Jawa Yezdi and BSA Motorcycles strengthened their connection with India’s Premier Rock Festival, which concluded recently in Mumbai. Celebrating the timeless synergy between rock ‘n’ roll and motorcycles, India’s legendary event is now marking its 30th edition with Independence Rock. The iconic collaboration connects motorists and music lovers, bridging the audacious spirit of motorcycling with the raw energy of rock music.
Widely celebrated as the ‘Woodstock of India’, the two-day festival electrified the audience on 16-17 November, 2024, at Mumbai’s iconic Bayview Lawns, Princess Dock, Mazagaon. Independence Rock 2024 featured a powerhouse lineup of India’s finest rock bands alongside fresh, genre-defying talent from across the country. Both iconic brands and the festival are keepers of legacy, which, culturally speaking, are not mutually exclusive. Hence, this partnership celebrates the ‘free-spirited’ – a feeling closely associated with both rock ‘n’ roll and motorcycling.
In line with the Jawa Yezdi Nomads’ discovery philosophy, this year’s Mahindra Independence Rock Festival hosted the highly anticipated Jawa Yezdi Stage, spotlighting the best of India’s budding rock talent through an exhilarating nationwide band hunt. Over 100 bands competed fiercely, with the top three battling it out for a coveted performance slot. Ultimately, Dreadhammer, the thrash metal quartet from Kolkata, emerged victorious, delivering a dynamic and high-energy performance.
“Both rock music and motorcycling emerged as transformative cultural phenomena in the 1950s, shaping identities and celebrating individuality. At their core, they champion the values of freedom, rebellion, and self-expression. Independence Rock is more than a festival – it’s a tribute to these shared legacies. Through this partnership, we honour the spirit of discovery, adventure, and nostalgia that defines not only our riders but also the music lovers who continue to challenge conventions and embrace the extraordinary,” explains Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO, Classic Legends.
The celebration didn’t end with the music. In a first for the festival’s 30th edition, both brands, Jawa Yezdi and BSA Motorcycles, elevated the experience by hosting a two-day on-ground contest for over 7,000 music enthusiasts. The festivities culminated with Ronny Sequeira winning a Yezdi Roadster.
Rock 2024 Highlights Independence Rock 2024 brought a musical fusion across genres – an electrifying mix of rock subgenres and Indian classical sounds. The audience was witness to roaring guitar riffs paired with the tabla, flute, and Carnatic melodies. The lineup included standout acts like Swarathma and Friends, Parvaaz, Sid Coutto, and Bhayanak Maut, ensuring a unique blend of tradition and modernity that redefined musical boundaries.
This year’s festival celebrated legends – an example was the reunion of rock legends like Motherjane and 13AD, marking a return after years of hiatus. New talent such as About Us from Nagaland was also in evidence and took the stage, much to the delight of the audience. Renowned performers like Indus Creed’s Uday Benegal, Kanchan Daniel, and Girish Pradhan of Girish and The Chronicles joined forces to create an unforgettable musical extravaganza. Each act embodied the ‘Dirty 30’ theme, showcasing the evolution of rock across the generations.
The Jawa Yezdi Experience Zone was a haven for motorcycle enthusiasts –featuring the rich legacy of Jawa, Yezdi, the debutant BSA Motorcycles, and with nine models on display alongside lifestyle accessories, the zone celebrated the intersection of heritage and innovation. Rolling back the years, Jawa Yezdi created an experience zone with a Jawa 350 sidecar installation for revellers to recreate some vintage memories. An added attraction this year emphasised a mix of regional and international influences, bringing together folk, Carnatic, cinematic, and glam metal under one roof, unifying diverse cultures through music.
This year, over 120 proud owners of Jawa, Yezdi, and BSA motorcycles embarked on a special ride to Independence Rock 2024, travelling to and from cities like Goa, Bangalore, Kolhapur, Latur, Panvel, Pune, and Mumbai.
Continuing a Legacy of Cultural Engagement Classic Legends’ partnerships embody its unwavering belief in creating differentiated motorcycling experiences that go beyond the ride itself, encouraging enthusiasts to discover new skills and embrace unique adventures. From the Covelong Surf Festival and AYCS to Pickle Ball, SkateJam, IndieGaga, the Ladakh International Music Festival, and initiatives celebrating graffiti art, the brand seamlessly integrates with contemporary subcultures.