Indian Rock Icons to share stage with Def Leppard across three-city India tour
As global rock legends Def Leppard prepare for their much-anticipated India tour this March, the spotlight will not only be on the iconic British band but also on India’s thriving rock scene, with leading homegrown acts set to open concerts across three major cities.
Event organisers have confirmed that Trance Effect, Indus Creed and Thermal And A Quarter will serve as the opening acts in Shillong, Mumbai and Bengaluru respectively, adding a strong domestic flavour to the international tour.
The three-city tour will begin in Shillong on March 25 at the RBDSA Sports Complex, a venue expected to draw large crowds in what is often referred to as India’s rock music capital. Trance Effect, known for their energetic performances and blend of hard rock with modern influences, will set the tone for the evening.
The tour will then move to Mumbai on March 27, where veteran rock band Indus Creed will take the stage at the Jio World Garden. Considered pioneers of India’s rock movement since the late 1980s, the band has maintained a strong legacy with widely recognised tracks and decades of live performance experience.
The final leg of the tour is scheduled for March 29 in Bengaluru at the NICE Grounds, where local favourites Thermal And A Quarter will open the show. The band, known for its eclectic mix of alternative rock, jazz and funk, has long been a staple of Bengaluru’s independent music circuit.
The inclusion of Indian opening acts alongside Def Leppard reflects a broader trend in India’s live music landscape, where international tours increasingly feature domestic artists. Industry observers note that such collaborations provide significant exposure for Indian musicians, allowing them to perform before large audiences while sharing the stage with globally established acts.
Music enthusiasts have also pointed to the growing demand for live performances across Indian cities, particularly in regions like the Northeast, where Shillong has historically nurtured a strong rock culture. The decision to kick off the tour in the city is seen as a recognition of its enduring connection with the genre.
With concerts lined up across three major cultural hubs, the tour is expected to draw diverse audiences, combining nostalgia for classic rock with a renewed interest in India’s own rock talent. As preparations gather pace, the line-up signals not just a major international music event, but also an opportunity to showcase the depth and evolution of the country’s rock scene.
