Musically-inclined Bengaluru saw a number of big-ticket performances during 2018. While big names in the industry enthralled the audience at standalone concerts, musical festivals brought together established and emerging artistes to allow fans to sample varied fare in a single place. Metrolife does a quick round up....
A R Rahman
The musical wizard kickstarted his ‘One Heart Tour’ at Ozone Urbana recently. Thousands immersed themselves in his magic, as he performed his Hindi and Tamil chartbusters.
Ranjit Barot, Bamba Bakya, Harshdeep Kaur, Vijay Prakash, Shweta Mohan, Jonita Gandhi, Neeti Mohan, Haricharan and Udit Narayan were among the other performers.
Bryan Adams
The Canadian singer, creator of iconic songs such as ‘Summer of 69’, ‘18 till I die’ and ‘Please forgive me’, performed at Ozone Urbana as part of his ‘Ultimate Tour’ to 66 cities across four continents.
Shreya Ghoshal
The musical diva performed in the city twice, once at Phoenix MarketCity and once during Bengaluru Ganesha Utsava. Age was no bar in her fan following, scores of whom danced to her hit songs like ‘Deewani Mastani’, ‘Agar Tum Mil Jao’ and ‘Ghoomar’.
Usha Uthup
The original diva of the Indian music industry performed at Phoenix MarketCity and was also a part of the Bengaluru Poetry Festival. Classics like Dum Maro Dum and Hari Om Hari highlighted her unique style of singing.
Euphoria
A packed audience in Hard Rock Cafe was transported back in time when the Hindi rock legends performed hits like ‘Maeri’, ‘Dhoom Pichak Dhoom’ and ‘Aana Meri Gully’. The band was celebrating 18 years of their existence in the indie scene.
Armaan Malik
Singer, actor and all round heartthrob Armaan Malik, who rose to fame with hit songs like ‘Wajah Tum Ho’, ‘Hua Hai Aaj Pehli Baar’ and ‘Bol Do Na Zara’, rocked the city in October.
Pankaj Udhas
The Ghazal maestro and Padmashree recipient crooned soulful numbers for an enchanted crowd when he performed in the city. He also launched his album, ‘Nayaab Lamhe: Timeless moments’, in which he has joined hands with poet and lyricist Gulzar for the first time.
Indian Ocean
As the band completed 30 years, their concert at Phoenix showed that their unique sound of contemporary rock mixed with classical, jazz and fusion still has a cult following.
Nucleya
The creator of dance party staples like ‘Mumbai Dance’ and ‘Bhayanak Atma’, electronic music producer Nucleya, performed in the city as part of the Sunburn Arena Tour for his new album ‘Tota Myna’.
Asha Bhosle
Singing sensation Asha Bhosle performed for the first time in the city in her 70 year musical career. She sang some of her favourite and most popular songs such as ‘Chura Liya Hai’ and ‘Dum Maaro Dum’.
Shaan
What better way to kick off #PhoenixFestival - Season 2 than with the melodious voice of Shaan! Those in attendance were left in awe of his performance as he sang some of his most popular chartbusters like ‘Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh’, ‘Wo Pehli Baar’, ‘Tanha Dil’ and many more. He gave the audience a night to remember.
Bands hit the right notes
No other city promotes independent music like Bengaluru. Genres are no bar as every type of music finds takers here. While contemporary classical ensemble ‘Layatharanga’ celebrated 20 years of its existence with a special concert at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, singer-songwriter Suraj Mani and his ensemble ‘Suraj Mani & The Tattva trip’ presented a unique musical to promote the importance of a healthy mind.
Other bands whose performances drew crowds in thousands include Carnatic progressive rock band ‘Agam’, Kerala-based hit-making machines ‘Thaikkudam Bridge’ and ‘Masala Coffee’, modern post-rock band Aswekeepsearching, rock and psychedelic outfit Parvaaz, progressive fusion band Pineapple Express, electro pop and funk band ‘Best Kept Secret’, Malayalam rock and poetry outfit Avial, rock and roll band Parikrama, cross-genre musical duo Bryden Parth, ‘happy music’ makers When Chai Met Toast and more. A host of international performers made their presence felt too.
Musical festivals
Echoes of Earth, Ruhaniyat, The Beantown Backyard Festival, Whitefield Music Festival, Sunburn City Festival, Bangalore Open Air, Fireflies Festival of Music were some of the major events that took place in the city.