The Independence Rock music festival was first held in August 1986 at Rang Bhavan. Photo Courtesy: Farhad Wadia
The Independence Rock music festival came to life after a rock concert was cancelled at St Xavier's College's cultural festival, Malhar in 1986. At the time, founder Farhad Wadia, who was part of the band Mirage, along with Rock Machine, the former avatar of iconic Indian rock band Indus Creed, were supposed to perform at the festival but since it was banned, ended up performing at Rang Bhavan, after a rock fan Anurag told them he would organise it. While Anurag wasn't to be found on the day, Mumbaikars came in big numbers to enjoy some good rock music. Photo Courtesy: Independence Rock
On August 15 in 1986, Farhad Wadia says as many as 5,500 people came to witness them play at the festival, held at Rang Bhavan, which was close to St Xavier's College. With the entry fee at Rs 15, they were not only able to pay the money they had spent on light and sound but also divide the rest among themselves. Photo Courtesy: Independence Rock
One of US-based Wadia's most favourite memories is from the fifth or sixth year of the festival when it was raining really heavily and the team wasn't sure if the festival would even take place. However, after they started receiving multiple calls on the landline phone to enquire if the festival is on, they were happy to see a line form from Rang Bhavan, all the way to Metro Cinema, with guys dressed in black tshirts, shorts and umbrellas too. It was on this day that Wadia says his faith in rock music and Independence Rock was restored. Photo Courtesy: Independence Rock
Over the years, the festival has seen many big names like Indus Creed, Parikrama, Pentagram and Zero among others perform on stage. Returning after nine years, this year the festival will also see the likes of The F16s, Aswekeepsearching, Parvaaz and Bloodywood, along with Thaikuddam Bridge and Avial. Photo Courtesy: Independence Rock
Since the festival started in 1986, Wadia says it has been a launchpad for many Indian bands like Demonic Resurrection, Pin Drop Violence and Half Step Down to name a few. Photo Courtesy: Independence Rock
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