A three-city concert series revives the legacy of 1970s rock pioneers Human Bondage, bringing original members together with the Rajeev Raja Combine for a powerful live tribute
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India’s early rock movement is set for a powerful revival as original members of the iconic 1970s band Human Bondage reunite on stage with the contemporary jazz-fusion ensemble Rajeev Raja Combine for a three-city concert series titled BLR Airport presents Tribute to Human Bondage, with Air India Express as travel partner.
The concert series opens in Bengaluru on January 16, 2026, before travelling to Goa and concluding in Mumbai, offering audiences a rare opportunity to revisit the raw energy, rebellion and spirit that shaped India’s formative rock years.
The Bengaluru leg, which serves as the tour’s opening chapter, carries particular significance. Human Bondage’s roots are closely tied to the city’s early rock culture, making it a symbolic homecoming for the band. Founder members Henry “Babu” Joseph and Ramesh Shotham will perform across all cities, with Radha Thomas joining the Bengaluru show at BLR Hubba. The performances will see them share the stage with Rajeev Raja Combine, bringing together legacy and contemporary soundscapes in a live setting.
Formed in the 1970s, Human Bondage became a defining force in India’s rock landscape, influencing generations of musicians and listeners. Over the years, the band’s evolving line-up included Henry “Babu” Joseph (vocals), Radha Thomas (vocals), Suresh Shottam (guitar), Ramesh Shotham (drums/percussion), Steve Law (keyboards), Fred Manricks (keys), Xerxes Gobhai and Vinty Bunyan (bass), with Gasper D’Souza as manager. Their music left a lasting cultural imprint that continues to resonate with Indian rock aficionados.
More than a reunion, Tribute to Human Bondage positions itself as a celebration of an era and a cultural movement that helped shape contemporary Indian music. The collaboration with BLR Airport underscores the airport’s growing role as a hub for art, culture and live entertainment, reinforcing its commitment to supporting meaningful cultural experiences beyond transit spaces.
For Air India Express, the partnership aligns with its continued engagement with India’s cultural landscape. The airline recently supported community-led arts initiatives such as the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland and views the tour as an extension of its ‘Tales of India’ initiative, under which indigenous art from across the country is showcased on aircraft tail liveries, transforming its fleet into flying canvases of Indian heritage.
Speaking about the tour, Rajeev Raja said that Human Bondage played a formative role in shaping his musical journey. “Growing up in Bengaluru, I had heard stories of the iconic band Human Bondage, which greatly inspired me. Babu Joseph was also a mentor who encouraged me immensely. Sharing the stage with the founder members and bringing their music alive with Rajeev Raja Combine feels deeply personal. I’m grateful to Air India Express for supporting this celebration of an important chapter in the city’s musical history.”
Founder member and vocalist Henry ‘Babu’ Joseph echoed the sentiment, describing the tour as both nostalgic and exciting. “I’m really delighted to be playing with my ex-bandmates and Rajeev Raja Combine in Bengaluru, my hometown. It’s also special to return to Goa and Bombay, three cities where we performed extensively in the 1970s.”
At its core, Tribute to Human Bondage aims to introduce younger audiences to rock music in its purest form, raw, unfiltered and alive on stage. By foregrounding musicianship, improvisation and the collective energy of live performance, the series ensures that India’s rock legacy continues to evolve, not merely exist as memory.