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POLITICAL CONTENT The band derives its name from the Cold War phrase Megadeath which means a million deaths

Rock ’n India, scheduled to be held on March 14, is undoubtedly the most talked about event (at least, as far as metal heads go) and will have metal acts Megadeth and Machine Head headlining the festival. Designed along the lines of international rock festivals like Rock in Rio and Monsters of Rock, the event will cater to every genre of metal music that there is; with seven Indian bands showcasing the best in the Indian rock and metal scene. From the pioneers of Indian Metal, Millennium, to the relatively new, but internationally recognised Junkyard Groove.

Besides being a dream come true for all Megadeth fans, it gives indigenous rock the long awaited impetus it deserves. Pentagram, Mother Jane, Thermal and a Quarter, Prestorika and Casino Blues are some of the other lucky souls who will get to open one of the best thrash metal bands to have walked the earth.

Megadeth, which turns 25 this year, is an American heavy metal band led by founder, frontman, guitarist, and songwriter Dave Mustaine. Formed in 1983, after Mustaine moved out of Metallica, the band has since released 11 studio albums, six live albums, two EPs, and two compilations. The band, infamous for its frequent line-up changes, has evolved from an amateur metal act to a demi-god-like status worldwide.

Starting in the Eighties with “Killing is my business”, Mustaine with his now-estranged buddy David Ellefson, took the band to its creative heights with Rust in Peace (“Dawn Patrol” in particular) and moved on to a different level with melody and trade-off guitar solos in “Symphony of Destruction”. In 2007, the band released “United Abominations” (a take on the United Nations); since then Chris Broderick (of “Nevermore” and “Jag Panzer” fame) has replaced Glen Drover on the lead guitar.

A dash of trivia for the curious few; the band derives its name from the term “Megadeath” which means a million deaths, a phrase coined during the Cold War. This fits well with the band which is known for its strong political content, be it “Holy Wars… the punishment due” or “Youthanasia”. They are also known for their understated metal demeanour. No leather and Harley-like Judas Priest, nor Rammstien-like pyrotechnics; Megadeth is as simple as they come (they once played in their tracksuits!).

“No pretensions”, as Mustaine says in the Megadeth documentary “Arsenal of Megadeth”. “I don’t make music for the dollar sign.” They were the first band in 1994 to have their own website and fans will be pleased to know that Mustaine himself replies to posts, “even at the cost of appearing geeky”, as he puts it.

And what can one expect at the concert? Though the track list has not been mentioned, it hasn’t been announced as a promotional tour for their latest album either. In which case one can expect some classics and a mad, roaring metal-starved audience. Their concerts are known to be as intense as their music, with crowds turning violent. And going by the clamour and rampage at the Maiden concert last year, this one should be no different!

And if that wasn’t enough, Machine Head, an American heavy metal band will perform on the same day. Founded by singer and guitarist Robb Flynn and bassist Adam Duce, it has released six studio albums, a live album and DVD.

Though their fan following is not half as large as Megadeth’s, they earned some respect and substantial fan following for their Grammy-nominated track, “Aesthetics of Hate”.

Social networking sites such as Orkut and Myspace have been inundated with speculation with some sections of the media reporting that iconic rock band Dream Theatre was also going to perform. The rumour has a reason: Dream Theatre is touring Australia and Asia and is known to have played with Megadeth before.

The fact that Indian bands are also being provided a platform is quite a positive sign for the rock scene in the country. “It’s a great sign for rock since there’s been a resurgence of bands in the past two years and there has been a lot of activity with several foreign bands coming down. Of course it’ll be great fun but it is an important step for original Indian rock,” says Roberto Narayan of Millenium, a 22-year-old rock band.

Tickets to the concert are priced at Rs. 990. The tickets are available at all Planet M, select Baskin Robbins and Reliance Web Worlds outlets in Bangalore. To book tickets online log on to www.ticketpro.in. For further details log on to www.dnanetworks.com.

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