The Bands That Competed In The Simla Beat Contest

In the early 1970s, as the world embraced the counterculture of rock ‘n’ roll, India, too, experienced its own wave of musical experimentation. At the heart of this scene was the Simla Beat Contest, an event that provided a platform for young, emerging rock bands to showcase their talent. Held in 1970 and 1971, the Simla Beat Contest played a significant role in shaping India's nascent rock culture and introduced the country to the electric sounds of beat and psychedelic music.

The Simla Beat Contest was organized by Simla Cigarettes, a brand under the Indian Tobacco Company (ITC). The idea behind the event was to appeal to the growing youth population who were increasingly influenced by Western music trends. Western rock bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Doors had taken the global music scene by storm, and their influence was making its way to India through radio, records, and cassette tapes.

Recognizing the potential to market their brand to this demographic, Simla Cigarettes launched the Beat Contest in 1970. The contest was held in several cities, with regional competitions culminating in a grand finale. Bands from all over India participated, bringing with them a blend of Western rock and Indian influences.

The first Simla Beat Contest in 1970 saw participation from bands across India, each vying for the coveted title of India’s best beat band. The format was simple—bands would perform live in front of a panel of judges and a packed audience. The event not only attracted musicians but also music lovers and enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Among the notable participants was The Fentones, a Calcutta-based band that was heavily influenced by The Shadows and The Ventures. Their tight instrumental performances earned them the title of the 1970 winners. This victory propelled The Fentones to fame within India's underground rock scene, establishing them as one of the pioneers of Indian rock.

The success of the first contest led to an even larger event in 1971. This time, the competition became more intense as the burgeoning rock scene in India brought out fresh talent from cities like Bombay (now Mumbai), Delhi, Calcutta (now Kolkata), and Bangalore. The Simla Beat Contest of 1971 is often remembered as one of the first major platforms for Indian rock bands to gain national attention.

One of the most famous bands to emerge from the 1971 contest was The Crimson Flames. Known for their psychedelic sound, reminiscent of bands like Pink Floyd and The Doors, The Crimson Flames captured the audience's attention with their original compositions and stage presence. They ended up winning the 1971 edition, further cementing the contest’s reputation as a springboard for India’s rock revolution.

A significant outcome of the Simla Beat Contest was the recording and release of the Simla Beat Album. This vinyl compilation featured the best bands from the contest, with original compositions and covers of popular Western songs. The album gave these underground bands a rare opportunity to be heard by a wider audience, as recording music was still an expensive and difficult process for most Indian musicians.

The Simla Beat albums from 1970 and 1971 are now considered collectors’ items, symbolizing an era when rock music in India was raw, experimental, and entirely local. These recordings serve as a time capsule, capturing the essence of a generation that sought to break away from tradition and embrace new sounds.

Although the Simla Beat Contest was short-lived, its impact on the Indian rock scene was profound. It provided a platform for Indian musicians to showcase their talents at a time when rock music was still considered a Western import. The contest gave rise to several notable bands that went on to influence future generations of Indian rock musicians.

The Simla Beat Contest is also significant for its role in creating a sense of community among Indian rock enthusiasts. The event brought together young people from different cities and backgrounds, united by their love for rock music.

The Fentones (Shillong):

They won the Beat contest in 1971, the only ones to achieve this feat from the northeast(Shillong). The early frontman of the band was Lou Majaw who was later replaced by Sherlock Giri on lead guitar and Roland Lyngdoh on vocals.

Velvette Fogg (Bombay):

Great Bear (Calcutta):

A pioneering rock band formed in Calcutta in the late ’60s featured with their original composition on the 1970 compilation. PC Mukherjee was on lead guitar, Nondon Bagchi on drums and John Brinnand on vocals.

Dinosaurs (Bangalore):

The Eruptions (Cuttack):

Confusions (Madras):

Brood of Vipers (Panjim):

 Nomads (Pune):

Hipnotic Eye (Delhi):

Read more: Simla Beat