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Iron Maiden to rock India

There’s enough excitement in the rock music circles with two prominent shows coming up. After Hours gets the lowdown on the events.

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After Hours gets the lowdown on the two mega rock festivals coming up

There’s enough excitement in the rock music circles with two prominent shows coming up. While the alluring factor for one is the opportunity to open for the international rock band Iron Maiden, the other one has as many as 12 bands participating and plays catalyst in popularising rock in the city.

Campus Rock Idols

International appeal: It’s always the international quotient that makes this competition special. Last year we saw Bryan Adams rock the city and this year it’s going to be Iron Maiden. “Bands in India need to be more stylised, so we will be focussing on this aspect and also getting a cutting-edge video shot of the winning band,” says Venkat Vardhan, MD, DNA Networks, who is organising the show.

Local talent: Last year’s winners, The Superfuzz Bigmuff, who were also the opening act for Bryan Adams confess that the professional edge the band has received after winning the competition. “Of course we have grown up listening to Iron Maiden and would have been overwhelmed to open for them more than for Bryan Adams. But it was a great experience to hang out with him and get his inputs,” reveals guitarist Nikhil Rufus from the band.

It’s a rock affair: The Campus Rock Idols finals which are going to be held on February 11 in Pune after regional and zonal rounds are what all the bands are focussing on. “It’s definitely much more than just a platform for upcoming bands. The competition gives you a panoramic view of the Indian rock movement. Opening for Iron Maiden (in Bangalore) is the motivator,” says band manager Sanju Nair whose band Metal Messiah is among the competitors.

Kayos - Battle of the bands

Battling it out: Though a fairly new festival, this rock event pits the city bands against each other for a vigorous and tight battle. “Our main focus is to familiarise smaller venues like St Xaviers (Mahim) and consistently build the appeal,” says event organiser Raj Nambiar. The event also supports the cause of non-smoking and anti-alcohol. Headliners effect: For the headlining band Vayu, it’s the emotional attachment to the event. “We had done a show for a non-smoking cause last time and we really loved the venue and the crowd,” says vocalist 2Blue of Vayu.

Tight competition: The main criteria for the battle will be basic things including the melody, tightness of the band and interaction with the crowd. “Covers have to be strong because it will be constantly compared to the original,” says Sunand Bhojani, one of the judges and editor of a music magazine. “The originals have also become an important component of the Indian rock scene where bands are increasingly concentrating on putting out albums.” 

k_shridevi@dnaindia.net

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