Mumbai: Bengaluru played host to rock's true homecoming with Bandland which reverberated through the city’s soul. The air was thick with anticipation as the crowd eagerly awaited the sonic feast that awaited them. The two-day spectacle took place at the Embassy International Riding School Ground in Bengaluru which was transformed into a music and culture haven. With a lineup that blended local ingenuity with international legends, the inaugural edition of Bandland, produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment experiential division of BookMyShow left crowds asking for more!
BookMyShow Live spearheaded Bandland in the city to uplift local art and culture, providing a memorable experience for music enthusiasts from the country’s OG music capital. Bengaluru was once known for its ardent love for rock music, and Bandland reignited the spark, bringing the thriving community of India's rock capital together for the two-day extravaganza. The festival offered vibrant art installations inspired by the city, a delectable fusion of cuisines and unique mixology, all under Bengaluru's open skies.
The inaugural day kicked off with a burst of energy, featuring outstanding performances from Indian gems. The War on Drugs, one of the most loved rock bands of all times won hearts with the assorted mix of their recent and all-time hits like ‘Pain’, ‘Red Eyes’, ‘Lost in the Dream’ and songs from their latest album, ‘I Don’t Live Here Anymore.’ The night reached its crescendo with the headlining act, Goo Goo Dolls, who brought the house down with their cult-favourite anthems like ‘Slide’, ‘Broadway’, ‘Here is Gone’, ‘Black Balloon’, ‘Yeah I Like You’, ending with an absolute banger with high-octane energy amongst the head-banging audiences singing along to ‘Iris’.
The last day of the festival kicked off with a blast as the most insane mosh pit took shape during Pacifist’s electrifying set. Amyl and the Sniffers injected an electrifying punk-rock energy with their India debut and a memorable performance of their hit singles like ‘Control’, ‘Got You’, ‘Guided By Angels’, ‘Some Mutts’, ‘Freaks to the Front’ and ‘Choices’.
The grand finale that left the crowd headbanging like never before was by the legendary Deep Purple whose timeless classics like ‘Smoke on the Water’, ‘Highway Star’, ‘Perfect Strangers’, ‘When a Blind Man Cries’, ‘Fireball’, ‘Speed King’, ‘Black Night’ and ‘Space Truckin’ reverberated through the night, marking the culmination of a musical saga.
Homegrown bands like The Earth Below set the tone with their unique fusion of genres. Following suit, the ethereal soundscapes of Parvaaz captivated the audience, transporting them into a realm of sonic transcendence. SKRAT is known for its high-octane performances along with Thermal And A Quarter. A fresh wave of sonic exploration with Pacifists initiated the proceedings with their genre-defying sound. Aswekeepsearching, known for its ambient and post-rock brilliance, created a sonic tapestry that resonated with the gathering crowd. The F16s added their indie flair to the mix, setting the stage for the iconic Parikrama who astounded audiences with their all-time hits.
The electrifying fusion of India's rich cultural tapestry with the pulsating rhythms of the city's illustrious music scene marked a significant milestone for BookMyShow Live’s debut edition of Bandland. It was a truly memorable experience for all the fans present! From local talent gems to international stars, the festival brought a mix of sounds that everyone could groove to. People of all ages had a blast, showing that good music never gets old. The cheers for each beat and note proved that Bandland was something special. As the festival wrapped up, it left behind memories of a lifetime and a reminder of how live music can bring people and communities together.
