Scorpions would have performed in Mumbai today; two Mumbai rock music fans react to the cancellation

Scorpions was scheduled to perform in Mumbai on April 30. Photo Courtesy: Special Arrangement

After witnessing Linkin Park earlier this year, and Def Leppard too, Indian rock fans were on a high, as they would be witnessing one of the most legendary rock bands of all time - Scorpions, the German band that defined rock music for so many of us in the last few decades. However, their India tour was cancelled, and with that their Mumbai performance that was scheduled to take place today, leaving many fans sad.

Among thousands of fans, Nikhil Rodrigues, a Vasai-based musician was very excited to watch Scorpions live, but will have to wait longer. Being a true hard rock fan idolising the likes of Ozzie Osbourne, he saved up for the performance. Unfortunately, the dream didn't come true. He shares, "I've been listening to them since I was a kid. "Rock You Like a Hurricane" was always playing on my MP3 during college days, so this was something I was really looking forward to."

Asking him how disappointed he is that they aren't performing and he echoes the sentiments of thousands of Indian fans, "Oh man! I'm pretty disappointed! I booked tickets all hyped to rock to their songs and at the end, they cancel everything!"

For Rodrigues, who would have been at the concert this evening, he has been dealing with it like any fan should. "I'm just playing their songs at home now and pretending I'm at the concert. Not the same, but it'll do for now," he adds.

While he is getting a refund on the tickets, he highlights how more needs to be done. "I believe better planning would help, stuff like this shouldn't be happening last minute."

It has been no different for Andheri-based Neil Lopez, who was also there at the Def Leppard concert, and was all set to watch Scorpions live. "I was super excited to watch them live Given the recent forays by international rock artists like Def Leppard, Linkin Park, Guns N' Roses. We just couldn't miss this one... but we did. Having grown up listening to Scorpion tracks and even playing them live because I play the guitar, we really wanted to see them up close from the pit."

Even though it isn't the first time, the 36-year-old city-based lawyer reminds, "It's not the first time an artist has cancelled a gig in India, and we have seen it happen before. Having said that, it doesn't make the disappointment any less than it already is. I am only convinced the show is happening if I can hear Klaus Meine from stage screaming "Hellooooo Mumbai!!!" Till that happens, all we can do is wait and hope they return."

While he didn't lose any money, Lopez agrees with Rodrigues. "There is much room for improvement when it comes to planning events of such repute in India," the city-based rock music fan signs off.