As the live music scene plummeted to an all-time low during the pandemic, the new reality—watching your favourite musician performing via webcasts—didn’t quite hit the spot, failing to replicate the magic of savouring up a gig in real-time. Lucky for us, the lull, much like the virus, wasn’t ever-lasting, and things trudged back to normal, with venues buzzing with fans even before we knew it. Come 2023, it’s safe to say that the live music arena in India has risen from the ashes, much like a phoenix.

It’s also worth nothing that live music venues don’t mushroom at a breakneck speed, like a craft beer shop in Bengaluru. Most of them are pretty old establishments, having gained a robust fan base across genres and ages by standing the test of time. We list some of the best places for surreal musical experiences across the country:

Fandom At Gilly’s Redefined, Bengaluru

Over the years, Fandom At Gilly’s Redefined has acquired a cult fandom in ‘Luru, catering to a wide range of musicians across genres like hip hop, metal, rock, and electronics. They regularly host some of the most interesting acts in India, offering pulsating musical experiences.

AntiSOCIAL, Mumbai 

A year after BlueFrog shut its operation in 2016, AntiSOCIAL came under the scanner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for not complying with safety standards. They reopened in 2019, in Lower Parel, with an upgraded sound system from Adamson and lighting from Martin by Harman. It’s one of the largest indoor live music venues in the city, boasting a capacity of accommodating over 500 people within the premises. 

Raasta, Green Park, Delhi 

Contrary to its name, Raasta isn’t reserved for just reggae artists. Good food and a lively Caribbean ambiance aside, the sought-after space offers a leeway for scores of fledgling artists to perform live.

Hard Rock Café, Bengaluru 

This needs no introduction. If you’re a fan of old-school rock, you can always hop onto Hard Rock Cafe and chill with fresh brews, their iconic Lionel Messi burger, and some nostalgic tracks from the 80s and 90s. One of HRC’s highlights includes having a stage just above the bar, where they frequently showcase cover bands of legendary rock groups.  

EXT by The Moonshine Project, Hyderabad 

The live music scene in Hyderabad is currently at a nascent stage. But, EXT by The Moonshine Project, a dimly lit venue in the heart of Hyderabad, is livening up the scene and fast becoming a go-to place for exciting indie and electronic artists from the country. For artists embarking on an India tour, this place is a great spot to perform at.  

Blues, Connaught Place, Delhi 

A non-descript venue jostling for the space in the upscaled Connaught Place, Blues isn’t strictly a live musical venue, like the ones listed above. It’s a beer bar that plays retro hits, sending you down memory lane. Fan of blues, country, or rock music? You’d feel anything but the blues at Blues!