It’s always a delight to watch one of your favourite bands live at a stadium or auditorium. India has had many such acts, though the frequency has come down.
This year, we saw legendary jazz pianist Chick Corea, star Bryan Adams and the younger sensations Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber. Guitarist Joe Satriani is due next month for the Nh7 Weekender in Pune.
Over the years numerous (though not enough), rock, pop, blues and jazz acts have visited India, besides western classical greats. I have missed quite a few for various reasons – most regrettably Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, Slash, America and Foreigner. But among those I have seen, I thought I’d list my top five. It’s not an easy task. I am keeping 1993 as the starting point as it covers a 25-year-span. Besides, I haven’t seen many before that.
The number one slot goes to Michael Jackson in Mumbai 1996. The sheer spectacle and energy, and the fact that the King Of Pop played his biggest hits for two hours and 40 minutes made it special. ‘You Are Not Alone’ and ‘Earth Song’ were the highlights. On second position is the Joe Zawinul Syndicate in Mumbai in 1996. Led by Austrian keyboardist Zawinul of the jazz-fusion band Weather Report, it had great instrumentation, improvisation and verve. Even tabla maestro Zakir Hussain joined them as a guest.
Next up is the Scorpions Acoustica show in Bengaluru in 2001. It’s also the opinion of many present, the best rock show India has ever witnessed. Vocalist Klaus Meine breathed magic and guitarists Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs were first- rate. That James Kottak drum solo was incredible. The number four position goes to Roger Waters in Bengaluru in 2002. This one was like a pilgrimage with thousands going in trains from various cities. The Pink Floyd legend was in his element and the three-hour gig had many great tracks that were written before he quit the band.
The choice for number five was a tough one. But I'd go for Greek new-age composer Yanni in Agra in 1997. The background of the Taj Mahal, the sheer quality of the music and the way he conducted the orchestra added to the charm. Violinist Karen Briggs was a highlight.
Obviously, many came close. My other favourites have included concerts by Jethro Tull in 1994, the Rolling Stones in 2004, Santana in 2012, Elton John in 2002, Deep Purple in 1995, Mark Knopfler in 2005, Uriah Heep in 2006, singer Alanis Morissette at the 2004 MTV Immies, jazz violinist Jean Luc-Ponty in 2004, world music singer Angelique Kidjo in 2007, jazz band Spyrogyra in 2004, South African great Hugh Masakela in 2004 and vocalist Betty Carter in 1997.