A view of Bengaluru city.
Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru, once a hotspot for international artists and a vibrant hub for live performances, has seen a sharp decline in major events in recent years. From iconic bands like Iron Maiden and Metallica to artists like Bryan Adams, Norah Jones and Russell Peters, the city was a key stage for celebrated performers. However, over the past decade, these events have become increasingly sporadic.
The decline affects multiple stakeholders -- the government, citizens and artists alike. For the government, it means a lost chance for branding and revenue generation. For citizens, it means a loss in income generated from live event performance-related economy. For artists, it is the loss of an audience renowned for its warmth and hospitality.
In just the last two years, Bengaluru has missed out on live performances by global acts like Trevor Noah, Dua Lipa and Coldplay--events that drew massive crowds in other cities. The reasons behind these cancellations include inadequate infrastructure and poor crowd management. The most recent setback was the abrupt cancellation of the Cigarettes After Sex (CAS) performance. This raises questions about the city’s preparedness to host large-scale events.
India’s live events market was valued at Rs 88 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach Rs 143 billion by 2026, reflecting a growth rate of 17.6%, according to a 2023 Earnst & Young report. This surge in demand for live experiences, driven by higher disposable incomes, urbanisation and digital penetration, signals strong industry growth. For instance, Dua Lipa’s concert in Mumbai generated Rs 771 crore in concert-related spending. Karnataka, however, is missing out on significant revenue, especially amid its ongoing budgetary constraints.
Why is Bengaluru struggling to host such events? A key issue is inadequate infrastructure. While venues like Palace Grounds should be ideal, they lack necessary support system, especially for for crowd management. The cancellation of Trevor Noah’s September 2023 show due to poor audio infrastructure underscored this problem. Additionally, Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion on the day of the event caused hours of delays, further damaging the overall experience.
At the heart of this issue is a policy problem--government restrictions on the use of Palace Grounds. Despite being among the city’s best-equipped venues, the Karnataka government has denied organisers permission to hold commercial events there, citing a long-standing government order. The restrictions stem from a decades-old legal dispute over the acquisition of Palace Grounds, pending before the Supreme Court since 1997. Following a 2012 Karnataka High Court directive, the government has sought to curb activities at the venue to prevent traffic congestion and ecological damage.
However, this prohibition on organising commercial events at Palace Grounds appears arbitrary and inconsistent. While the live music events are restricted, Palace Grounds continues to host large weddings and political rallies--both of which cause traffic congestion and generate waste.
If traffic congestion is a concern, effective event-day traffic management--as practiced globally--offers a practical solution. For noise pollution, enforcing decibel limits under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, would suffice. Environmental impacts could be mitigated through mandatory impact assessments for even organisers. Instead,
the blanket prohibition imposed by the 2012 government
order harms Bengaluru’s reputation and economy, driving artists and events to more accommodating cities.
While concerns around traffic congestion, noise pollution, and ecological conservation are valid, the government’s broad-stroke approach fails to address the root causes. A more nuanced policy--evaluating each event based on planning, crowd management, and environmental safeguards--would be far more effective. Events that meet these criteria should be allowed to proceed, rather than being blocked outright.
Going forward, the government must approve live events on a case-by-case basis, weighing each proposal’s merits. A system that ensures quick dismantling of event infrastructure, manages traffic flow and safeguards Palace Ground’s green cover could help mitigate problems associated with large-scale events. This would allow Bengaluru to once again become a prime destination for international performances, benefiting the economy, tourism and cultural landscape.
Bengaluru’s youth, its vibrant music and arts scene alongside its potential for boosting state revenue should not be overlooked.
(The writer is a research fellow at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy)