This iconic collaboration bridges the audacious spirit of motorcycling with the raw energy of rock music, creating an experience like no other.

Widely celebrated as the ‘Woodstock of India,’ the two-day festival that electrified the audiences on November 16th and 17th, 2024, at Mumbai’s iconic Bayview Lawns, Princess Dock, Mazagaon.

Independence Rock 2024 was a powerhouse lineup of India’s finest rock bands alongside fresh, genre-defying talent from across the country and beyond. Both, our iconic brands, and the festival are keepers of legacy which are, culturally speaking, not mutually exclusive. Hence, this partnership is a celebration of the ‘free spirited’ – a feeling closely associated with both rock ‘n’ roll and motorcycling.
In line with the Jawa Yezdi Nomads’ philosophy of ‘discovery,’ 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 in the Tomorrow’s Headliners competition, delivering a dynamic and high-energy performance on the Jawa Yezdi Motorcycle Stage over the festival’s two days.

Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO of Classic Legends, shared his thoughts, “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 honor 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,” Joshi said.

The celebration didn’t end with the music. In a first for the festival’s 30th edition, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles and BSA Motorcycles elevated the experience by hosting a two-day on-ground contest for over 7,000 music enthusiasts at Bayview Lawns on November 16th and 17th, 2024.

The festivities culminated with Ronny Sequeira winning a Yezdi Roadster, presented by Maharaj Kumar Sahib Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Ji Mewar of Udaipur and Vishal Choudhary, Chief Marketing Officer of Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles and BSA Motorcycles.

Highlights of Independence Rock 2024
Musical Fusion Across Genres
Independence Rock 2024 brings an electrifying mix of rock subgenres and Indian classical sounds. Witness roaring guitar riffs paired with the tabla, flute, and Carnatic melodies. The lineup includes standout acts like Swarathma & Friends, Parvaaz, Sid Coutto, and Bhayanak Maut, ensuring a unique blend of tradition and modernity that will redefine musical boundaries.

A Celebration of Legends and Fresh Blood
This year’s festival celebrates the reunion of rock legends like Motherjane and 13AD, marking a return after years of hiatus, while new talent such as About Us from Nagaland takes the stage.

Renowned performers like Indus Creed’s Uday Benegal, Kanchan Daniel, and Girish Pradhan of Girish and The Chronicles join forces to create an unforgettable musical extravaganza. Each act embodies the “Dirty 30” theme, showcasing the evolution of rock across generations.

Jawa Yezdi Experience Zone
A haven for motorcycle enthusiasts, the Jawa Yezdi Experience Zone featured the rich legacy of Jawa, Yezdi, and the debutant BSA Motorcycles. With nine models on display alongside lifestyle accessories, the zone celebrates the intersection of heritage and innovation. Rolling back the years Jawa Yezdi created an experience zone with a Jawa 350 side car installation for revellers to recreate some vintage memories.

Enhanced Inclusivity
This year emphasized a mix of regional and international influences, bringing together folk, Carnatic, cinematic, and glam metal under one roof, unifying diverse cultures through music.

Kommuniti Rides
This year, over 120 proud owners of Jawa, Yezdi, and BSA motorcycles embarked on a special ride to Independence Rock 2024, traveling from cities like Goa, Bangalore, Kolhapur, Latur, Panvel, Pune, and Mumbai.

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.

These collaborations not only foster authentic and immersive cultural experiences but also reaffirm the spirit of exploration that defines every journey—where every ride becomes an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with a vibrant world of creative expression.

The Jawa motorcycle lineup includes Jawa 350, Jawa 42, Jawa 42 FJ, Jawa 42 Bobber, and Jawa Perak, while the Yezdi range features the Yezdi Roadster, Yezdi Scrambler, and Yezdi Adventure. Under the BSA marquee we have the iconic Gold Star 650.

Author: Srishti Pandey