendships forged through a common love for music, underscoring the camaraderie fostered by festivals like Bandland.
Tickets on Bookmyshow
Cherry Blossom — November 15-16, Shillong: As winter envelops Meghalaya in a pink floral embrace, tourists travel from far and wide to marvel at the enchanting cherry blossoms. In conjunction with the Tourism Department of Meghalaya, the Cherry Blossom music festival showcases the region’s profound musical heritage. In its fourth iteration, the festival is headlined by international powerhouse Akon. Attendees can also anticipate performances by German-based pop and disco group Boney M, Dutch-Moroccan DJ R3HAB, Hong Kong rapper Lucas, and others.
Cherry Blossom 2023 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
According to Jason Manners, CEO of Rockski Group which organizes the event, this year’s theme, the Year of Legends, invites both international and national legends to perform. Additionally, a Japanese village, a collaboration with the Japanese Embassy, features culinary fairs, artisans, sumo wrestlers, and cosplayers, creating an immersive cultural experience for all attendees.
Tickets on Bookmyshow
Now equipped with insights on India’s vibrant music scene, have you snagged a pass to any of these incredible musical escapades? Here’s wishing you the best of luck in securing a spot at these unforgettable events!
