I've been reading blogs, online news websites and comments coming up on Twitter, about the cancellation of Metallica's concert in Gurgaon (New Delhi). There seems to be a lot of frustration and its branched off to a debate between south Indians blaming north Indians for putting up inappropriate behavior. Let's get facts right here, rather than blaming each other or starting off an argument that Delhi (or North India) is bad and Bangalore (or South India) is great.
Each place has it own pros and cons. The issues we faced with a pub being attacked by a mob in Mangalore on Jan 24, 2009, by certain activists and then again a Mysore pub on Saturday, Aug 14 of the same year, suggests the presence of a lot of intolerant people - be it north, south, east or west India. (Plz reference: http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_sri-rama-sene-men-target-mysore-pub_1424009). There are other issues too of forcing clubs to close at 11 pm and ban dancing and such ridiculous stuff.
The point here is the fault of the event organizers. They take money from the public, and then do not deliver. It's their job to bring the artists, ensure that the artistes (in this case Metallica), are comfortable and happy with the arrangements and security. Make sure logistics are right and then go ahead with the show as per schedule. The organizers fail to realize that they can make their money but they also need to give the artist and fans a memorable experience. Only then would more shows be a hit.
Whatever has happened, will surely leave an impression on the mind of Metallicas team members. They will blog and tweet about it and what not. The organizers have not put north or south India to shame they have just put India to shame. Everyone will say India cannot handle such events, they would not see that fans went beserk because the organizers ticked them off.
I noticed a comment on Times of India's Online Edition by some one named Anantharaman (Bangalore), to quote him "People in Delhi, Gurgaon and adjoining areas should listen to Bollywood Music ( Kumar Sanu Types) not Heavy Metal!!!! " - All I can reply is mate - get your facts right - Kumar Sanu has long gone, we now have people like Sonu Nigam, Hard Kaur, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shahid Mallya who are among the new voice of Bollywood :-)
Music is music, and a true fan does not degrade another form or genre of music or each other as Indians. That said, a true fan does not vandalize their favorite bands property either. One would wait for the band they truly love. Just as they do abroad.
I feel sorry for Metallica, the guys were very excited, they were clicking pics just before their show yesterday hoping for a great night (See: http://www.metallica.com/tour/oct-28-2011-delhi.asp).
As of now, as per Metallica's Official Website, it all seems cancelled for Delhi ....
