MUMBAI, India, Dec 25: India's live concert industry has seen significant growth, with major international artists and local stars packing venues across the country. However, fans and organizers alike are grappling with challenges in providing an optimal concert experience.

For many concertgoers, the excitement of attending live performances is overshadowed by issues such as poor crowd control, lack of sanitation, inadequate facilities, and inefficient traffic management. A recent experience at a concert by a popular Punjabi artist highlighted these problems, where attendees faced unhygienic restrooms, long queues, and overwhelming congestion at the venue.

India’s concert industry, which generated approximately 8 billion rupees in 2023, is expected to grow by 25% by 2025, thanks to a young and enthusiastic fanbase willing to pay higher prices for the experience. Yet, many concertgoers find themselves disappointed by the lack of infrastructure. A diabetic concertgoer recently made headlines after a Bryan Adams concert, where he was unable to access washrooms, resulting in personal distress.

Some international artists, including the Punjabi star, have expressed frustration with the state of venues and infrastructure, pledging not to perform in India until conditions improve. Fans have voiced similar complaints, from inflated ticket prices on unreliable websites to long waits in traffic, all while trying to endure subpar facilities.

In contrast, those with the means are opting to travel abroad for concerts, seeking cleaner, more organized events. For example, one concertgoer praised the cleanliness and maintenance of facilities at Adele’s Munich concert, noting the stark difference to the conditions in India.

Concert organizers acknowledge the issues but cite the lack of dedicated venues for live events in India. Events often take place in malls, public spaces, or sports stadiums, which, while offering large spaces, are poorly equipped for concerts. These venues often lack essential amenities like clean restrooms or sufficient parking, leading organizers to spend considerable resources creating temporary infrastructure, including bathrooms and parking.

Despite these efforts, the live music scene remains a challenge for smaller artists who struggle to attract large crowds. The economics of organizing concerts for smaller artists do not work unless they can pull crowds of over 10,000 people.

Criticism of high ticket prices has increased, with many fans questioning whether the exorbitant cost is justified when basic amenities such as clean toilets and accessible facilities are lacking. Many venues also fall short on accessibility for people with disabilities, adding another layer of frustration for fans.

As India prepares for major upcoming performances by artists like Ed Sheeran and Green Day, fans are hoping for improvements. Organizers and industry professionals agree that while challenges exist, addressing these fundamental issues is crucial for the industry’s long-term success. The responsibility for improvement lies with both the event organizers and the venue providers to ensure a better experience for concertgoers across the country.

Despite the ongoing frustrations, some fans remain excited for the opportunity to see their favorite artists, even if it means enduring the chaos of overcrowded venues. For many, the thrill of the experience outweighs the inconveniences, at least for now.