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‘Artists are forced to perform at weddings or birthday functions’
Punjabi singer Babbu Maan has been enthralling audiences for nearly two decades, not only with his songs, but also with his electrifying performances at concerts. However, the singer feels that music concerts are no longer lucrative for musicians. He believes that the concept of live shows is already “dead” in India.
“There’s a big problem with respect to live shows in this country. Now, everything is on TV. There are so many music channels, which play music for 24 hours, all day long. They also showcase concerts on their channels. There are hardly any live concerts that happen now. Take Delhi for example, apart from six or seven big concerts, there is nothing in the city,” he says, adding, [that is why] musicians are forced to look for different alternatives to earn money.
“An artist’s livelihood depends on live shows, but they don’t happen anymore. In today’s time, 90 per cent of the artists are forced to perform at weddings or birthday functions. It’s dead… the concept of live shows is dead in the country,” laments Babbu, who is known for songs such as Mitran di Chatri (2005) and Kabza (2009).
The 43-year-old also blames politicians and bureaucrats for jeopardising the concept of live shows in the country. “Even if live shows happen, the concept of paid shows is completely over now. When a show happens, you get calls from MLAs or MPs asking for passes. Then the SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) will call and ask for more passes, and [more] people will keep calling for passes. So, if an organiser is selling, say 2,000 passes for one show, 1,500 passes will be given for free. And if you don’t agree with them, that they will not let you perform, and there will be so much interference from the government, that you will not be able to perform,” he retorts.
According to the singer, sometimes even the fans want to see shows for free. “They also look for free passes. Their love is genuine, but they don’t want to buy tickets. It’s a sad reality,” he signs off.
An artist’s livelihood depends on live shows, but they don’t happen anymore. The concept of live shows is dead in the country. BABBU MAAN SINGER