Baap of rock fests kicks off tonight

With I-Rock XXIV Mumbai pub competitions kicking off today, and the all-India finale slotted for the weekend, I wanna be a rockstar should be your anthem

With I-Rock XXIV Mumbai pub competitions kicking off today, and the all-India finale slotted for the weekend,u00a0I wanna be a rockstar should be your anthem

Independence Rock is the annual rock event held every year for the last 23 years. It's the oldest and biggest rock festival in the country. The event has been the breaking ground for several bands and pop acts across the country, such as Orphean Revival, Indus Creed (formerly Rock Machine), Chakravyu, Brahma, Zero, Pentagram, Shiamak Davar, Suneeta Rao, Pythagoras & the Right Angles, Gary Lawyer, Parikrama and Agni.

Alternative Hindi rock band Safar

Naturally, making a debut at this fest is big news for any young band. There is a mad scramble among aspiring rockstars to win a chance to play at the final showdown of what is popularly called "The Woodstock of India".

Less effective than Rang Bhavan, but rock-friendly nonetheless, Chitrakoot Grounds will host the national grand finale and Pro Band Performance night, which features metal biggies Bhayanak Maut and Reverse Polarity.

With the Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pune and Delhi I-Rock XXIV pub rounds over, it's now time for the Mumbai pub competition (eliminations). Eight Mumbai bands will lock heads today and tomorrow at Not Just Jazz By The Bay, to win a chance to perform at the finale. Only one gets it. The band that beats all the winners of the pan-India pub rounds walks away with the coveted I-Rock trophy.

Tonight
I-Rock XXIV Pub competitionu00a0
At: Not Just Jazz By The Bay, Soona Mahal, Marine Drive.
From: 8.30 pm onwards. Club rules apply

Zygnema: This multiple rock fest winning thrash metal band has a history of creating a moshpit whether the head count is 20 or 200.

Safar: Zygnema vocalist Jimmy also sings and plays the guitar for this alternative Hindi rock band. "So, you'll see me growling in one act and crooning softly in the next!" he says. Safar (https://www.myspace.com/safaronline) views songs as a combination of western music coupled with the flavour of Indian classical music.

Human Abstract: Their music varies from funky, melodic tunes to downright driving riffs. Human Abstracts derives its name from a 17th century poem by William Blake. "We released our debut EP Two Point Perspective, online this month. For maximum reach, the album is available for free download," says vocalist Anuj. Sample their music on https://www.myspace.com/humanabstracts

Joy and the Ice Creams: A classic rock band that excels at performing covers of Iron Maiden, Joy and the Ice Creams are open to sponsorshipsu00a0 from Kwality Walls, Naturals and Amore's.

October 1
At: Not Just Jazz By The Bay

Rosemary: A three-piece grunge band, they won Best Emerging Band award at this year's Jack Daniel's Annual Rock Awards.

Summerpint Junkie: Progressive space-grunge band influenced by Tool, Pearl Jam and Pink Floyd. Their music is experimental and fun (https://www.myspace.com/summerpintjunkie)

Depth: Says guitarist Howard Pereira, "Our music has elements of funk and blues, but we like to arrange vocal harmonies alongside crushing guitars and dual solos (https://www.myspace.com/depthbombay)

Echoes: Regulars at live music venues Hard Rock Cafe and NJJBTB, the five members of Echoes (https://www.soundclick.com/echoesindia) have varied influences from classic to modern rock, but don't aim to conform to any sub-genre of music.

October 3
National Grand Finaleu00a0u00a0
At: Chitrakoot Grounds, behind Fun Republic, Laxmi Industrial Estate, Andheri (W).
Gates open: 5 pm.
Performance begins at 6 pm.
Tickets: Rs 250 a day available at venue, Hiro Music, Hill Road, Bandra and Rhythm House, Kala Ghoda
National grand finale featuring winners of Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pune, Delhi and Mumbai. Catch performances by winners from Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Bengaluru and Mumbai, plus crowd pullers Infernal Wrath and Demonic Resurrection.

October 4
Pro band performancesu00a0u00a0u00a0
At: Chitrakoot Grounds
Watch metal favourites Reverse Polarity, Bhayanak Maut, Silver, Warren of Strat Blues and Motherjane.