Music fans in India are finally seeing their long-standing pleas answered, as global stars increasingly include the country in their touring schedules.
Once overlooked by many world-famous musicians, India is now hosting performances by artists like Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay, marking a shift in the live music landscape.
Coldplay’s upcoming shows in Ahmedabad are set to draw over 100,000 attendees each night, while Ed Sheeran prepares for his largest-ever tour of the country.
The Lollapalooza festival in March will feature Shawn Mendes and Louis Tomlinson, among others, signaling a growing appetite for international acts.
According to ticketing platform BookMyShow, live music demand in India has grown by 18% in 2024.
Experts attribute this shift to India’s massive and youthful population.
Marketing professor Dr. Sourindra Banerjee of Leeds University Business School highlights the country’s demographic appeal for artists.
“If I were in the music business, this would be the place to target,” he says, noting India’s growing economic influence and its global connections.
The Indian music industry’s value, projected to grow from ₹19 billion (£178 million) in 2021 to ₹37 billion (£346 million) by 2026, underscores the financial incentives for artists.
The rise of K-pop in India has further demonstrated the potential for international acts to gain a foothold in the market.
For Indian artists, the influx of global stars brings both inspiration and opportunities.
Local acts such as Anoushka Maskey and Anumita Nadesan have opened for international artists like Ben Howard, gaining visibility in the process.
Bangalore-based pop artist Frizzell D’Souza sees cultural exchange as a key benefit, with Western artists exposed to Indian sounds and local talent gaining a platform on the global stage.
However, concerns remain about the impact of international acts on India’s homegrown music scene.
Frizzell warns that audiences might prioritize global stars over supporting emerging Indian artists.
Yet many, including Rolling Stone India journalist Peony Hirwani, believe the risks are mitigated when events ensure local acts are featured as support performers.
India’s live music infrastructure, however, remains a challenge.
Fans often lament the lack of suitable venues, with concerts frequently held in multi-use sports stadiums.
Hirwani argues that better facilities and expanded venue options are essential for attracting mega-artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, who have yet to bring their tours to India.
As global acts increasingly recognize India’s potential, the country stands poised to become a major hub for live music, offering opportunities for cultural exchange, local artist growth, and a thriving concert scene.
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