Backstreet Boys VS Rock In India (Reality Facts)
By Salman U Syed .
Well For the guys who dont know how the entire thing works, I hope this would help.
Well first and foremost DNA are organizers and not promoters they dont have much to do when it comes to Rock IN India apart from Organizing the event. They are just the organizers, Its the SPONSORS who decides which band has to play.
These are few points on how things work at festivals.
SPONSORS
1) Sponsor Needs Mileage for their event. So they always will go in for a commercial Band.
2) Sponsor will not associate it self with a non commercial band. IF they associate themselves with a band which is not that big they don’t get enough People. So they dont shell out much money. (eg Deccan Rock Festival) The production for the event was bad, main reason being they did not have enough funds to do the event at Professional Standards. But Hats off to the LiveGig promoters cause they pulled it off well at the end of the day.
3) Sponsor will Not entertain any event group unless they have a good reputation doing events.
4) To Do a small scale rock show with a band would be be as follows. Artist Fees+Flights+Accomodation+Production+Permissions+Visa and a lot more other crap. The point here is that these days sponsors are not willing to shell out so much money for a 1 day festival/show. They would rather shell out Some more money and sponsor a cricket tournament which runs for 2 weeks where they will get enough Mileage on tv and all kinds of media.
5) Sponsors work on Contract basis for a min period of 1 Year. Here the situation is that, RC has tied up with DNA for Rock in India for Certain amount of festivals. So DNA has to give RC a festival whether its BSB Shakira or Metallica. And This has to be done over a particular period of time. According to DNA the only “commercial band” the sponsor wanted and which was free during this Period was BSB. The Other bands which had to play Rock in india were Porcupine Tree, Judas Priest, Whitesnake. These bands could not play because they were not travelling to this part of the globe AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME and its very expensive to bring them from anywhere else in the world. (ITS A FACT you can ask any event group about this) Secondly if it was a matter of 2 -3 or even 10 people it would be ok but these are big bands and they travel with a min of 50 odd people and tonns of stage equipment which is huge costs
6) When you have to bring multiple bands its becomes extremely expensive.. and due to recession airlines cannot do much either coz they are barely covering costs hence they can’t sponsor
EVENT GROUP
1) DNA as u know is by far the biggest Event group in the country. They were the ones who got all the biggest bands possible.
2) DNA does ONLY EVENTS.
3) DNA does not PROMOTE METAL, It promotes music from all genres.
4) Like how you have Hard Rock Café as a brand. Even “Rock In India” is a brand , HRC plays even Pop and sometimes even Hip Hop at certain Occasions. That does not mean they only need to play hard rock likewise Rock In India is not subjected to only metal. So People who still thinking WHY POP IN ROCK IN INDIA, please understand that “ROCK IN INDIA” IS A BRAND NAME!
5) The biggest Example I can give you guys is the Rock In Rio Festival where IRON MAIDEN played in 2001. Day 1 Was headlined by Britney Spears and day 3 was Headlined by Maiden . Here again its what the sponsor needs and not the event group likes doing. I dont think that the 2,50,000 Crowd in RIO went spamming the Promoters website for having Britney on the same festival with Maiden.
Well I would not blame DNA For BSB at Rock In India. Maybe im sure they would get Metal acts soon. Me being a metal fan, I am also disappointed that it’s a pop group at this festival but I don’t think I am as pissed as you guys are. Cause they were the ones who got Maiden Thrice to India. No one would have ever dreamt that a band like Megadeth would play in India. Mostly if you compare the gigs organized by DNA with other companies you can see the difference in the quality of production. This is was one of the main reasons why we have had Maiden playing here 3 times. Cause they were blown away with 2 major things. 1 The crowd response and 2 with the hospitality. I was backstage at 2 Maiden gigs so I know how professional things were done. In the last 10 year DNA has been the only company who has taken the risk to bring in international music acts to India. And trust me We are talking about bands and costs worth 50lac to 2 Cr. DNA put India on the Rock, Metal, Pop, Soft Rock map of the world. I have interacted with almost most of the the bands which have played here and they have always had good feedbacks after their performances.
I have been working in this industry over 3 years now, Organized many local shows and also fucked up many of them. But this is a ground reality on how things work if you don’t have support. So lets hope that we get Metal acts soon!!
Cheers
Music Entrepreneur/Artist Manager
Infinite Dreams Artist Management
Salman U Sayed .. manager for the band Kryptos who are now playing 3 major festivals internationally. Owner of Infinite dreams the management company that has created quite a buzz in the scene since its inception. On the whole Backstreet Boys, Richard Marx playing the Rock In India festival this year there have been a lot of speculations including the offical website getting hacked twice in 2 days by someone named THOR. The following is what he had to say about the whole situation and we agree with him whole hartedly on the entire subject.
well written.
so….it means that due to the DNA and some other stupids…we have missed a chance to see some real music…some ROCK……
why don’t you people ttry to get some artists to perform here….i mean do the sponserships n all along with DNA and try to bring it to their notice the population who loves rock…..and promise them larger footfall….?
Well written…gives a lot of inisght into the whole thing.
I just have one complaint. If the A-list bands are unavailable at the given time, why not look towards other bands that might not be as big as the A-listers but big enough to get the job done?
Take a poll, see which are the most frequented A- or B+ bands…
There are a lot of bands out there which could gather enough crowds.
Bands like SOAD, staind, prodigy, Alter Bridge..i dunno..hundreds more..
so maybe not BSB, but they would definitely gather more crowds than prime circle AND richard marx, put together.
So even though the article sheds light on the underbelly of festival organizing, there are still a few answers that DNA need to give us
Extremely well written.
Hey Mr. Salman, very well written article. Very articulate with all the CAPS to emphasize points and full of clinical insight into the workings of a sponsors mind. Hmmm..what a complex equation it must be to crack that one…but you know what? Fuck That! For all that long winded and dreary explanation on behalf of DNA causing a basic ethical mistake; by the end of it i was not only bored but also deeply dissapointed that there could be such an epic written to justify the actions of a fucking corporation, the man, the fucking enemy by someone such as yourself who started of in the local ‘rock’ scene.
Yes, Sopnsors are important, but only to a certain degree. Nowhere else in the world do Sponsors have so much control over a culture as in India. Did you know that NO SPONSOR has the right to choose artists. The sponsors job is to fund money for a event and expect a return, not to choose artist and that is a thumb rule for any self respecting event company. Hell, you think festivals like Download give any sponsor the main backdrop to the stage, no its always the band and music first.
DNA made a fundamental mistake; they wanted to cash in on a phenomenon whlie the sun shined, thats why they started Rock In India. It is not possible that the Sponsors who have understood now that Rock Music per se is a huge draw in India and probably bigger than a washed out pop band that hasnt had any worthwhile hit in ages. Therefore, it clearly shows that DNA has SOLD us all OUT! They cleary have underestimated the potential and passion of this side of the fence. Either you are for this music or against it, there is no middle ground, no grey areas to hide in. Believe in in 100% or dont do it. Thats why the scene in this country will always get shafted, because at the end of the day India just lacks passion for anything else but a shortcut to money. Its a compromising attitude thats the bane of all of us.
R.I.P ‘Rock’ in India.
Thank god for festivals like Great Indian Rock, I Rock and Deccan Rock, more over even colleges like IIT get better bands and pull off a better festival than DNA.
Who needs rock in india anymore, if guys like IIT, RSJ and E 18 figure shit out they could blow rock in india and DNA out of the water.
Music is the soul reason why these guys do what they do, unlike DNA who will sell their soul to the highest bidder.
Greetings.
Rock in India sucks.
Yours Truly.
[...] more here: Backstreet Boys VS Rock In India (Reality Facts) | INDIAN ROCK MP3 Share and [...]
Dude,
How many gigs did DNA promise Kryptos?
lol… nice said
Precisely.
quite well explained …
but in india …
im very sure that u will not get the same response …as u got for maiden show ..
even dna will notice this ..
Hi Salman,
Good article… thanks… but still.. Its a disgrace that BSB performs on the same stage that was graced by IM, Megadeth, machine head…
I am ok with they having a name ROCK in INDIA and calling BSB to perform…
They never claimed to be the one to “Save” rock in the country…
But, they did promise Huge names… LOG, Judas Priest etc… And they get BSB??? And not announcing it till the last moment. Why???
Rock in India represented some thing.. Something great… not only to me.. but to all the fans in India and the neighboring countries… For the megadeth show there were people from Malaysia, sri lanka and all.
What was the point making people fill a survey with huge names.. its quite obvious that they would have known that there are chances of a pop act coming. Right? Why was that not told to people..They let the expectations build till the last moments.
people from the neighboring countries might have booked tickets to bangaluru in advance to see some great bands play… what about all that…
what ever the sponsors say.. if you claim that DNA were the people to get the big bands in india… dont you think they will at least have the right to say something on that? OR atleast go public with what might happen…
DNA is the face of the festival… and they need to come out with an explanation for the entire thing…
and @the sponsors: iron maiden pulled more crowd than any POOP act that came to bangaluru… how the fuckk did you miss that???
Moderated
Salman, I have no idea what sort of events you’ve done in the past, but that’s not really how events work.
Does UB own the property Rock In India (now, for some reason, Rock ‘n India)? No. DNA does. DNA has the right to choose their artistes. If they screwed up in the contract and gave that right to the sponsor, they couldn’t be all that professional, could they? DNA isn’t a bunch of students on the organizing committee of their college festival, they’re professionals. Even colleges put more thought into the headliners of their rock nights.
The sponsor wants commercial acts? DNA is tied down to do a certain number of events with them? Do another festival.
Amit Saigal has been doing GIR for donkey’s years, and he’s always chosen the bands for his festival. Yes… even the crappy Scandinavian bands he passes off as big names. That was his choice, not the sponsors’. And the same discretionary power is held by Farhad Wadia at I Rock.
Salman..That was a nice attempt to calm down the retaliation. But, I guess this won’t help..The simple reason being, you giving all this explanation means that something is genuinely and terribly wrong and no one is happy about it..And I am sure you will see further retaliation from the crowd all over again..
Coming to your justification of brand name and exemplifying to Hard Rock Cafe..I wud like to mention that any brand which runs on the name of Rock/Metal isn’t supposed to play hip hop or pop..be it hard rock cafe..I had once blasted the DJ of Hard Rock Cafe myself in Bangalore due to this and he stood answer less..So, it just boils down to money for them..not the real taste or passion for music..
With all that said, I would like to say:
Fuck Rock in India 2010! It sucks big time..
Regards,
Premangshu
@Anno Niemus on top of my post…
u must know first comes the SPONSOR then comes the BAND! In simple words if you have the money only then you can buy a chocolate you like!! And to clarify further more a concert is not a small promotion or local gig which you seem to be referring to a whole load of money is spent for a value you in return. I’m not here to stick up for DNA but to only state facts that all of you seem to be assuming and seem to know the business better a company that has brought music into India for the last 25 years. I’m a fan jus like you who is thankful for being given an opportunity to witness Megadeth and Iron Maiden.
You can ask Mr Amit Saigal if its the same. IF he tells that what i have said is wrong. Ill stop listening to Metal and ill Become a Backstreet boys roadie!
@Sagar Its not at all a disgrace. Do u think that 2,50,000 Fans who attended maiden in rio said the same? Britney Co-Headlined with Maiden!! Beat that!!
@Vick Sahai, “Courtesy, Nolan Lewis (VOX Kryptos)- Don’t confuse what Salman had to say with our (Kryptos) outlook or vision. At the end of the day he has his opinion as an individual, just as everyone else who posted here has theirs. Kryptos has never ’stooped’ to anyone to get where we are or where we want to be and that is not going to happen anytime in the future either. We do things on our terms and no one elses and we don’t need to suck up to anyone, least of all to get a slot at a local festival. Cheers!”
Thanks all for ur reviews and comments!
Which is why I said, “I have no idea what sort of events you’ve done in the past.” I’ve done my fair share of events, and I’ve never pandered to sponsors when it came to performers. I’ve changed venues, branding and even the event name once… but I’ve always hired the bands I wanted.
I did ROCK events, and that’s the first thing I let my sponsors know. They want Hansraj Hans, we can both look elsewhere for our events. Yes, my gigs were smaller. Yes, the budgets were lower. But is I-Rock facing the same problem? GIR? We don’t see Take That performing there, do we? I’m not going to bother asking Saigal or Wadia what their plans and motives are, but if you want to do that, don’t forget to carry your BSB Reunion Tour t-shirt along.
If DNA wanted to get BSB, it’s their right by all means. They don’t need apologists and excuses to justify their every move.
Well Kryptos might not stoop to any level and that is fine.
As far as sponsors go i dont think there is any point in organising any festivals if sponsors have the ultimate say in who should play.
If one cannot ask DNA for a justification does this mean DNA will now stand for DO NOT ASK?
Salman, you’ve been going on and on about Britney co-headlining WITH Maiden! so the crowd still got to see Maiden perform! so I guess Britney’s performance can be dealt with. I wouldn’t give a shit if BSB were co-headlining with Judas Preist. I would still go for the show to see Preist!
Plus they had kept Maiden and Britney on two different days for very apparent reasons. To put it in simple words..Everyone got a piece of the chocolate.
Now hundreds of people on this side of the globe have been waiting in anticipation for this concert. What do you have to say to them?
Just because some commercialist pigs wanted to make a quick buck?? That’s just messed up.
I’m currently abroad, i had booked my tickets so that i can make it for the concert. Had to change my plans.
Thanks a lot.
Well said “Shakattakk”
To me a fan is justified in getting angry..Yeah certainly not justified in hacking a site..But then how does one protest ? Take the streets..? Why didnt the same thing happen when shakira,beyonce etc. came to india..They were commercial gigs wth commercial bands..
If i was in DNA i would not bet on BSB cause there commercial value is pretty similar to say shakira or beyonce..If you dont wanna get metal acts..fine..but then look at acts who have recently released albums & do some research about their tour plans in asia..rock/alternative/progressive..There are so many genres to choose from..If you think that booking BSB is being safe..Then trust me you are wrong.
I know its an event business & thats why getting BSB is actually not a bright idea..Organisers of beyonce & shakira had no answers for their poor turnouts in india cause they are the biggest names in the music business now..
Again i repeat that getting BSB & richard marx is not the problem..The problem is getting them to a festival which fans look forward to every year & a festival opened the doors for rock/metal acts which was unheard of ..Metal/rock fans are a crazy bunch..Music is like religion to them..We know that..Evrythin said & done..I am sure DNA are not a happy bunch of managers now..Nor are the sponsors..;)
Its not that the fans don’t understand that there’s business need that have to be fulfilled primarily and that ROck in India is a brand in itself (the credit for building the brand goes to you guys, the fans appreciate it).Agreed.
Speaking from strictly business perspective BSB <is an absolute blunder, even there are better pop acts or local metal acts which would draw more crowds who would be entertained and help you guys to stack up on all the good reputation that DNA and rock in india has earned over these years.
ANyway the website hack thing isn't justified.
wait..Here’s a look on your business perspective of things:
When you have a band like Iron Maiden playing, you’re going to have hundred upon hundreds of fans coming in from all over the world let alone the whole of India. Do you even think you’re going to have a turnout like that for a band like BSB??
i don’t think BSB fans are going to catch a train from say Delhi on a general ticket sit through the tiresome journey and go through all that trouble just to see BSB perform. On the other hand I know people who have gone through all that to hit ALL the metal fests that were held at Bangalore!
Metal is more than just a cult following. It’s a way of life for some of us..
You can’t deprive us of that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4biz82T1fhE
Hello.My name is Vishak.I like backstreet boys very very much.
I dont know why everyone is the very angry.Some people love Mr iron maiden’s music and some people love the BRITNEY and some people love Backstreet boys.Back in the 90’s people used to go crazy for BSB.If you metalic people dont want to go to see the BOYS dont come and dont make the angry about it.You all are saving your money.some people like me like them and will go to see them.I live in Banglore. I will go to see them even if it is in Jammu Kashmir.I want to take my lover to this concert(SAM I HOPE YOU ARE READING THIS.I LOVE YOU 143).’SHAKATTACK’ u said people travel to come and see this Mr Iron Maiden its because you all love them.Like that there are people loving backstreet boys who wsill come to watch them.Thank you for your time.I hope i did not make the anyone angry.
VV
“Mr. Iron Maiden” o.O
hello VV ,
don’t worry Rock in India is dead for this year, we will mourn it while you guys enjoy while you can. No problem.
We just feel cheated because a certain kind of musicianship and artists were promised and nothing close to them came up to the fore when the fest programme was declared.
Its a shocker to say the least, but well its far better than being entrapped in the arena and then just in case if it ever happened to go down like this— “so the surprise Rock in India legendary act you all are going to headbang and moshpit to turns out to be… BSB !!” and then all us metalhead samurais kill ourselves hahahha..damn bad joke
HEY people im really sorry about the previous comment…..i really didnt rite that….my drunk friend thought it wud b a joke….n its clearly not…..salman if u read dis could you please delte that….
IM so so sorry….
ps-I HATE BACKSTREET BOYS…
Hey, I’m Jack Smith. I’m John Smith’s elder brother. As you can see, we use the same computer and I saw this page in the recent history. I am really broken to hear the fact that BSB should be allowed to play for a metal festival and that too headline it, is in itself an “ouch!” moment for every metal head in the country. I am not at all astonished to see them all rebel.
Stop monopolizing this industry, and stop making it commercial. We’re trying to grow here and we are and we will as well. There are thousands of people struggling just for their love of music. Else everyone would have been employed under or with a Himesh Reshammiya or a Bappi Lahiri or whatever.
Let us grow.
Let us live.
ROCK is HARD.
Don’t KILL the MUSIC.
\m/
Jack
COMMENTS CLOSED