Happy 30th birthday to India's OG rock and metal fest!
MAHINDRA INDEPENDENCE ROCK IS BACK, AND IT'S ALL GROWN UP.
Born in 1986, now we're here. And we've never felt better. Mahindra Independence Rock is back for another year of rockin' out hard. And it's got everything you've come to expect and love. A wide variety of genres and bands, from hardcore growls to wholesome folk. Face-melting guitar solos and pulse-racing drum intros. Today's musical living legends and tomorrow's headliners. A sea of black tees set against the actual sea. Veterans of the scene, and newbies discovering their first live show. Looking up at the sky, letting the ocean breeze cool you down between sets, grabbing a drink, and feeling like you're home. This is after all the Home of the Headbang. You know the deal. In 1986, Mahindra Independence Rock was born when a bunch of college students went full rebel and organised a forbidden rock concert. Rules were broken, history was made, and that first I-Rock was even more badass for it. Now the festival is adulting hard, and is turning into that cool fellow you always wanted to be when you grew up. So there we go. A new edition of Mahindra Independence Rock. A new lineup of rock and metal greats. A new hunt for the bands who will be tomorrow's headliners. The legacy of I-Rock continues as we enter the dirty thirties. See you there.
A glimpse into Mahindra Independence Rock 2023!
Celebrate the roots and future of the Indian gig scene
Rock fans who were around when Independence Rock launched will know just how true that is. They know how it became a rite of passage for rock musicians and fans alike.
For musicians, it was the way to get a stage, to go from being unknown to being huge.
For fans, it was a way for the rock community to come together once a year and let their hair down, mosh, jump, dance and celebrate incredible music.
Before India had its packed calendar of music festivals, Independence Rock was THE place to be, the festival that led to the evolution of the thriving music scene that exists today.
Whether it's to celebrate the iconic festival, or to see the incredible lineup, or just to bond with those who live to rock… get your ticket, raise your fist in the air and gather at Mazgaon Docks on 16th and 17th November 2024. Hell yeah!
Festival Line up
13AD
Here is a Kochi band that formed before Metallica, Iron Maiden, Pearl Jam, or Guns n Roses! 13AD were born in 1977 by Eloy Isaacs, and cut their teeth playing various nightclubs around their home city, building a dedicated following. They would start with covers at the famous Sealord Hotel before venturing into their own tunes.
They would soon grow to become one of India's top rock bands, striking a deal with a major label (Magnasound), and even touring the Middle East. After a hiatus, the band reunited in 2008 playing across the country. Independence Rock is a fitting venue for this pioneering act.
Follow the artist on Instagram here
About Us
About Us is a new rock band hailing from Nagaland. The band members come from various musical backgrounds, coming together in 2019 to create an experimental sound.
In their brief time, they have released two albums - About Us and Take A piece. They've been recognised at the MG Nagaland Music Awards and Music Awards of Nagaland, both in 2021.
The band is Nzan Kithan on vocals, Renlamo Lotha and Pona Kikon on guitars, Soren Kikon on bass, Renmobo Yanthan on keys and Yanni Ennie on drums.
They've signed with Frontiers Music SRL, an Italian label. They've played gigs all across the North East, and we're delighted to have them come to a bigger audience at Independence Rock.
Follow the artist on Instagram here
Bloodywood
Bloodywood have become a global phenomenon. Don't take our word for it - look at their US/Europe tour schedule, comments on their videos and rave reviews by rock publications for their record, Rakshak, which even entered the Billboard charts. Originally a parody metal covers project on YouTube, Bloodywood's shift to original music helped them find their voice… and audience.
They fuse a highly danceable Indian sound with metal instrumentation, hard-hitting lyrics and even rap, delighting thousands around the world with one of the freshest sounds in the genre. I-Rock 2022 attendees have hopefully recovered from the moshpit, as these lads are back to unleash more mayhem.
Follow the artist on Instagram here
Bombay Metal Project
A pantheon of Indian rock and metal royalty - coming together to pay tribute to the bands that inspired them. 16 musicians who have collectively been responsible for many a hoarse throat and sprained neck will descend onto one stage. We're talking members of Bhayanak Maut, Zygnema, Gutslit, Scribe, Indus Creed, Demonic Resurrection, Undying Inc, Noiseware and more. Phew.
BMP gets together once in a while for special occasions, creating mayhem, memories and mosh pits in the process. If you’re a fan of the heavier side of rock, you owe it to your collection of black tees to be here for this!
Girish and The Chronicles
Girish And The Chronicles sound like they took a time machine from the 80s to remind us what a good riff sounds like. Born in Sikkim and based out of Bengaluru, GATC have made a name for themselves with electrifying performances spearheading the leather-clad hard rock sound since 2009.
Fronted by vocal powerhouse Girish Pradhan, they’ve shared stage with Guns N Roses, Skid Row, Nazareth, Alter Bridge, Bullet for my Valentine, Kamelot, Hoobastank, and Poets of the Fall besides backing legendary drummer Chris Adler (Lamb of God, Megadeth) during his India performances.
They’ve toured extensively across Europe, and their three albums have received international praise. Join GATC for a full-on celebration of 80s hard rock at Independence Rock!
Follow the artist on Instagram here
Indus Creed
A mainstay of Indian rock, Indus Creed traces its history back to 1984 - just a tad older than our festival! - when they formed as Rock Machine. Like many acts, they began with covers before making their own music. 1988 saw Rock 'n' Roll Renegade, considered by many to be the first all-original rock album in India. Subsequently, they added progressive / Indian elements and rebranded as Indus Creed. After a hiatus, they reformed and brought out Evolve, their first record in 17 years.
They've opened for Santana, Bon Jovi and Slash, played almost all stages the country has to offer and remain as tight an act as ever.
Follow the artist on Instagram here
Motherjane
No story of Indian rock is complete without talking about Motherjane. The Kerala band has one of the scene’s most unique sounds - fusing progressive rock with Carnatic elements (wait till you hear the solos!).
Their two albums (Insane Biography, Maktub) remain revered among fans and have won multiple awards. They've shared the stage with Megadeth, Opeth, Mr Big and many more, and have been conferred Asia's #1 rock act (AVIMA 08-09). In a year of surprise rock reunions, Indian fans are delighted too that Baiju and Suraj have joined forces after 15 years to rekindle their legacy. They grace I-Rock for the first time since 2009.
Follow the artist on Instagram here
Skrat
There is Skrat on streaming.
And then there is Skrat on stage.
The Chennai boys are known for their energetic performances where their DIY, punk-influenced garage-rock with immensely hummable choruses just come alive.
Their songs are based in alternate universes (fondly called the Skratverse). Closing in on 2 decades together, the band has played all major stages in India and have opened for guitar legend Slash as well.
They are as indie as it gets, and Mahindra Independence Rock looks forward to welcoming the electrifying trio to its stage.
Members:
Sriram TT (guitar, vox), Jhanu Chantar (bass), Tapass Naresh (drums)
Follow the artist on Instagram here
Swarathma & 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼 feat. Bhayanak Maut, Parvaaz, Sutej Singh and Sidd Coutto
Swarathma celebrates 30 years of Independence Rock with an epic collaborative set tossing an unlikely mix of folk fusion, metal, alternative & instrumental rock into the blender, with a secret ingredient: The Vibe! Swarathma is bringing backstage bonhomie onto stage, where genre divides dissolve and all that remains is the love of a great gig. Known for open-hearted joyous collaborations, the band is seeking to create a never-before set featuring a mash-up of songs and styles of Bhayanak Maut, Parvaaz, Sutej Singh and Sidd Coutto to celebrate the shared love of music.
Follow the artist on Instagram here
Daywise Lineup
The band hunt for India's next rock legends is back!
Stay tuned to Mahindra Independence Rock’s social media channels for the announcement of this year's Band Hunt winner.
Entries Closed
Follow Mahindra Independence Rock
Curated & Handpicked Events in Online
Music Events: Gigs & Festivals in Online
Comedy shows: Standup & Open Mic in Online
Cheer Your Favourite Sports Team!
Trekking, Camping & Adventure in Online
EXPLORE events in TRENDING cities
insider.in is a platform that helps you discover and buy the best in events, travel and food in your city. We strive to curate experiences that are worth your time and money, possibly something you have never tried before.
For event organizers
insider.in is built by the same team that created Bacardi NH7 Weekender (us) and we sure know what goes into putting together a great experience. Our technology, marketing and customer support can help you build a community of not just ticket buyers, but also fans.
