12 March,2026 01:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Legendary Indian rock band Indus Creed will open for Def Leppard at Jio World Garden, Mumbai on March 27
As anticipation builds for the arrival of Def Leppard, the UK's Greatest Arena Rock Band, for their much-awaited India tour this March, has unveiled a powerful line-up of Indian rock acts set to open the shows across the three cities.
Bringing together global rock legends and some of India's most celebrated homegrown rock pioneers, the tour will feature Trance Effect, Indus Creed and Thermal And A Quarter as the opening acts for the concerts in Shillong, Mumbai and Bengaluru respectively, setting the stage for electrifying nights of live rock music.
Beyond setting the tone for an unforgettable tour, produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, the inclusion of Indian opening acts reflects a larger shift within the country's live music ecosystem.
Sharing the stage with global legends, Def Leppard, offers homegrown rock talent a rare and powerful platform - one that places them in front of thousands of passionate fans while positioning them within the same cultural moment as some of the most influential names in the genre.
At a time when India's rock scene is experiencing a quiet but undeniable moment, opportunities like these play an important role in amplifying local voices, nurturing new audiences and reminding fans that the spirit of rock has deep roots in India. As international acts continue to make their way to Indian stages in larger numbers, the collaboration between global icons and Indian artists signals a promising new chapter for the country's rock movement - one that is louder, prouder and increasingly global in its outlook.
The tour begins in Shillong on March 25 at RBDSA Sports Complex, where the high-energy rock outfit Trance Effect will open the evening. Known for their dynamic stage presence and powerful fusion of hard rock and contemporary influences, the band has steadily carved a strong identity within India's rock circuit, making them a fitting choice to ignite the crowd in Shillong, often regarded as the country's rock capital.
In Mumbai on March 27 at Jio World Garden, legendary Indian rock band Indus Creed will take the stage. Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Indian rock, the band has been instrumental in shaping the country's rock music landscape since the late 1980s. With iconic tracks like âRock N Roll Renegade', âFireflies' and âPretty Child', Indus Creed has built a lasting legacy and remains one of India's most influential rock acts.
The tour concludes in Bengaluru on March 29 at NICE Grounds, where the city's own cult-favourite band Thermal And A Quarter will kick off the evening. Known for their distinctive blend of alternative rock, jazz, funk and soul influences, the band has been a defining force in India's independent music scene for over two decades, earning a loyal following and critical acclaim for their innovative sound and compelling live performances.
With these celebrated Indian rock acts taking the stage ahead of Def Leppard', the tour promises an electrifying build-up in every city, creating a powerful confluence of global rock legends and homegrown musical icons.