Indiecision: Music Blog: Independent Music in India and Elsewhere

DEF LEPPARD CANCEL INDIA GIGS, ENDING THE SAGA

The Def Leppard India tour saga has come full circle. Def Leppard confirmed yesterday that they have cancelled the two gigs they were scheduled to play in Mumbai and Bangalore this year. According to a  statement on the band’s website

We are sorry to report that due to unforeseen circumstances, the two shows in India (scheduled to take place on October 17 and 19 in Bangalore and Mumbai, resp.) have been cancelled. We apologize to our Indian fans and we hope to be able to make up for it in the future.

These unforeseen circumstances are explained in a story in today’s DNA. The paper reports that E18 (the show’s promoters) have cited the recent terrorist blasts in various cities and the “church burning fiasco” as reasons for the cancellation. The paper quotes Farhad Wadia, CEO of E18 and organiser of I-Rock

It is the most responsible thing to do considering what has been happening in various cities.

As a concert promoter, we have a duty to the public. I don’t want to jeopardize public safety. Through organizing a concert, I don’t want the loss of an animal, forget human being. I also don’t want a law and order situation on my hands. The show will be rescheduled for early 2009.

Um, yeah. Wait, what?!

Something’s not right. Earlier this year the promoters were having trouble finding sponsorship for the gigs, trying to solicit the same via emailers. It is likely that a lack of corporate backing, coupled with high entertainment taxes, has forced the cancellation.

Even the police don’t buy Wadia’s story. The Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police was quoted saying

If the Australian team that was so skeptical about security here can come and play, then that itself is the answer to the sort of tight security that we can provide. The Ramzan and the Daserra has been so peaceful too. There must be some other reason why the group has cancelled their India schedule.

Whatever the reason, India has been denied the hysteria of sugar pouring in 2008 (what? a Def Leppard piece without a pun? hah!).

Indiecision chronicles the Def Leppard India tour saga.

First, the May 16, 18 gigs get cancelled.
Then, the May gigs get pushed to October.
And, the October gigs look for money.
But, the October gigs look iffy.

And finally, this.

DEF LEPPARD INDIA GIGS PUSHED, AGAIN

Oh Def Leppard! Will you ever play in India? Indiecision has it from reliable source that kids hoping to catch the Lepp on the 17th (Bangalore) and the 19th (Mumbai) of October are going to have to wait a little while longer. The gigs been pushed again, so pour some sugar on yourself.

The reason for the postponement hasn’t been announced though the last time they pushed it was due to elections in May. Also, if you have money, help the promoters out with some sponsorship.

DEF LEPPARD INDIA GIG LOOKING FOR SPONSORSHIP

E18, the guys who brought us such great names as Scorpions, America and er, Independence Rock are gearing up for the “Biggest Rock Act of 2008.” No, not Coldplay. Not Metallica either. Heck, not even Oasis. Who, pray tell, is the “Biggest Rock Act of 2008″ then? E18 proudly presents Def Leppard.

Def Leppard will be in India this October and preparations are underway. Which means that E18 is looking for sponsors. Like at I-Rock this year, expect to see a host of companies occupy the billboards. This time however, the band will probably be named.

E18 sent out a mailer today stating

Few Sponsorship opportunities available, last day 17th Sept ‘08

So if you’re working for a big company that has national network coverage, tell your boss to sponsor this event. Hey, maybe next year we’ll get Warrant.

The Leppard hits India on

17th Oct, Bangalore

19th Oct, Mumbai

DEF LEPPARD SCHEDULE INDIA, OCTOBER

According to today’s Bombay Times, Def Leppard are “definitely going to happen in October”. The newspaper reveals what we’ve known for some time now, but also add that the “band’s management were not keen on playing just one date in Mumbai, apparently for monetary reasons.” That’s a strange thing to let out.

The article also features several glaring typos but what they hey, it’s the Bombay Times. Read the entire report after the break.

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