If someone had told me ten years ago that India would become one of the biggest destinations for international tours, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. Not because artists never came here. They did. We’ve had iconic performances from artists like Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Bryan Adams, Enrique Iglesias and many more over the years. But what we’re seeing today is completely different. India isn’t getting one or two international concerts every year anymore. It’s becoming a country that global artists actively want on their tour schedules. Look at what we’ve witnessed in just the last couple of years.
Coldplay returned and created absolute madness across multiple cities. Ed Sheeran came back with his Mathematics Tour. Travis Scott packed stadiums. Post Malone returned. David Guetta had thousands dancing. Green Day, Linkin Park, Shawn Mendes, Louis Tomlinson, Glass Animals, Cigarettes After Sex, Imagine Dragons, Jonas Brothers, Sting, Halsey, Aurora, Playboi Carti, Don Toliver, Central Cee, Tyla, Kehlani, John Mayer, Calvin Harris, DJ Snake and so many more have either performed recently or announced India dates.
And now, electronic music fans have another reason to celebrate because Fred again.. is finally making his long-awaited India debut later this year with performances across multiple cities. For people who’ve spent years watching his festival sets from Coachella, Glastonbury and Boiler Room through their phones, that’s a huge moment.
As someone who attended Shawn Mendes’ concert in India, I’ll never forget hearing Monster live.,Growing up, Shawn Mendes was someone I watched through YouTube videos, award shows and livestreams. Never in a million years did I think I’d get to sing along with thousands of people while he performed in my own country.
That’s what makes this concert boom so special.
It’s not just about seeing celebrities.
It’s about finally feeling like Indian fans are part of the global music conversation instead of watching it happen from the outside.
Rock fans got Linkin Park.
Hip-hop fans got Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Central Cee and Playboi Carti.
Pop fans got Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, Jonas Brothers and Louis Tomlinson.
EDM lovers have David Guetta, Calvin Harris, DJ Snake and now Fred again…
No matter what genre you listen to, chances are your favourite artist is either coming to India or seriously considering it.
And yes, I have to mention Justin Bieber.
His previous India concert was cancelled after he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome. As disappointing as that was for fans, most of us were far more concerned about his recovery than the missed show. Now, with industry buzz growing around a possible return, it’s hard not to get excited all over again. A girl can dream, right?
Of course, this new concert era isn’t perfect.
There’s one major problem that almost every fan has experienced: ticket reselling.
The moment tickets go live, they disappear within minutes. Before genuine fans even get a chance to check out, resale listings begin appearing online at two, three or even five times the original price. The black market around concert tickets has become an industry of its own, often making these once-in-a-lifetime experiences inaccessible to the very people who have supported these artists for years.
It’s frustrating, and it’s something organisers still need to address.
But despite that, it’s impossible not to appreciate how far India’s live entertainment scene has come.
Global artists no longer see India as an optional stop. They see sold-out stadiums, passionate audiences and one of the fastest-growing music markets in the world. That’s exactly why the announcements keep coming.
And honestly?
This feels like the beginning of something even bigger.