BookMyShow backs Indian PM’s “concert economy” call

BookMyShow has given its backing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s calls for India to a develop a “concert economy” attracting the world’s biggest acts.

Modi was gushing in his praise about the recent BookMyShow-backed Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, the latter at the vast stadium that bears his name. Following the events, Modi spoke of India’s attraction for international acts. The Prime Minister also called on the states and private sector to develop existing infrastructure and skills to expand India as a live destination.

Ed Sheeran and Linkin Park are set to play dates in India in 2025, while Green Day and Shawn Mendes will make their Indian debuts at Lollapalooza India.

Asked about Modi’s ambition, BookMyShow chief executive Ashish Hemrajani outlined India’s appeal to major acts.

“With a discerning base, a growing middle class, an economy firing on all cylinders, and music platforms entering countries like China, coupled with a large English-speaking population, it creates an environment ripe for a massive economy of experiences,” Hemrajani told India Today.

“The fans really came through [for the Coldplay gigs], representing one of the youngest demographics in the world, predominantly under the age of 35.”

Hemrajani said the collaboration between concert organisers and local, regional and national authorities played an important role in the success of the Coldplay gigs. Such partnerships would be key if India is to attract more major acts, he added.

“Putting on an event of this scale and size requires a lot of moving parts,” Hemrajani said. “It demands collaboration with the state administration, the central government, the police, and the fire department. I think the Prime Minister’s vision and statement of making this a reality flowed and trickled down effectively in both states where we held the concerts – Navi Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

“We were fully supported by the stadium authorities, the police, law enforcement, traffic management, and excise departments to make it all happen.”

BookMyShow police investigation ends

Hemrajani was speaking as Mumbai police confirmed that an investigation into fraud allegations related to Coldplay sales via BookMyShow had been shelved. The police said no evidence of manipulation had been discovered since the inquiry began last September. BookMyShow had been accused of using ticket bots to manipulate the ticketing process.

In the months since the on-sale, the Indian state’s online police issued a notice to BookMyShow requiring it to implement strict measures for upcoming concerts.

Modi’s ‘concert economy’ dream

Speaking after the Coldplay tour at the end of January, Modi said: “You must’ve seen pictures of Coldplay. Big artistes from around the world are attracted to India. I expect the state and the private sector to focus on developing necessary infrastructure and skills for the concert economy.

“A country that has such a rich heritage of music, dance and storytelling and a huge pool of youngsters who are big consumers of concerts, there are many possibilities in the concert economy. You have witnessed that in the last 10 years, the demand and trend for live events have increased.”