In brief
As India's live concert scene flourishes, fans are growing discontent over inadequate facilities at venues, revealing a pressing need for improved organization and sanitation.
Indian fans are raising their voices against poor facilities at live music events as the country's concert scene continues to expand. A recent concert by Punjabi pop star Diljit Dosanjh in Chandigarh drew criticism for inadequate sanitation, long queues for unusable toilets, and minimal crowd control, leaving attendees frustrated and inconvenienced.Amrita Kaur, who attended the concert, reflected on her experience stating, "You pay so much for a ticket and what do you get in return? A possible urinary infection and a bad headache with some bouts of music." The issue of bad facilities has gained media attention, especially after a diabetic fan had an embarrassing incident due to a lack of washrooms at a Bryan Adams concert.Despite the potential for growth—as India's music concert revenue is projected to rise 25% by 2025—concertgoers often find themselves facing poorly coordinated events marked by excessive traffic and inadequate amenities. Many have turned to attending concerts abroad, citing better facilities and overall experiences.Organizers are aware of the myriad issues, but they often find themselves constrained by India's insufficient concert venues. Events frequently take place in malls or public spaces that may not accommodate large crowds effectively, leading to challenges in service delivery and infrastructure. Moreover, the rising ticket prices for these events, along with poor sanitation facilities, have sparked criticism, with some concertgoers expressing outrage at their experiences during high-profile festivals where basic amenities like clean bathrooms were lacking. As the booking process for government-owned venues remains complex, costs often escalate, leading promoters to construct temporary setups for each concert, straining their budgets further. Some attendees also highlight a lack of accessibility for people with disabilities, sharing stories of struggles just to enter venues.Despite current challenges, the concert industry continues to thrive, yet persistent complaints point to an urgent need for improvement. With big names like Ed Sheeran and Green Day on the horizon, fans remain hopeful for a more enjoyable and well-managed concert experience in the future, craving both the excitement of live music and assurance of hygienic conditions. "There's a thrill to the mess and chaos," notes student Mohammad Sami, embodying the passion many have for live music despite the inconveniences.
