Our Reporter
Dimapur, Dec. 7 (EMN): Nearly a decade since they left Nagaland after dishing out a candle-lit concert—prompted by Power failure, of course—the buccaneering giants of Indi-Rock, Indus Creed are back again in the state, to headline (in every sense of the word) this year’s edition of Hornbill Music Festival.
By all accounts, they are bonafide royalty when it comes to Rock music in India. Originally called the ‘Rock Machine’, they were the winners of 'best band' of VH1 India's Hall of Fame Award in 2014; and Jack Daniel's Rock Award in 2012—if ever they needed certification, or persuasion.
They are set to perform live on stage on Sunday evening at the ongoing Hornbill Music Festival at Agri Expo in Dimapur.
Originally formed in 1984 by Uday Benegal (vocals), Mahesh Tinaikar (guitar), Zubin Balaporia (keyboards), Mark Selwyn (bass), Jayesh Gandhi and Mark Menezes (drums), the band disbanded in 1997 only to regroup in the year 2010 on 'modified form' featuring founding members Uday, Mahesh and Zubin.
They are presently completed by Jai Row Kavi (drums), Khrishna Jhaveri (bass) and Gaurav Gupta.
"We are very excited to be back in Nagaland and we really hope to have a great time together through music," said the band's frontman Uday Benegal while addressing a press conference held at Naithu Resort in Dimapur on Saturday.
Benegal disclosed that the band, aside from their old as well as new hits, will perform some yet unreleased songs.
He made it very clear that their entire energy will be channelled towards the sole objective of having a memorable time with the Nagaland crowd.
"It's really about the music, we will connect ourselves with melodious music and have a good time there (on the stage)," Benegal said.
The band—formed in the year 1984—shared their earlier experience of visiting and performing in Kohima way back in 1988/89.
Benegal recalled the time when the stadium was lit with candles since there was no electricity during their performance; only having a generator to back up the main stage. He was quick to clarify that the experience back then was 'beautiful.'
This prompted the band’s keyboardist, Zubin Balaporia, to jest that in their previous visit to Dimapur, Power supply was interrupted, again.
Benegal was of the view that the disciples of Rock music in Nagaland—be it fans or the numerous bands trying to make their break—should be ready to take risks in order to achieve glory. Coming from someone of his stature in Indi-Rock, it felt more like a statement than advice.
"We are always scared of failing all the time and we care too much to try out new things in life," Benegal said.