Rock solid

Independence Rock survives a year of no funding, and plays out as a one-day festival today

After being delayed and devolved, the Independence rock concert is finally set to hit the stage with seven Indian bands that got their freedom to rock on the same stage years ago.


Pentagram performs at the Independence Rock concert.u00a0 FILE PIC

Earlier this year, heavy metal fans were more than happy to hear that Independence Rock 2010 was being ambitiously planned to be the biggest show in I-Rock history. The event was to span over three days where the first would see Indian bands compete; the second was reserved for international bands, and the final day for winners over the years to perform together.

As the months went by, fans and bands wondered if this year would see a show at all. Farhad Wadia, CEO of E18 andu00a0 I-Rock founder says, "The deal was signed, everything was in place and then our sponsor backed out. We decided that if some big corporate says they can't fund us, we will do it ourselves."

The right to rock
This year the event is a free concert that gives back some musical goodness to society. Independence rock goes back to its original format, that of a show rather than a rock competition.

"We never have a dearth of music. We have bands approach us every day who want to play at I-Rock. It takesu00a0 no convincing to get big Indian bands to play, no matter how big or small the show," says Wadia.

Independence rock will feature seven bands starting off with Bhayanak Maut, Pralay, Scribe and Demonic Resurrection.u00a0 The show includes Chandresh Kudwa's initiative Axetortion with musicians Dhruv Ghanekar (Chakraview) and Ravi Iyer (Witchhammer). Ehsan Noorani (Crosswinds), Farhad Wadia (Mirage), Johan Pais, Loy Mendonsa, Shazneen Arethna, Sidd Coutto (Zero), Vinay Lobo and Warren Mendonsa (Zero) will also play on a stage that for many played the role of a launch pad that recognised their talent, propelling them to fame.

u00a0Indus Creed is set to perform after coming out of retirement in early October, fresh with a new line-up andu00a0 playing some new tunes.u00a0

u00a0Zubin Balaporia who plays the keyboards in Indus Creed says, "I-Rock has changed a lot since it first started, the venues have changed, the formats have too, but the feeling is still the same. It's been a great platform for bands and it's a great place for music. That is one constant."

AT: Chitrakoot Grounds, Behind Fun Republic, Andheri (w), 4 pm. Entry is free. Passes are available at the venue
CALL: 66291818