There’s a new band born in Delhi every other month. But in a city where there are few spaces for live gigs, most bands die unheard, unsung. Which is why, the recent arrival of Hard Rock Café on the Capital’s music firmament has sent excited vibrations among music bands. HRC, known for its edgy approach to music and stress on live acts, could create the right ripple effect and encourage other restaurants, pubs and eateries to rope in live shows. Currently, Café Morrison, Mocha Bar, Shalom, F Bar and Turquoise Cottage are among the few places where bands can go live.

Subir Malik, manager and keyboardist of Parikrama, feels, “It’s always a good thing to have more venues for live shows. HRC is a world-renowned outlet, so we can expect more live acts, especially by younger bands. But for more established bands, it’s more about a quality gig no matter where it is.” HRC has earmarked Thursdays for their live shows. Last week, holding fort was the band Crimson, which belted out a steady stream of songs like Maroon 5’s Harder to Breathe or The Doors’ Light my fire. Aditi Singh Sharma, vocalist of the band, remembers feeling a strange thrill as she took centre-stage. “It’s always a kick for a musician to play at HRC. We’re all conscious of the fact that it is a brand that is known worldwide for great music.”

Amit Keswani, vice-president, sales and marketing of JSM Corp Pvt Ltd, which runs HRC in India, is aware that the outlet is the gold standard as far as live shows in the city is concerned with their the lavish amplifiers and sound arrangements. “As the largest indoor venue, HRC has always given a better platform for bands to perform. Also, the multi-city presence of HRC is certainly an advantage since bands who get signed on by us can perform at HRCs in Pune, Mumbai and Bangalore,” says Keswani. HRC has a concert format — its 7,000 sq ft space can accommodate 800 people.

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