Shillong deserves the title of ‘India’s Rock Capital,’ says Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen

Legendary British rock band Def Leppard kicked off their first “India tour” from India’s rock capital, Shillong on Wednesday night, ending a decades-long wait for many Indians who grew up listening to their music in the 80s.
With soaring riffs, explosive energy and a commanding presence, the band ignited the crowd from the very first note when Def Leppard belted their rocking new song, “Rejoice”.
An estimated 30,000 people thronged the RBDSA Sports Complex in Ri Bhoi district as the glam-rock veterans belted out their classic hits.
What followed was a performance that reflected the spirit of their globally celebrated live shows – precise, powerful and deeply immersive.
Def Leppard’s setlist traced the full arc of their celebrated career, seamlessly weaving together iconic anthems like ‘Hysteria’, ‘Photograph’, ‘Rock of Ages’, ‘Animal’, ‘Foolin’’ and ended the night on a high with ‘Pour Some Sugar on Me’.
Each track was met with thunderous roars, reverberating the venue with their unwavering energy, as fans relived the music that has defined decades of rock history.
“I think Shillong is well deserved to have the title as “India’s rock capital” because everybody in the crowd, they knew all of the words to the songs, and just their response to Def Leppard was singing,” Rick Allen, the band’s drummer, said.
“It was like the best crowd, you know, the best crowd, or as good as anywhere else we played in the world,” Allen, nicknamed as the “The Thunder God”, added.
The 62-year-old earned the nickname “The Thunder God” for his incredible resilience and talent, continuing to play drums with the band since 1978 despite losing his left arm in a 1984 car accident.
Die-hard fans flew from Mumbai and Bengaluru to India’s rock capital to witness legendary British rock band Def Leppard’s debut performance in India.
“Shillong is a much bigger rock city than any other in India. It was an electrifying night with the Def Leppard men rocking and the crowd singing together with the band,” says Sanjeev, a music enthusiast, who flew all the way from Mumbai just for “The Thunder God” and his band member performing in Shillong.
“It was an incredible, unforgettable moment for all Def Leppard fans. I must say, it was a dream come true for those who have been listening to them for years,” Larry, a Shillong lad who grew up listening to the iconic British rock band, remarked after the high-voltage concert.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, a known music enthusiast and guitarist, was seen among the audience, noted that hosting legendary acts like Def Leppard strengthens Meghalaya’s status as a major hub for international concerts and rock music in India
“@DefLeppard rocked Meghalaya with an electrifying night of timeless hits, as fans sang along in a celebration of music and nostalgia. Another iconic international concert in Meghalaya, India’s favourite music destination,” Sangma posted on X.
Produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment experiential division of BookMyShow, the band’s first show of the India tour, unfolded as an electrifying evening that brought together legacy, nostalgia and high-octane musicianship, creating a powerful and deeply collective live experience.
“Def Leppard represents a defining era of rock that has shaped how generations of fans in India have discovered and connected with the genre. Seeing that legacy come alive on stage, with fans singing every word, is a powerful reminder of the depth and longevity of rock culture in the country. This tour reflects a larger shift in the live entertainment landscape, where iconic global acts are meeting deeply engaged Indian audiences at scale,” Chief Business Officer – Live Events, BookMyShow, Naman Pugalia, said.
As the final notes rang out into the Shillong night and the crowd responded with a deafening applause, it was evident that something truly special had unfolded. Following a powerful start to their India tour, an unforgettable night awaits in Mumbai on March 27 and then heading to Bengaluru for the final leg of their tour On March 29, continuing what is shaping up to be a landmark run for rock music in the country.
The concert began with the high-energy indie pop outfit Trance Effect, who set the tone with a commanding opening set.
Known for their dynamic stage presence and powerful fusion of rock and contemporary influences, the Nagaland-based band delivered fan favourites like ‘I’m On Your Side’, ‘More Love’ and ‘Clowns’, celebrating India’s own rock legacy while building anticipation for what was to follow.