Let's rally, why no Palace Grounds for us? asks music-loving Bengalureans

Bengaluru: The iconic Palace Grounds has always been a coveted venue, reserved only for the biggest, most prestigious events. It’s rock ‘n’ roll days are long since gone, however, with the state government’s decision in 2012 to ban all commercial events to avoid traffic disruptions. Coldplay performing in Mumbai severely wounded the sentiments of music-loving Bengalureans, who wonder why the government’s prudence does not extend to include political rallies, which continue unhindered despite the traffic disturbances they cause!

“It is very sad that international acts cannot see Bengaluru as a place to perform. The city missed out on the Coldplay because of this.” said Bruce Lee Mani, frontman of the city-based band Thermal and a Quarter. “I’m sure no music concert can cause as much upheaval as a political rally!” Adding that “cultural insecurity” could be the reason for this step-motherly treatment, he said, “Authorities may feel we are too inclined toward Western culture and losing out on our own in the process!”

No other venue is as accommodating as Palace Grounds, says Kannada rapper Karthik Sundar who performs under the moniker ‘Gubbi’. “In 2006, the venue held  freedom jams on the first Sunday of every month. It was a great exchange of musical culture for all of us. ” It is as disappointing as it is discouraging, he adds. “It is probably a political issue or a cultural transition that doesn’t sit well with our authorities, but the truth is it is disheartening and lowers the morale of city-based artists. Yes, there are places like Humming Tree and Bflat, but nothing compares to Palace Grounds.

“There is a lot of bias involved; weddings and political rallies cause as much of a commotion as concerts,” argued Vasu Dixit, of Swarathma. “Bengaluru was once the rock capital of India. It’s sad that we’re losing out great cultural exchanges because venues only want what sells.”