As India's concert industry continues to boom, attracting global megastars and generating significant revenue, a dissonant note is being struck by fans who are increasingly vocal about the subpar facilities at these high-profile events. The recent outcry has highlighted a mismatch between the high ticket prices and the quality of amenities provided, raising concerns about the sustainability of the live music experience in the country.
A Symphony of Complaints
The illustrious night with Punjabi pop icon Diljit Dosanjh in Chandigarh could have been a thrilling event for fans like Amrita Kaur, who anticipated the usual "exhilarating chaos" of a major concert. Instead, she faced what she described as a nightmare scenario: poor crowd management, inadequate sanitation facilities, and a massive traffic jam that marred the evening. "You pay so much for a ticket and what do you get in return? A possible urinary infection and a bad headache with some bouts of music," Kaur lamented, echoing a sentiment shared by many. This year, despite the growing popularity of concerts with performances by international artists like Dua Lipa, Maroon 5, and soon, Green Day and Ed Sheeran, fans are questioning whether the exhilaration of live music is worth the hassle and discomfort. The issues are manifold—from overpriced tickets sold on questionable websites to the basic unavailability of clean toilets and efficient traffic management.Infrastructure Blues
The problem, according to industry insiders, is partly infrastructural. Anmol Kukreja, co-founder of Skillbox, notes that India lacks dedicated concert venues, which forces promoters to opt for less-than-ideal locations such as malls, sports stadiums, or vast tracts of public land. Each venue type comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to accommodating large crowds and ensuring basic amenities like parking and clean washrooms.
The Cost of Cultural Highs
The financial implications of attending concerts are steep, pushing some fans to seek more fulfilling experiences abroad. Ishika Goon, a lawyer from Bengaluru, contrasted her experience at an Adele concert in Munich with that in India, praising the cleanliness and organization overseas. "If I have to spend so much money, I might as well go for the full experience," she stated, reflecting a growing trend among well-to-do Indians who prefer international venues for major shows. Despite the allure of live performances, the lack of basic facilities like toilets, which ran out of essentials such as toilet paper and water at some events, remains a glaring issue. Sreoshi Mukherjee, a journalist based in Delhi, voiced her frustration, particularly after attending the Lollapalooza and Backstreet Boys concerts. The situation was so dire that attendees resorted to purchasing water bottles to use in the bathrooms.