Recent reports indicate a significant uptick in demand for concerts in India, prompting global stars to make long-overdue visits to the subcontinent.
Global Music Icons Embrace India's Growing Concert Scene

Global Music Icons Embrace India's Growing Concert Scene
As Coldplay and Ed Sheeran gear up for performances in India, the nation's live music market is experiencing a promising surge.
Coldplay’s eagerly anticipated shows in Ahmedabad mark a notable return, while Ed Sheeran's extensive tour highlights India's rapid growth as a key market for international artists.
As the world tunes in, India emerges as a crucial destination for global music acts like Coldplay and Ed Sheeran. For long, fans from major Indian cities have yearned for a chance to witness their favorite artists perform live, often left disappointed as many stars skipped the country. This narrative is now shifting, illustrated by Dua Lipa's fascinating debut in Mumbai and Coldplay’s highly awaited concerts—over 100,000 attendees are expected each night in Ahmedabad.
The rising appetite for live music in India is evident, with platforms like BookMyShow reporting an impressive 18% growth in ticket sales anticipated for 2024. Music industry experts attribute this trend to India's youthful demographic of 1.4 billion people and the increasing economic stability that entices international artists. "If I were part of the music industry, I would target India for its immense potential," says Dr. Sourindra Banerjee, a marketing professor.
The Indian music market was valued at approximately £178 million in 2021 and is expected to reach £346 million by 2026, according to Statista. This growth represents an opportunity for Western musicians to forge partnerships with local talent, establishing a deeper connection with Indian audiences.
Local artists, such as singer Anoushka Maskey, see this trend as a pivotal chance for increased visibility and collaboration. Having opened for celebrated acts like Ben Howard, she feels these opportunities showcase the potential for homegrown artists to step into the limelight. Additionally, singer Anumita Nadesan believes that sharing stages with iconic musicians can elevate recognition for local talent.
Moreover, the arrival of global stars serves as inspiration for Indian musicians, as it demonstrates the possibility of achieving global success. Artists like Frizzell D'Souza express admiration for figures like Ed Sheeran, drawn from humble beginnings, reinforcing a relatable journey that resonates with aspiring musicians in India.
Despite the thrilling prospects, some local artists express concerns about the overshadowing impact of major international acts on their careers. Increased competition for audience attention and ticket sales could potentially sideline emerging talents. Nonetheless, improvements to the industry's infrastructure, particularly in providing larger venues, as highlighted by music journalist Peony Hirwani, could enrich India's music landscape.
With a keen interest in maintaining a vibrant and diverse music scene, more and better-equipped venues are crucial in attracting artists like Taylor Swift and Beyonce to perform in India. As the music venue infrastructure develops, it is set to transform the live concert experience for both fans and artists alike, further embedding India into the global music narrative.
As the world tunes in, India emerges as a crucial destination for global music acts like Coldplay and Ed Sheeran. For long, fans from major Indian cities have yearned for a chance to witness their favorite artists perform live, often left disappointed as many stars skipped the country. This narrative is now shifting, illustrated by Dua Lipa's fascinating debut in Mumbai and Coldplay’s highly awaited concerts—over 100,000 attendees are expected each night in Ahmedabad.
The rising appetite for live music in India is evident, with platforms like BookMyShow reporting an impressive 18% growth in ticket sales anticipated for 2024. Music industry experts attribute this trend to India's youthful demographic of 1.4 billion people and the increasing economic stability that entices international artists. "If I were part of the music industry, I would target India for its immense potential," says Dr. Sourindra Banerjee, a marketing professor.
The Indian music market was valued at approximately £178 million in 2021 and is expected to reach £346 million by 2026, according to Statista. This growth represents an opportunity for Western musicians to forge partnerships with local talent, establishing a deeper connection with Indian audiences.
Local artists, such as singer Anoushka Maskey, see this trend as a pivotal chance for increased visibility and collaboration. Having opened for celebrated acts like Ben Howard, she feels these opportunities showcase the potential for homegrown artists to step into the limelight. Additionally, singer Anumita Nadesan believes that sharing stages with iconic musicians can elevate recognition for local talent.
Moreover, the arrival of global stars serves as inspiration for Indian musicians, as it demonstrates the possibility of achieving global success. Artists like Frizzell D'Souza express admiration for figures like Ed Sheeran, drawn from humble beginnings, reinforcing a relatable journey that resonates with aspiring musicians in India.
Despite the thrilling prospects, some local artists express concerns about the overshadowing impact of major international acts on their careers. Increased competition for audience attention and ticket sales could potentially sideline emerging talents. Nonetheless, improvements to the industry's infrastructure, particularly in providing larger venues, as highlighted by music journalist Peony Hirwani, could enrich India's music landscape.
With a keen interest in maintaining a vibrant and diverse music scene, more and better-equipped venues are crucial in attracting artists like Taylor Swift and Beyonce to perform in India. As the music venue infrastructure develops, it is set to transform the live concert experience for both fans and artists alike, further embedding India into the global music narrative.