And the bands played on
As HT City turns 25, we look at iconic Indian bands that have been around for 25 years or more
INDUS CREED
Founded in 1984 in Mumbai, this rock band, formerly called Rock Machine, underwent several lineup changes before regrouping in 2010. Mahesh Tinaikar (guitar), Mark Selwyn (bass) and Uday Benegal (vocals) have remained the core of the band through the years.
PARIKRAMA
Established in Delhi in 1991, they rose to prominence as one of Asia’s biggest rock groups. Their riveting live performances and international tours, including one with Iron Maiden in 2007, solidify their status on the music scene.
MOTHERJANE
Founded in 1996 in Kochi, Motherjane blends progressive rock with Carnatic influences. With three studio albums and numerous singles, the four-man act (Niranj Suresh on vocals, John Thomas on drums, Clyde D’Rozario on bass and Anubhav Langthasa on guitar) carved a distinct space for themselves.
THERMAL AND A QUARTER (TAAQ)
Formed in 1996, TAAQ, with its ‘Bangalore rock’, blends classic rock with subtle Indian influences, showcasing their versatility with eight studio albums. Members include Bruce Lee Mani (guitar and vocals), Rajeev Rajagopal (drums), Leslie Charles (bass) and Tony Das (guitar).
Since 1998, Kryptos has been at the forefront of the modern Indian heavy metal movement, releasing six albums. The band’s present members are Nolan Lewis (vocals and rhythm guitar), Rohit Chaturvedi (lead guitar), Ganesh Krishnaswamy (bass) and Vijit Singh (drums).
EUPHORIA
Dr Palash Sen formed Euphoria in Delhi in 1998, leveraging the digital revolution to release seven studio albums and 16 singles. Their induction into the Hall of Fame in 2012 (by the Indian Recording Arts Academy) is testimony to their contribution to Indian pop rock.
INDIAN OCEAN
Originating in Delhi in 1990, they pioneered fusion rock in India. Despite the loss of founding member, percussionist Asheem Chakravarty, in 2009, the band continues to inspire. Members include Himanshu Joshi (lead vocals), Tuheen Chakravorty (tabla), Amit Kilam (percussion), Nikhil Rao (lead guitar) and Rahul Ram (bass guitar).
PENTAGRAM
Started in Mumbai in 1994, the band merges rock with electronica. Members include singer-composer Vishal Dadlani, Randolph Correia (guitar), Papal Mane (bass), Shiraz Bhattacharya (drums) and Clyde D’souza (guitar; former member).