It’s official now.
For the past few months, people had been eagerly waiting for the announcement about the international bands that would be headlining the upcoming ShiRock2023.
Now, their curiosity has been put to rest as the festival’s management team has finally revealed the names of the two bands that will be taking the stage at the Bakshi Ground at the upcoming rock festival.
ShiRock is an annual rock festival conducted in Ukhrul town as part of the state-level Shirui Lily Festival.
This year, the festival is being managed and organized by the 7 Sisters’ Foundation.
Sources close to the 7 Sisters’ Foundation have revealed that Israeli band ‘Orphaned Land’ and the Bon Jovi’s tribute band ‘Bon Giovi’ from the United Kingdom will be performing at the festival scheduled to take place from May 17 to 20.
Not only are legendary rock artists from Israel and the UK set to perform on stage, but also a slew of local rock bands from across the country are ready to take the stage by storm.
The Countdown
The opening day of the rock festival will be full of spectacular performances. First up, the ‘Family Band’ from Imphal will hit the stage, followed by ‘1 BHK’ from Ukhrul, who was the runner-up in 2022.
To keep the audience in anticipation and excitement, another band has yet to be named and added to the lineup.
To finish off the opening night on a high note, the headliner ‘Bon Giovi’ is set to be the star of the show.
On the 18th, the ‘Local Night’ will feature performances from Pune-based ‘Zyphertone’ and on the 19th, some of the most acclaimed musical acts from around the nation will grace the stage.
Popular Indian bands such as ‘Still Water’ from Sikkim; ‘Agni’ from Mumbai, ‘Inner Sanctum’ from Bangalore, and also Rajesh Nepali from Kathmandu, will set the tone for the night.
The closing day, the 20th of May, will welcome bands like ‘Featherheads’ from Ukhrul, ‘Arogya’ from Assam, and two other bands to be announced, before the final headliner ‘Orphaned Land’ takes the stage for a thundering performance.
Flights, VISA process
The source behind the four-day rock festival further revealed that the organizers have confirmed all flights and other arrangements for international band ‘Bon Giovi’ and advance payments have been completed for them and the other local bands.
“Visa for ‘Bon Giovi’ has also been secured and it is expected the Visa process for Israel-based ‘Orphaned Land’ and other necessary things should be completed by Monday or Tuesday,” it said.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that the expenses incurred so far, by the event manager 7 Sisters Foundation, have been out of pocket and have crossed over Rs. 35 lakh as the State government has not sanctioned any funds for event till date.
The organizers of the rock festival have been working hard to make these arrangements as they are expecting tens of thousands to witness this upcoming international event.
As usual, the festival will also have various fan fests to bring the international and local rock music experience even closer to fans. There will be indigenous drinks, cuisine and merchandise stalls, and many other activities.
Bon Giovi’s Fact file
‘Bon Giovi’ are the world’s best look-alike and sound-alike tribute to New Jersey’s original band ‘Bon Jovi’, delivering an unbeatable rock ‘n’ roll show that follows the original band’s entire career both lyrically and musically.
The band was formed in December 1998 with Gary Williams, the UK’s best Bon Jovi lookalike, as the front man. It is doing over 90+ concerts each year and boasting over 19 years of UK and International touring.
Bon Giovi were also the first UK tribute act to be asked to make a guest appearance on the New Jersey tribute album “Garden State Of Mind Vol. 1”, a celebration of Bon Jovi’s musical career to date.
Orphaned Land’s Fact file
‘Orphaned Land’ is an Israeli progressive metal band that incorporates Israeli Jewish, Mizrahi, and other West Asian elements. They were formed in 1991 under the name Resurrection which was changed to ‘Orphaned Land’ in 1992.
They are regarded as the progenitors of oriental metal. Their lyrics promote a message of peace and unity, especially among the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity).
The band’s line-up has changed multiple times over the years, but two original members, Kobi Farhi (vocals) and Uri Zelcha (bass), have remained. Matan Shmuely (drums), Chen Balbus (guitar/keyboard), who succeeded co-founding member Matti Svatizky in 2012, and Idan Amsalem (guitars/bouzouki), who replaced Yossi Sassi in early 2014.
