Mumbai: Last year’s historic return after a nine-year hiatus set the stage for a legendary rock comeback. India’s oldest, largest and loudest rock festival, Independence Rock, was reborn as Mahindra Independence Rock (I-Rock) in 2022 and is now once again making its way to the city in November. This year too, Mumbai’s Bayview Lawns will witness a thunderous reunion of headbanging and moshing rock scenesters in a loud celebration of the genre on the 4 and 5 November, 2023.
Overlooking the breathtaking Arabian Sea, the Mahindra I-Rock stage is all set to transform into a kaleidoscope of rock subgenres coming together for two days of rock shindig. This year, the festival is transcending geographical boundaries by stretching its soundscape across the length and breadth of the country. From the north and the northeast to the west and the south, as well as crossing borders to Nepal, Mahindra I-Rock seeks to bring and unite diverse sounds of rock to its iconic stage.
This will see the festival become a confluence of genres and languages and a collision of energies – from pummeling death metal and old-school thrash influences, genre-bending fusion of rock and reggae and authentic 80s style glam metal to the nuanced blend of Indian classical and folk sounds of the mridangam and flute with guitar riffs and pulsating drums – Mahindra I-Rock will dig deeper into Indian Rock music subcultures to underscore rock music’s spirit of diversity and inclusivity through its unique sonic landscape.
Reflecting on 2022’s Journey
In 2022, Farhad Wadia, Hyperlink Brand Solutions, and the Mahindra Group, along with Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles as the Riding partner got together to reignite the rock movement by reviving the festival and creating an ecosystem of rockers all over India. The 2022 edition of Mahindra I-Rock saw 7000 rock-and-rollers flock to the venue, proving that the country’s rock spirit was intact through the years and reinstating the festival as the largest and most iconic rock festival in India. Pure energy and raw emotions punctuated Mahindra I-Rock as the festival reclaimed its 28-year-old legacy as the bedrock of a thriving rock scene, with some of the most celebrated rock artists, such as Parikrama, Thaikkudam Bridge, Avial, Indus Creed and Pentagram taking to stage – a testament to the enduring love for this iconic festival.
Continuing the Legacy – Mahindra I-Rock 2023
Coming from this legacy, Mahindra I-Rock, in its 29th edition, will continue to live upto it’s reputation as a national phenomenon by amplifying its reach and pushing the Indian rock community to take the genre to the next level. Moreover, by providing fans across the country a never-seen-before experience of the highest standard, the festival seeks to become a rock destination in this part of the world.
It will stay rooted in its three-decade-old tradition and nurture the growth of new and aspiring artists in the genre with “Tomorrow’s Headliners,” and provide them an opportunity to perform on the biggest rock stage, aka the Mahindra I-Rock stage.
Independence Rock founder Farhad Wadia said, “Since the 80s, the festival has provided a platform to launch careers of several huge names in the rock fraternity, and it has sparked an everlasting spirit among rockers across India. This stage is where it all began! Mahindra I-Rock is not just a festival; it has become a meaningful movement. And movements never die – they are recorded in history. They not only continue to inspire future generations but are also reborn over and over. Mahindra I-Rock is one such movement that I hope continues to inspire the new gen to express themselves uninhibitedly through rock and live on.”
Mahindra Group vice president – cultural outreach Jay Shah said, “We look forward to beginning the Mahindra Season of Festivals 2023-24 with Mahindra Independence Rock. It has been a pleasure to be able to revive this iconic festival, and we were heartened by the love shown by Mumbai last year. The Indian rock scene is waiting to be tapped, and this festival aims to present India’s incredible talent while simultaneously nurturing an appreciation for this genre in our youth.”
Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles CEO Ashish Singh Joshi was quoted as saying, “We’re thrilled to once again partner with Mahindra Independence Rock. Just as our motorcycles provide riders with the exhilarating experience of the open road, rock music evokes a sense of liberation and self-expression. What makes this association even sweeter is that this legendary music festival has had a resurgence story just like us at Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles. As enthusiasts of both rock and the open road, we can’t wait to be a part of this thunderous reunion of rock fans and Jawa Yezdi riders!”
Hyperlink Brand Solutions founder VG Jairam mentioned, “Multidimensional storytelling, creating cultural movements and being the bridge between consumers and culture is at the core of Hyperlink. And we are expanding on this by once again partnering with Farhad Wadia and the Mahindra Group to bring back Mahindra I-Rock, which is not just a rock festival but a cultural lifestyle movement in itself. After a successful sold-out show last year, I am looking forward to the newest edition which promises to be grander in all aspects and give both artists and the attendees an experience, unlike any other editions of Mahindra I-Rock.”
Mahindra I-Rock’s journey: From rebellion to revival.
Mahindra Independence Rock’s origin story embodies the very ethos of rock music culture – democratisation, freedom of expression, equality, inclusivity, and challenging the status quo. Three decades ago, in 1986, Farhad Wadia and his band’s gig at St. Xavier’s intercollege fest Malhar was cancelled. The principal didn’t approve of their music. However, this did not deter Farhad, who, with other students and bands, organised what eventually became the first edition of I-Rock at Rang Bhavan. In the 80s and 90s, I-Rock was the rite of passage for countless Gen X rockers in the country, giving birth to a roaring Indian rock scene and growing from a rock fest to pioneering a cultural movement in the Indian indie and rock music scene up until the close of its legacy venue in 2013.
Mahindra Independence Rock 2023 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of rock music, with a focus on diversity and new-age talent. The festival has consistently been a platform for rock enthusiasts to come together and revel in the magic of live music, and this year will be no exception.
Mark your calendars for 4 and 5 November 2023, and join us at Mumbai’s Bayview Lawns for a weekend of rock music like no other. Registrations for the festival are open now – log on to the website and Instagram for more updates on the lineup and early bird tickets!
