Mahindra Independence Rock Returns In November 2023

Last year’s historic return after a nine-year hiatus set the stage for a legendary rock comeback. India’s oldest, largest and loudest rock festival, Independence Rock, was reborn as Mahindra Independence Rock (I-Rock) in 2022 and is now once again making its way to the city in November. This year too, Mumbai’s Bayview Lawns will witness a thunderous reunion of headbanging and moshing rock scenesters in a loud celebration of the genre on the 4th and 5th of November, 2023.

Overlooking the breathtaking Arabian Sea, the Mahindra I-Rock stage is all set to transform into a kaleidoscope of rock subgenres coming together for two days of rock shindig. This year, the festival is transcending geographical boundaries by stretching its soundscape across the length and breadth of the country. From the north and the northeast to the west and the south, as well as crossing borders to Nepal, Mahindra I-Rock seeks to bring and unite diverse sounds of rock to its iconic stage.

This will see the festival become a confluence of genres and languages and a collision of energies - from pummeling death metal and old-school thrash influences, genre-bending fusion of rock and reggae and authentic 80s style glam metal to the nuanced blend of Indian classical and folk sounds of the mridangam and flute with guitar riffs and pulsating drums - Mahindra I-Rock will dig deeper into Indian Rock music subcultures to underscore rock music’s spirit of diversity and inclusivity through its unique sonic landscape.

Reflecting on 2022’s Journey

In 2022, Farhad Wadia, Hyperlink Brand Solutions, and the Mahindra Group partnered to reignite the rock movement by reviving the festival and creating an ecosystem of rockers all over India. The 2022 edition of Mahindra I-Rock saw 7000 rock-and-rollers flock to the venue, proving that the country’s rock spirit was intact through the years and reinstating the festival as the largest and most iconic rock festival in India. Pure energy and raw emotions punctuated Mahindra I-Rock as the festival reclaimed its 28-year-old legacy as the bedrock of a thriving rock scene, with some of the most celebrated rock artists, such as Parikrama, Thaikkudam Bridge, Avial, Indus Creed and Pentagram taking to stage - a testament to the enduring love for this iconic festival.

Continuing the Legacy - Mahindra I-Rock 2023

Coming from this legacy, Mahindra I-Rock, in its 29th edition, will continue to live upto it's reputation as a national phenomenon by amplifying its reach and pushing the Indian rock community to take the genre to the next level. Moreover, by providing fans across the country a never-seen-before experience of the highest standard, the festival seeks to become a rock destination in this part of the world.

It will stay rooted in its three-decade-old tradition and nurture the growth of new and aspiring artists in the genre with “Tomorrow’s Headliners,” and provide them an opportunity to perform on the biggest rock stage, aka the Mahindra I-Rock stage.

Farhad Wadia, Founder of Independence Rock, said, “Since the 80s, the festival has provided a platform to launch careers of several huge names in the rock fraternity, and it has sparked an everlasting spirit among rockers across India. This stage is where it all began! Mahindra I-Rock is not just a festival; it has become a meaningful movement. And movements never die - they are recorded in history. They not only continue to inspire future generations but are also reborn over and over. Mahindra I-Rock is one such movement that I hope continues to inspire the new gen to express themselves uninhibitedly through rock and live on.”

Jay Shah, Vice President - Cultural Outreach at Mahindra Group, said, “We look forward to beginning the Mahindra Season of Festivals 2023-24 with Mahindra Independence Rock. It has been a pleasure to be able to revive this iconic festival, and we were heartened by the love shown by Mumbai last year. The Indian rock scene is waiting to be tapped, and this festival aims to present India’s incredible talent while simultaneously nurturing an appreciation for this genre in our youth.”

VG Jairam - Founder of Hyperlink Brand Solutions, mentioned, “Multidimensional storytelling, creating cultural movements and being the bridge between consumers and culture is at the core of Hyperlink. And we are expanding on this by once again partnering with Farhad Wadia and the Mahindra Group to bring back Mahindra I-Rock, which is not just a rock festival but a cultural lifestyle movement in itself. After a successful sold-out show last year, I am looking forward to the newest edition which promises to be grander in all aspects and give both artists and the attendees an experience, unlike any other editions of Mahindra I-Rock.”