Swashbuckler's Blog

There was a time in India , there was no internet , TV's were scarce. Accessibility to rock music and rock instruments was not much available . Neither the youth mass had much awareness of rock n roll .

Yet there rose a band from the youth , by the youth , from the cradle of young Indian hearts . They were the 1st Indian rock band ever , and were the voice of the new colourful , yet rebellious young minds . They set out to be not only the 1st Indian rock act, but the first ones to set a step in the international rock scene also.

Yes , The Indus Creed (90's) , known as the ' Rock Machine ' in the 80's , were the 1st Indian 'pure rock' band . They were original , creative and had their own signature sound . The group was formed in 1984 , then known as
"Rock Machine" and the line-up featured :

Mahesh Tinaikar (Lead Guitars),
Mark Selwyn (Bass),
Uday Benegal (Vocals),
Jayesh Gandhi (Rhythm & Lead Guitars),
Mark Menezes (Drums) / Adrian Fernandes (Drums)
Zubin Balaporia (Keyboards).

They started as a cover band and were majorly influenced by bands such as Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Whitesnake, Jethro Tull, Santana, Van Halen, Toto and Yes . They slowly gained acceptance for their originals and in not much time landed their album "Rock n Roll Renegade" in 1988 , preceded by "The Second Coming" in 1990 .

With the 90's major make shift in music taste , and MTV entering India , things changed . People were 'INFLUENCED' into newer tastes by the entertainment industry. Bands like Indus Creed who were the faces of PURE , MAINSTREAM , RAW rock and roll were replaced by DUMMIES , ADULTERATED AND PLASTIC , 'SYNTHETIC' (Pathetic!) in sounding . This major re-haul was experienced globally too !

Our 'HERO' band "The Rock Machine" didn't give in . Instead, they shifted to rather more softer , acoustic , mature sounds keeping the essence of music & rock intact .
They're makeshift into fusion including a tabla player was warmly welcomed . They were now called as "Indus Creed" , renaming themselves in 1993 . They released their 3rd album "INDUS CREED" in 1995 . Sadly though, drummer, Mark Menezes had left(1992) replaced by Bobby Dugal and soon he too replaced by Adrian Fernandes .

Well , you see , there was quality talent back then with a band like Indus creed .
Rather , I strongly believe and can confidently say ,

"INDUS CREED HAS BEEN THE BEST INDIAN ROCK BAND EVER !!!"

They did it for the music , and were very close to signing up with huge record label companies in LA . None have achieved their feat since . Neither music wise nor success wise ( well this is so funny , regarding the hype and opportunities bands nowadays get ). They had a hit single "Trapped" promoted extensively on MTV and also they won the "Best Asian Music Award" for "Pretty Child" and for the same ranked 9th in "World's Hundred Best Videos on MTV" .

'Rock n roll renegade' , 'Top of the Rocks' , 'Pretty Child' ,'Trapped' are just a few of their songs to name that really stood out apart from rest of the bands , even throughout the world !

Lastly , Keyboardist Zubin Balaporia, drummer Mark Menezes, Vocalist Uday Benegal, guitarists Mahesh Tinaikar, bassist Mark Selwyn and guitarist Jayesh Gandhi got together on home turf for the first time since 1992, to open the city's One Tree Festival, on February 10, 2006 at the MMRDA Grounds, which featured international acts such as Uriah Heep and The Blues Brothers.

That reflects the undying taste , class and respect for their principle music .

Another great and unsung Rockstar , Gary Lawyer , rightfully titled ,
"The man with the Golden Voice" started his singing career at showcase theaters and night clubs in New York between 1977 and 1983. He returned to India forced by some personal circumstances .

His voice with soul qualities of the likes of Neil Diamonds and Jim Morrison , a bass baritone , that could easily handle genres comfortably , be it rock, pop, jazz, country or folk .

He gained success with the advertising Industries and staged concerts which were sell outs !! He also staged a musical play 'Are You Lonesome Tonight', where he acted out as young Elvis Presley as a tribute to him .

That said , what mesmerized me to write up such a long , appraising article about the guy for which I'm not getting paid also !?!

The answer is simple to anyone who has heard him or been to one of his gigs .

The guy is not only great with variant genres , but , he has a deep character in his voice , an attitude in his tone , blended with dynamics where he ranges his vocals from scale to scale !

Hell ! I couldn't believe my ears the first time I heard him . He shifted from country to rock ! suddenly going mellow on the side , such a blend that would remind you of smooth creamy blended coffee and pack of smokes . Then sometimes he would go blues and jazz with a hint of rock or pop , deluding you, hitting you somewhere at the back of your conscience , like a glass Glenfiddich on the rocks !

Oh ! the manner he smoothly jumps into chromatic scales...no words!!!

That said , his albums and shows were a great hit and sell out in India . His videos also gained popularity and won a few awards . As a single artist , I would rate him the best Indian Rockstar .

He has worked and recorded with great names not only in India , but with internationally acclaimed names too . He attained his stardom . Though , all the fame, name and money didn't corrupt his head . In spite of very lucrative offers from leading producers and composers, Gary refrained from compromising musically and prefers to stay away from the hype and glamour of the entertainment world .
He puts up in Bombay with his family , leads a peaceful life and makes good music , has a good time and makes others have a good time .

He still does shows and recently performed in Blue Frog , Mumbai (April 18th 2010).



Alright , coming to present day music . It's not evergreen like the worthy one's mentioned above . Today's music has no shelf life . You listen to it today and throw it of tomorrow . It's like fashion . Bands and artists come and fade away . They are the hype , the next most happening band , the headline of the talk today . Tomorrow , ...... they're just yesterday . An old tattered piece of cloth that cannot be worn , since its out of fashion . Its almost lifeless compared to what was being played till early 90's . No soul essence to it . No colours , no flavours , just absurd categorization of meaningless genres .

India has talent , and history stands to witness it . Its just that the scene has become so lifeless . The whole scene needs a jolt to bring back the life in music and once again become "Rock n Loaded" .

Finally concluding .

Don't you think we should bring back the classic, golden era of rock and roll?

Yours to decide .
Have a good day ! =D

Hmm… talking about the rock scene in India , we have surely seen variant , outstanding , brilliant performers and artists . There are great platforms and opportunities for artists nowadays . Some of these renowned platforms are :

“The June Rock out” (by Unwind Center in Adyar,Chennai)

“GIR – The Great Indian Rock Festival”

“The PIT” (Tapan Theatre in Kalighat , for underground metal bands)

“Independence Rock Festival” (Mumbai)

“Rock in India” (Palace Grounds, Bangalore , though termed “Frock in India” after the disgraceful act of calling “Backstreet Boys”. Many Indian bands opened for Iron Maiden , Aerosmith , Megadeth before .)

“Rock Ethos” (Palace Grounds, Bangalore)

“AWAKENING” (Digboi)

And a lot more fests held by collages such as BITs , IIT , NSIT , have let to the rising and success of many bands of today .

Many say that the Indian rock scene has blossomed and is burgeoning with countless platforms for the ever multiplying bands , and yet promises more . True . Very True , as can be seen from the list of renowned platforms mentioned above , which only skims the shiny surface of musical performances in India . There are so many avenues and opportunities that await the talented musicians out there , the sort any rocker on the street would gladly give an arm and a leg for …. There is so much out there !

All that it awaits is a young horde of passionate and talented musicians …
A species that is unfortunately dwindling these days , almost to the brink of extinction !

Now really , you thought I was happy and proud of the existing Indian rock scene ?

No way !

Allow me to introduce myself .

I’m just your average guy , who’s grown up listening to the likes of Led Zep. the Beatles , the Who , The Doors , Van Halen , GnR , Poison , Damn Yankees, Judas Priest , Maiden , I could go on all day ... .. . almost lost a girl friend that way.

I love these bands more than anything else . So much , in fact , that I emptied my life savings to buy a Les Paul ! and had to move out , being shouted at by parents and neighbors for the blaring rebellious music and the tattered clothes, not to forget the numerous posters up my wall !!!

So you see , I’m just a average rocker , not one of those depressing music critics .

But I love ROCK and I love it with all my soul .

So when you see me at a metal gig in town , I’m usually NOT the one wearing a smile the width of Africa .

Confused ?

Let me explain …

Look around at the Indian bands today , the ones you would miss your meal to go watch . Tell me , honestly , would you mention any of their names in the same breadth as Led Zep ?

Strong point ?

Ok , you beg to differ ?

Let me substantiate .

Do we worship Led Zep just because they were ‘Tight’ ?

Did we like Deep Purple just because they didn’t screw up ?

Ladies and gentlemen , dudes and dudettes …… (drum roll)

It was for the MUSIC !

Come on people , being tight is the least you can expect from a band . Heck ! you’d be perfect if you practice the same thing 8 days a week . There is nothing to be proud about such a band , where in , at the end of the day , you appraise a band by complementing “they are tight” . Any performing band practicing 5 to 6 days a week have to be tight ! Musically many of these bands are absurd , and pull a blanket over their awkward and weird sounds by stating that they are experimental .

The desire to experiment for the sake of experimenting , doesn’t make for good experimental music , heck, I’d kick the next guy who hides behind the excuse of being avant garde, cos it isn’t true here.

That said, sticking to the rules and formula for songwriting doesn’t exactly produce sensational results either…

Also, most bands are quick to jump and take refuge behind the word ‘influences’.. they mention ‘influences’ , almost like excuses, so you can’t raise a finger against them , for doing so would mean raising a finger at the greats! Convenient, very convenient, but flawed, as mild introspection would reveal.. How much are these bands really influenced by the bands they state so proudly as their influences? The answer is disappointing.. not a lot.. musically at least.. and we are talking music here aren’t we…

So, now what.. how do we make good music? Without copying or without doing something radically different which doesn’t even sound good.. hmm ?

Just be yourself , music is a form of expression . Its an “ART” not an “INDUSTRY”.

Don’t be a bloody corporate sell out .

And that applies equally to us as listeners .

“Oh my god, Jitin likes that band… I must like them too!” .. “Dude, Ishani’s hot and she listens to puddy tat dolls.. I must too! If I want to be COOL.. Happening.. Noticed and talked about….”

Now would be an ideal time to reflect back at The Who...

Anyone who has heard them would understand.

But still, I will break it down.

The next time there’s a gig in town, don’t go just cos it’s ‘cool’ to go.

Don’t go just cos ‘she’ or ‘he’ is going…

Don’t be the herd of sheep the record companies and promoters and networks expect and want you to be… please... plz... don’t be a loser… =D

Hmmm...... yummy , the thought of juicy kebabs brings water to my mouth . Khan Chacha has reopened at Khan Market, New Delhi . Now open at Flat 50 (near Amichi), opposite Big Chill Middle Lane, Khan Market . Follow them up at Facebook .

For now that's all .