Catch Rock N' Roll legends Indus Creed perform in Mumbai... for free

The big daddies of Indian Rock, Indus Creed, are working on a new album, as they ready to hit nostalgia lane at a gig tonight at Bandra’s rooftop bar Bonobo

Indus Creed current members are Uday Benegal, Mahesh Tinaikar, Zubin Balaporia, Jai Row Kavi and Krishna Jhaveri

Music in 1984 experienced landmark incidents; if Queen reigned supreme with live concerts, Bryan Adams released his fourth studio album (Reckless). George Harrison (of The Beatles) made a shock appearance on stage with Deep Purple in Sydney. All the pointers painted a promising future for Rock and Roll. Inspired, young musicians in India decided to join in the fun; Indus Creed was one such band. Formerly known as Rock Machine, the band is set for a nostalgic trip at a gig tonight.

New album talk

The boys from Bombay (now Mumbai) wrote original music when covers ruled the roost. They flaunted their thick manes, North Star sneakers and made an entire generation sing, “They say I’m wasted, cause I don’t agree, with the elders see I don’t do the 9 to 5. But they can’t face it, so they say that I am the rebellious one trying to destroy your so-called Indian way of life.” Even after 32 years of existence and awards, they are still on top of their game. “We don’t plan too far ahead but we are working towards putting out some songs that could turn into a new album,” says guitarist Mahesh Tinaikar. The last album (Evolve) released in 2012.

They had started recording the new album last year but due to other commitments, the process slowed down. “We got waylaid with a bunch of stuff. We are planning to return to that this year, and work at completing it. It is imperative that we have the songs we believe in, so there is no rush but deadlines help,” chuckles Uday Benegal, the vocalist and the songwriter.

Then and now

Tinaikar isn’t sure whether the band is still looked up to but when youngsters discuss Rock Machine with him, it brings a smile on his face. “It is nice to still be relevant in the scene after all these years. It is flattering to hear younger bands cover our songs but it gives me even more pleasure when kids, who were not even around when we recorded our earlier albums, come and tell me that they sourced those albums. It is nice to have a new generation appreciating our old music,” he says.

However, they are satisfied to know that musicians today have taken a leap from the older days. “Earlier, musicians were only dependent on international acts for cover material. There is no audience for cover bands today. But local musicians, apart from being original, need to be good to attract an audience. We have great talent here but very few are truly original. One that stands out for me is Parekh & Singh. I have great expectations from them. Spud In A Box is another act that I like,” adds Tinaikar.

But the veteran guitarist is aware of the real estate prices in the city that is forcing venues to shut shops. Last year, blueFROG — an iconic live performance venue — bid goodbye due to lack of monetary benefits. “At the end of the day, the venue has to make business to keep it going. The rents in the city are exorbitant, and there is no dearth of other forms of entertainment. Local acts aren’t enough to sustain business. The overheads are unrealistic; had taxes been lowered to promote music, things could possibly change,” he suggests.

Tunes for the night

The band is likely to play a set of their new tunes, after they reformed in 2010. The songs that caught ears are Fireflies, Thief, Sleep, Can You Take It Harder. “It will be a judicious mix of our current as well as some archival stuff (Pretty Child, Top of The Rock, Rock and Roll Renegade). There will be a few tunes from the unplayed-for-years library,” shares Benegal, who believes the love for music as listeners, creators and performers keeps the band going. “We are music fans in every sense,” he concludes.

ON: Tonight, 9 pm

AT: Bonobo, 2nd Floor, Kenilworth Mall, Phase 2, Off Linking Road, Behind KFC, Bandra (W).

CALL: 26055050
ENTRY: FREE

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