Global Music Stars Eye India, Despite Lack of Infrastructure
Mumbai: Despite the lack of adequate infrastructure and a complex bureaucracy, India is drawing attention from global music superstars. Many top artists, including international heavyweights like Taylor Swift, U2, and Lady Gaga, are planning to perform in India, signaling a significant shift in the country’s music landscape.
In recent years, India’s live music scene has witnessed a surge in popularity, driven largely by the growing middle class and the influence of social media. According to a report by KPMG, the Indian live entertainment industry is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20% from 2020 to 2025, driven by demand for live events, festivals, and concerts.
However, despite this growth, the industry still faces significant challenges. The lack of suitable venues, inadequate infrastructure, and complex regulations have made it a daunting task for event organizers to host international acts.
Despite these hurdles, global music stars are keen to perform in India. "We’re seeing a huge spurt in requests from international acts to perform in India. The appetite for live music is enormous, and we’re working closely with our partners to ensure that these shows are a success," said Rohit Barker, a prominent event organizer and CEO of CID Events.
One of the most successful examples of a global star’s success in India is the Irish supergroup U2, who performed to a sold-out crowd at the Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium in 2006. The concert was a major milestone for the Indian live music industry, marking the first time a global superstar had performed in the country.
More recently, international pop sensation Taylor Swift performed in India for the first time in 2018, with her concert in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium attracting over 40,000 fans. Lady Gaga, another global superstar, is also set to perform in India later this year, with rumors of another concert in 2024 already making the rounds.
Despite the challenges, event organizers are working to overcome the obstacles and make India a more attractive destination for global music talent. "We’re working closely with government agencies to streamline the process and make it easier for international artists to perform in the country," said a senior official from the Indian government.
The surge in demand for live music has also led to the rise of new players in the market, including music streaming services like Jio Saavn and Spotify, which are investing heavily in live events and original content.
As the demand for live music continues to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see even more global stars eyeing the Indian market. With the right infrastructure and support, India can potentially become a major hub for live music, attracting acts from around the world and cementing its position as a significant player in the global music industry.