So last weekend was pretty much dedicated to the old faithful Fuel Great Indian Rock fest that met with a mixed response. Even if I, for once, listen to the complaining souls who talk about the ‘lack of the feel’ (damn the nostalgia, please), I still feel GIR is a necessary evil. From the venue (Hamsadhwani) to the line-up and headliners, GIR to new
Indian rockers will somewhat be what Nirvana or Guns N’ Roses will continue to be for any new converts… educational and experiential. All the ‘metchul’ chanting did show that the audience was having more than a good time. Plus before all the corporates came rushing, GIR was probably the only lace to catch some decent ‘phoren’ acts.
This weekend (Oct 30 through Nov 1) the new, improved Rocktober Fest shall hold fort. Instead of nearly a month-long pub gigs scenario, the fest will be branched out into three big gigs at the Garden of Five Senses (GoFS). That’s not the only change in the format; the ‘not-strictly rock’ genres, too, have made a foray into the fest. Also, the day-long gig will have three stages. Stage One begins at 4 pm at the GoFS amphitheatre and goes on till 10. Stage Two kicks off at Spice By Q’BA from 7 pm to 10 pm, also at GoFS and these will be DJ sets. Finally, post 10 pm the party shifts to Cafe Morrison, that will have DJ sets for the first two days and Another Vertigo Rush performing on the last day.
So basically, from a series of spread-out gigs, this one’s now a more ‘real’ music fest. I like the fact that Midival Punditz, Skinny Alley and Punkh will all be gigging at one stage. Those, of course, are Day 1 highlights with the Punditz’ live set and another promising act, Da Saz also playing on the same day. Day 2 has Half Step Down, Mrigya, Them Clones and the Raghu Dixit Project. Also, don’t miss the super-trippy Teddy Boy Kill on Saturday’s Stage 3.
{{/usCountry}}So basically, from a series of spread-out gigs, this one’s now a more ‘real’ music fest. I like the fact that Midival Punditz, Skinny Alley and Punkh will all be gigging at one stage. Those, of course, are Day 1 highlights with the Punditz’ live set and another promising act, Da Saz also playing on the same day. Day 2 has Half Step Down, Mrigya, Them Clones and the Raghu Dixit Project. Also, don’t miss the super-trippy Teddy Boy Kill on Saturday’s Stage 3.
{{/usCountry}}The final day will feature a talented bunch of new crops as well as Advaita and Thermal & a Quarter, another fab act in Stage 1.