A mainstay of India’s rock-and-roll scene all through the 80s and 90s, the ‘Independence Rock’ music fest, a.k.a. I-Rock – has left a deep imprint on the country’s Gen X rock spirit over the years. Reviving this iconic rock festival for a larger-than-life comeback this year, Hyperlink Brand Solutions and Paytm Insider have come together with Farhad Wadia to bring I-Rock in a new avatar at Bayview Lawns (Princess Dock, Mazgaon) in Mumbai on 4th and 5th November 2022.
With some of the most celebrated artists from rock industry, pulsating guitar riffs, and sing-along head-banging, the resurgence of I-Rock’s uptempo celebration in 2022 will be a representation of India’s thriving rock scene, with a promise to regain its cult status as a music festival unlike any other. This new chapter will see the iconic festival continue to democratise music as it unflinchingly questions the status quo and reflects on social and cultural changes. Through music alone, I-Rock aims to honour India’s rock legacy, and provide a creative platform to express non-conformist ideas, freedom of speech, inclusivity, and equality.
Mr Farhad Wadia, Founder of Independence Rock, said, “It’s my great fortune and privilege to revive independence rock in partnership with my dear friends Jairam, Neale and Jaishankar at Hyperlink and give a new generation of Rock Fans the opportunity to experience the oldest running rock festival in India which was known as the Woodstock of India. HEY HEY MY MY ROCK n ROLL CAN NEVER DIE!!”
Mr VG Jairam – Founder of Hyperlink Brand Solutions said, “Rock music reflects a social and cultural change in society and is a force in its own right. As the original generations of rock & roll fans matured, the music became an accepted and deeply interwoven thread in popular culture. With its core vision of multidimensional storytelling, creating cultural movements and connecting consumers with culture, Hyperlink has partnered with Farhad Wadia & Paytm Insider to resurrect and re-introduce this iconic marquee music, cultural and lifestyle movement to today’s millennials.”
Mr Varun Khare, Business Head, Live Entertainment – IPs & Partnerships at Paytm Insider, added, “The history of rock has been volatile and unpredictable as the genre has constantly redefined and reinvented itself since its emergence in the world. Undoubtedly, rock will keep evolving, drawing from its rich history while continuing to keep its ear open for the next sonic reinvention. In India, Independence Rock has been that reinvention. We, at Paytm Insider, are extremely excited to bring I-Rock back while working with some amazing talent across the country and delivering a contemporary spin to this iconic rock movement.”
The country’s original and the oldest rock festival ever, Independence Rock is undoubtedly the stage where it all began – from power-packed rock music concerts, giving several huge names their big break to sparking the Indian rock spirit. However, I-Rock’s origin story started 30 years ago when students were not allowed to host a rock music concert at St Xavier’s intercollege fest Malhar. This saw die-hard rock-and-roll fan Farhad Wadia, students, and rock bands organise what eventually became the first edition of the Independence Rock at Rang Bhavan in 1986. Since then, I-Rock has been at the very core of the rock and metal wave in the country, growing into a legendary music, cultural and lifestyle movement. Dubbed as the ‘Woodstock of India,’ its previous editions have seen performances by some of India’s recognised and iconic bands and artists. In fact, for over two decades until its last edition in 2013, I-Rock has been a cradle of indie music that offered an aspirational stage to underground talent and campus rock bands which became mainstream rock sensations amongst fans.
