Pentagram is among the old guards returning to I-Rock

For Jairam, it was an instinctive decision; a natural choice. He says, “When I wanted to bring back rock music for today’s audiences, I could only think of I-Rock as the most authentic platform.”

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A major result of the partnership is a change in venue, bringing the rock celebration back to South Bombay — my neighbourhood, as Wadia calls it. The two-day festival will take place at the Bayview Lawns at Princess Dock in Mazgaon, instead of the previous hunting grounds of Chitrakoot in Andheri. Jairam describes it as a venue that enhances the experience for audiences. “The vast waterfront holds a unique experience for audiences and has a nice layout, with dedicated performance areas, food courts and bars.”

But does this upgrade rob the festival of some of its rough grunge, the mosh pits? Wadia disagrees. “If I had the facilities 10 years ago, I would have done it this way,” he says, pointing out that rock concerts in the West are as much about comfort and audience experience as the music.

(Left) Farhad Wadia with Ehsaan Noorani at a previous edition of the festival

The experience aside, the energy will be brought in by the line-up that is a diverse mix of old and young Indian rockers. The old guard of Indus Creed, Pentagram, Zero and Parikrama accompanying new names of Thaikkudam Bridge, F16s, 

Bloodywood, Aswekeepsearching, among others. “We both had our choices, and they came together synergistically. We have a diverse lineup — old legends, bands from South India, and even bands like Parvaaz, who perform in Hindi,” the founder emphasises.

Yet, it is the legacy of Independence Rock, a festival  that was born of rebellion that still weighs heavy. “Rock music was always for the classes and not the masses — the cool kids who want to pave their own path. It has always been a niche genre, and has a coolness to it that comes with  its not being completely massy,” Wadia describes.

The weekend will see a crowd of such niche, cool fans looking to revive the city’s legacy festival. One only hopes the mosh pits withstand the wave 
of nostalgia. 

On: November 5 and 6; 3.30 pm onwards
At: Bayview Lawns, Princess Dock, Mazgaon, Mumbai Port Trust
Log on to: insider.in
Cost: Rs 2,000 onwards