In an era where digital beats and auto-tuned voices dominate the charts, something unexpected is happening—Gen Z is reviving classic rock and roll. Be it Coldplay, Sting, Bon Jovi, Led Zeppelin, Maroon 5, The Police, Deep Purple, or Bryan Adams, Gen-Z is the main driving force of their live concerts in India. What was once considered their parents’ music is now being rediscovered and celebrated by a generation that wasn’t even born when these songs were first released.
The resurgence of classic rock isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a movement that challenges mainstream music trends. As streaming platforms, social media, and live concerts fuel this revival, young musicians and fans are proving that rock and roll never truly dies; it just finds new audiences.
A Family Legacy
For twin sisters Tara and Tisha, musicians, composers, and singers from Bengaluru, classic rock has always been a part of their lives. Their earliest memories of music involve their father playing rock legends like Journey and Van Halen at home. “Growing up, our dad played a ton of classic rock around the house, so it’s something we’ve always loved,” they share. “Classic rock is just in our blood now, and we owe that love to our dad.”
This generational connection is common among Gen Z fans. Many grew up with parents or older siblings who listened to classic rock, creating an emotional attachment to the genre. But while the initial exposure may come from family, the decision to embrace it is entirely their own.
continued from PAGE 1
The revival of classic rock
in India is being driven, in large part, by social media. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have become digital time machines, exposing younger audiences to rock anthems from past decades. Viral reels featuring ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Dreams’, or ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ have introduced these songs to listeners who might never have sought them out otherwise.
“Social media really helps younger people find older music,” say Tara and Tisha. “When we’re scrolling through reels or watching short videos, we constantly see iconic songs being used. Even recommendations on platforms like Spotify help us discover fun classics.”
The streaming revolution has also played a major role. Music is no longer confined to CDs or radio stations; with just a few taps, listeners can explore entire discographies of artists who dominated the charts decades ago. Curated playlists like “Classic Rock Essentials” on Apple Music or “Throwback Rock” on Spotify make discovering older music effortless.
Rebellious Streak
For many Gen Z listeners, classic rock isn’t just music—it’s a statement. In an age where much of mainstream music is dominated by formulaic pop and rap, classic rock offers something different: raw emotion, complex instrumentation, and lyrics that stand the test of time.
Guitarist and musician Moses Koul, who has been playing rock and metal for nearly a decade, believes this resurgence stems from a deeper dissatisfaction with modern trends. “The ‘70s and ‘80s music is just different from the instant-gratification-coded music of the 2020s,” he explains. “People are probably bored of electronic, rap-influenced sounds with overtly on-the-nose lyrics. Classic rock, by comparison, isn’t overexposed, which makes it more valuable.”
Unlike today’s heavily produced and auto-tuned tracks, classic rock is built on raw talent—powerful vocals, intricate guitar solos, and lyrics that tell real stories. Gen Z, despite being digital natives, is showing a growing preference for authenticity in music, something that classic rock delivers effortlessly.
Newage Headbangers
India has always had a dedicated rock audience, but in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift—more international rock artists are touring the country, and their biggest audiences are Gen Z fans.
Coldplay’s performance in Mumbai and Bryan Adams concert in Kolkata was a historic moment, marking a new era of global rock presence in India. Since then, the demand for live concerts has skyrocketed, with cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Shillong becoming hubs for rock and indie music lovers.For artists like Tara and Tisha, performing for Gen Z audiences feels like being among friends. “Performing for people our age is amazing,” they say. “We get to connect with them, inspire them to chase their dreams, and share our music in a way that feels personal.”
It’s not just international rock stars who are benefiting from this revival. Local bands covering everything from Led Zeppelin to The Eagles are finding enthusiastic crowds at venues across India. Gen Z isn’t just listening to classic rock; they’re experiencing it live, keeping the spirit of rock concerts alive.
Classic Rock Appeal
Despite being decades old, classic rock songs still resonate with young listeners. The reason? The emotions behind the music are timeless. “Love, sadness, happiness, and the desire to dance—those emotions connect across generations,” says Koul. “Good music will always find its audience.”
This universality is what makes classic rock so powerful. Whether it’s the rebellious energy of ‘We Will Rock You’, the longing in ‘November Rain’, or the anthemic hope of ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, these songs speak to fundamental human experiences.
Ibs (26), a guitarist-cum-singer of a rock band from Mumbai says, “Even today some of the ole rock numbers like ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Summer of 69’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Whole Lotta Love’, ‘Sympathy For the Devil’, ‘Comfortably Numb’, ‘Fire’, ‘Cocaine’ act like a livewire current. People across all age groups are on their feet when we start to play them,” Ibs says.
Rock & Roll Time
While Gen Z is rediscovering the greats, they’re also making classic rock their own. Koul, who has spent years playing rock and metal, hopes that this resurgence will also bring back some of the rawness and attitude that defined earlier rock movements. “I would like to see more aggression and flamboyance making its way back into rock music,” he says.
With young musicians carrying forward the sound and listeners actively seeking out older rock anthems, the future of classic rock in India looks brighter than ever. Gen Z is proving that rock and roll isn’t just a genre of the past—it’s a timeless force that will keep evolving with each generation. Pune-based Philip Lazarus (68), a leading guitarist, and lead singer from the 1980s says, “It’s commendable that youngsters are loving old rock music. Their love and fandom moment was imminent at the recently held Coldplay and Sting concerts in India.” And as long as there are guitars, drum solos, and anthems that make you want to scream the lyrics at the top of your lungs, rock will never die.
Roll-Baby-Roll
• 90% of youngsters are crazy about old classic rock-& roll bands
• Revival of classic rock in India is being driven, in large part, by social media
• Popular classic rock bands include Coldplay, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Maroon 5, Queen, CCR, The Police, Deep Purple, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, and Sting to name a few
• Many classic international rock bands are now playing in tier-11 cities like Jaipur, Shillong, Bhopal, Pune Chandigarh
The ‘70s and ‘80s music is just different from the instant-gratification-coded music of the 2020s” — Moses Koul, Guitarist cum Musician
Even today some of the ole rock numbers like We Will Rock You, Summer of 69, Bohemian Rhapsody, Whole Lotta Love, Sympathy For the Devil, Comfortably Numb, Fire, Cocaine act like a livewire current.” — Ibs, guitarist cum rock singer Mumbai
