Over the last several years, live music has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity in India. The country, once a hub for Bollywood playback singers and occasional international acts, is now renowned for hosting massive concerts, music festivals, and live shows. A cultural shift has occurred with the emergence of global superstars like Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa, as well as Indian artists such as Diljit Dosanjh, Arijit Singh and AP Dhillon.
But, Why is Coldplay So Famous?
Indian Entertainment's New Face
The Indian music scene was dominated by film music for many years, with playback singers playing prominent roles.' Musicians who were not associated with big companies faced difficulties in reaching the public, and concerts of this nature were uncommon beyond those inspired by Bollywood. Despite this setback, India has seen an increase in the diversity of music genres across its borders, including hip-hop, EDM, Punjabi pop, and international rock.
Streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube have helped drive this change. Without the assistance of a film industry, these platforms have enabled independent artists to reach vast audiences.
The Effects of Social Media on Globalization
India's concert industry has been fueled by social media. The introduction of Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok allows fans to directly connect with international artists, resulting in a more global audience. Viral concert footage and energetic performances have caused a surge in ticket sales, fueling fear among Indian fans.
Furthermore, Coachella's and Tomorrow land are examples of Western music festivals that have influenced India to hold similar major events. Music festivals such as NH7. Live acts such as Weekender, Sunburn, and Supersonic have set new records for the quality of entertainment in the country.
Concert culture attracting Indian artists
1. Diljit Dosanjh – Punjabi Powerhouse.
The rise of Diljit Dosanjh has led to a worldwide recognition of Punjabi music. During his "Dil Luminati Tour," he traveled to multiple Indian cities, which was one of the biggest Punjabi music tours ever. The Mumbai performance by him, which drew in thousands of fans, was sold out within hours. All audiences were well-represented, with tickets priced from 2,000.
2.Karan Aujla – Punjabi Star
Another Punjabi star, Karan Aujla, has made waves in the Indian music industry. The cost of tickets for his "It Was All A Dream" tour among Indian artists has reached a record high. The VVIP Diamond pass, which is one of the most expensive concert tickets in India, was available for a group of 15 people at 15 lakh in Gurugram.
The cost of the experience was high, but fans were still willing to pay, indicating that India's audience is prepared for top-notch live entertainment.
3. AP Dhillon - New Age icon
The rise of AP Dhillon has been phenomenal, with both Indian and international fans flocking to his music. ". His blend of Punjabi and Western hip-hop music has earned him the reputation of drawing large crowds of young people to his concerts. One of India's most sought-after live performers, he is known for his ability to blend different genres of music.
International Artists Performing in India: The Global Wave.
- Coldplay – A Historic Concert.
The Indian audience has already taken notice of Coldplay’s upcoming show in Mumbai. BookMyShow and other ticketing platforms were unable to compete with the 150,000 tickets that almost 13 million people were seeking, leading to their downfall.
The pricing for tickets was between 2,500 and a further tier of 10,000, which is indicative of the high cost-effectiveness of international experiences in India.
- Dua Lipa’s - Pop Sensation
Various individuals showed up at Dua Lipp’s Mumbai concert to see the British singer perform. The pop concert, which was priced between 3,500 and a meager oeuvre at yudits in Delhi, demonstrated India’s growing proficiency in organizing high-profile events.
- Ed Sheeran
The 2024 concert by Ed Sheeran in India was a significant moment for the music industry. The Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai hosted a performance by the British singer-songwriter on March 16, 2024. It sold out quickly, with tickets going for 8,500 and beyond.
Singer-songwriter Calum Scott was a standout guest at the event, adding to the festivities.
The difficulties of arranging grand concerts
Despite the growing popularity of concerts, India still faces many challenges in organizing large-scale live events.
- Infrastructure and Venue Management.
Numerous Indian cities lack the resources to hold significant concerts on a large scale. Insufficient parking, inadequate crowd control, and restricted seating capacity often make it difficult to manage large gatherings.
Artists such as Diljit Dosanjh have openly condemned these flaws, calling for improvements to ensure smoother performances in future….
- Ticketing Scams and Scalping.
As concert tickets have become more popular, so has the phenomenon of ticket scalping and fraudulent reselling in India. The authorities had to take action when Coldplay’s concert tickets were sold at a 10 times higher price than those originally purchased. Fair ticket distribution remains a major obstacle for organizers of events.
- Security and Crowd Control.
Even in high-energy concerts, managing large crowds is a challenge. Why? The occurrence of stampedes and overcrowding has led to safety concerns. Better security and crowd management measures must be put in place, according to organizers.
The Future of Concert Culture in India
India is just starting to embrace concert culture. The inclusion of Indian artists on global tours and the growth of local artistries in India are contributing to the country’s growing role as a hub for live music events.
- Growth of Music Festivals.
Events like NH7. Weekender, Sunburn, and Lollapalooza India are becoming more popular, attracting artists from all over the world and drawing in music lovers from far and wide.
- Better Infrastructure Development.
As the demand for venues increases, they are upgrading their facilities to accommodate larger crowds. Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi are among the cities that have erected stadiums and auditoriums of international caliber.
- Technological Advancements in Ticketing.
To improve the concert experience and prevent scalping, various ticketing systems are being developed that use block chain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) powered crowd management solutions.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
*The views expressed are personal to the author and do not reflect the platform's opinion of the same.
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