Global Music Giants Set to Shine in India: A New Era for Live Performances

As international music icons plan performances in India, local artists see both excitement and potential challenges, signaling a dynamic shift in the Indian music landscape.

In a significant shift for live music in India, renowned international artists such as Coldplay and Ed Sheeran are making their way to the country, promising to provide an unforgettable experience for local fans. After a lengthy absence, Coldplay is set to perform in Ahmedabad, with expectations of over 100,000 attendees for each show, nine years after their last concert in India. This resurgence in global stars visiting the country is a major development for Indian music lovers, who have often yearned for such live performances without success.

The demand for live music in India has notably increased, as seen through ticketing platform BookMyShow’s report of an 18% growth in 2024. Ed Sheeran’s upcoming tour represents his most extensive engagement with the Indian audience to date, while other prominent artists like Shawn Mendes and Louis Tomlinson are also slated to perform at the upcoming Lollapalooza festival in March.

According to marketing professor Dr. Sourindra Banerjee, India’s young population of 1.4 billion holds immense potential for music artists. He suggests that the booming youth demographic is an appealing target for music industries looking to expand their reach. As the Indian music industry is poised for rapid growth, estimated to surge from 19 billion rupees (£178 million) in 2021 to 37 billion rupees (£346 million) by 2026, this presents a lucrative opportunity for international musicians.

The popularity of K-pop in India has served as a wake-up call for Western artists regarding the market's potential. Dr. Banerjee emphasizes that the wealthier and increasingly globalized nature of India makes it an attractive location for collaborations with artists from beyond its borders.

Local Indian musicians express hope that the influx of international stars may pave the way for increased visibility and opportunities. Aspiring artist Anoushka Maskey reflects on her experiences, stating that being able to open for established global musicians is an opportunity she never imagined would occur on her home ground. Independent artist Anumita Nadesan adds that collaborating with well-known artists can enhance one’s credibility within the industry.

Nonetheless, some local artists voice concerns over possible drawbacks. Bangalore-based pop artist Frizzell D’Souza worries that audiences may prioritize established acts over emerging talents, creating a potential financial strain on the concert ecosystem. Additionally, artist Anumita points out how bigger stars could overshadow smaller performers, but believes this also imposes a challenge to elevate the standard of local acts.

Peony Hirwani, music journalist for Rolling Stone India, believes that while the fear of overshadowing local talent is minimal, concert infrastructure requires improvement. The lack of adequate venues has often hampered major international artists, with facilities still reliant on sports stadiums that might not be available year-round. Hirwani urges for a thorough reassessment of venue standards to attract marquee names such as Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, indicating that India’s music landscape is poised for an exciting evolution.