Indian rockers tour with Harley-Davidson

Motorbike giant launches platform to support homegrown musical talent

Recently launched Harley-Davidson is looking to do its bit for the Indian rock music scene. Harley Rock Riders will be a platform for musicians across the country. On the cards immediately, is a five-city tour with Split. Guest performers include Them Clones, Thermal and a Quarter, Menwhopause, Native Tongue and the newly resurrected Indus Creed.

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“Harley-Davidson has been associated with rock music for decades. Harley Rock Riders is similar to several international movements by the brand. It’s a culture on two wheels,” says Sanjay Tripathi, Marketing Director, Harley-Davidson India.

Grunge band Split will headline the first Rock Riders tour. It has been selected in association with Rolling Stone India. The band was picked on the basis of the similarity of their sound to Harley-Davidson’s sound. Says Tripathi, “There is a unique, grungy sound that you hear when you start any of our bikes. When we saw that element in Split’s music, we knew we had found our band.”

The members of Split, meanwhile, are working on a five-song EP, that they will distribute at all concert venues. For some of them, the magnitude of the opportunity is yet to sink in. “I was sitting on a beach in Goa and things were already so great. Then our manager called, and it just got better,” says Melroy D’Mello, rhythm guitarist of Split.

Tripathi is optimistic about the future of this initiative. “We’ve started a movement and will definitely carry it forward by roping in more bands in the future,” he says. He is also elated by the response that Harley-Davidson has received since their recent launch. “People have been coming to the outlet to check out the bikes and pose with them. Many even want to work with us,” he smiles.