Rock Tandav 2 Back With A Bang

By Mannu Shahi

The concert series Rock Tandav started back in 2020 organized by Underground Platform Nepal, a collective dedicated towards promoting a wide array of Nepali musicians. The initial event was held in honor of Dev Rana, a commended musical figure and the founding member of arguably Nepal’s first well-established rock band – ‘Prism’. 

With a film screening of Dev Rana’s live story, the show was held at Purple Haze Rock Bar, Thamel on February 21, 2020 featuring popular rock acts like Jindabad, Harip Tatwo, ASM, Shree 3 and Space. Although the event was revered, due to pandemic and its aftermath the series could not retain their ensuing editions and went on a hiatus of nearly four years.

Luckily, this year the event has rejuvenated in the celebration of International Women’s Day as well as Shivaratri following up the day after, highlighting the theme of “rocking gender norms with music”. This edition exhibits the expanded agenda by continuing the fest for two days i.e. March 8 and 9. Scheduled to occur at Bhrikutimandap Garden, Kathmandu, the event is yet another presentation of Underground Platform Nepal in association with Noodle, Liquid-Intelligence, Kgaria and Triple Two Production House. 

Regarding this event the organizing committee writes, “As our music scene these days is seeing a lack of music festivals, Rock Tandav is a collaborative effort to bring the festival culture back. The core aim of this event is to establish a hall of fame to honor the contributions of many acclaimed musicians to the music fraternity especially in the rock genre. As like the first edition of Rock Tandav honored Sir Dev Rana, this second edition will also follow the same pattern. We plan to establish an online hall of fame archive at the present until we can materialize the tribute into a physical asset. For the scene by the scene.”

The featured performers are Bipul Chettri and The Travelling Band, The Act, Kush, Jai Faak, The Alchemist and Dry Skunk performing in the first day of the event; Underside, Shree 3, Space, Krur, Chumbak, YIIG and Grunchiez taking the stage on day two of the event. 

The tickets being sold in various phases for the event increases as the day nears. While the tickets can be booked online via e-Sewa and Ticket Sansar but are also available at the physical outlets: Pork Hub (Jhamsikhel), Beers & Cheers (Jhamsikhel), Namaste Coffee (Freak Street), Deep Music (Khichapokhari), Kaleidoscope Music Academy (Putalisadak), Nepali Music School (Gaushala), Harmonium Musicals (Khichapokhari), Guitar Shop (Ason), Sound Station (Lagankhel), Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory ( Jhamsikhel), Tapout Fitness (Maharjgunj) and Sangeet Pathshala (Hadigaun).

The second day of the concert will also host the felicitation of the new inductee for hall of fame, who is yet to be revealed but hints are pointing towards an esteemed rock musician who passed away this year but is forever cemented in our hearts for his endless contributions towards Nepali rock music. Further information on the event and its nitty gritties can be traced from their social handles. So be there to witness these wonderful musicians uniting to celebrate festival culture, venerate senior musicians and promote a genuine cause.