February 2025: India goes LIVE and there is no turning back!

In 2024, India’s live music scene experienced an unprecedented surge, transforming the nation into a premier destination for both international and local artists. This renaissance was marked by a significant increase in live events, a diversification of genres, and a notable expansion into tier-2 cities, reflecting the country’s evolving musical landscape.

A Surge in Live Events

The year witnessed a remarkable escalation in live entertainment, with over 30,000 events taking place across the country. This growth was driven predominantly by the youth demographic, whose increasing disposable income and global exposure fueled demand for diverse musical experiences. BookMyShow’s year-end data highlighted this trend, noting a rise from 19,000 live events in 2022 to 30,687 in 2024, underscoring India’s burgeoning concert culture. 

International Artists Flock to India

India’s expanding market did not go unnoticed by global artists. The year was punctuated by performances from international sensations such as Dua Lipa, Nick Jonas, Ed Sheeran, and Maroon 5. Dua Lipa’s unexpected live rendition of the ‘Levitating X Woh Ladki Jo’ mashup in Mumbai left fans ecstatic, while Nick Jonas received an enthusiastic ‘Jiju Jiju’ welcome at Lollapalooza India 2024.  Ed Sheeran’s tour further solidified India’s status on the global music map, despite an impromptu street performance in Bengaluru being curtailed by local authorities due to congestion concerns. 

Rise of Music Tourism and Tier-2 Cities

A notable development in 2024 was the exponential growth of live events in tier-2 cities. Markets such as Kanpur, Shillong, and Gandhinagar experienced a staggering 682% increase in live events, signaling a democratization of entertainment access across the nation.  This shift not only provided residents of these cities with unprecedented access to live music but also spurred music tourism, as fans traveled to various locales to attend concerts, thereby boosting local economies.

Diverse Musical Offerings

The year’s concert lineup showcased a rich tapestry of genres, catering to a wide array of musical tastes. Bryan Adams embarked on a seven-city tour, drawing record-breaking crowds and reaffirming the timeless appeal of classic rock. Indie-pop enthusiasts were treated to performances by bands like Cigarettes After Sex, indicating India’s readiness to embrace niche music genres.  Additionally, the Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) celebrated the country’s indigenous music, featuring local artists such as the Meghwals and Manganiyars, and fostering cross-cultural collaborations with international performers. 

Challenges Amidst Growth

Despite the positive trajectory, the industry faced challenges, particularly concerning ticket availability and pricing. The overwhelming demand for high-profile concerts often led to rapid sell-outs and subsequent black-market ticket sales at inflated prices. For instance, tickets for Coldplay’s January 2025 concerts in Mumbai sold out within minutes, leading to website crashes and allegations of scalping, highlighting the need for more robust ticketing systems to ensure fair access for fans. 

Cultural Diplomacy Through Music

The year also saw instances of cultural exchange facilitated through music. Notably, Australian diplomats invested nearly $20,000 to fly didgeridoo performer Ronald Murray to India for a brief performance, aiming to showcase Australia’s Indigenous culture and strengthen bilateral ties.  Such events underscored the role of music as a bridge between cultures, fostering mutual appreciation and understanding.

The live music landscape in India during 2024 was characterized by dynamic growth, increased global integration, and a deepened appreciation for diverse musical forms. As international artists continue to recognize India’s potential, and as local talent rises to prominence, the country’s musical journey promises to be vibrant and transformative in the years to come.

Article by Vishwa Deepak Dikshit

Cover Page designed by Aryan Srivastava