From Mumbai to Hollywood - Rock Machine To Indus Creed

A powerboat race, a broken fax, and a last‑minute visa scramble set the stage for a story about identity, reinvention, and the stubborn joy of playing loud.

In this espisode Phil Blizzard and Russell Mason 'sits down' with Uday Benegal—frontman of India’s pioneering rock band Indus Creed—to trace the band’s evolution from Rock Machine, the bold name change that reframed their destiny, and the craft behind blending tabla, sarangi, and bansuri into guitar-driven songs without falling into cliché.

The journey flows through sunburnt beach gigs in Dubai, bewildered crowds in the USSR, a UK Womad run, and openers with Europe, Bon Jovi, and Santana. Uday contrasts the tour cultures with insight—how Santana’s crew modeled true professionalism—and shares a delightfully messy onstage cameo with Slash in Bangalore.

Along the way, we explore the role MTV Asia played in easing a risky rebrand, the practical magic of backline and FOH, and the creative decision-making that kept identity authentic while broadening appeal for global audiences.

There’s a detour to New York, where disillusion with India’s shifting industry pushed Uday toward indie cinema and writing for the Village Voice, before a return home reignited the band with younger players and new energy. We go deep on recording Evolve in Mumbai and landing mix legend Tim Palmer through a thoughtful cold email—a field guide in how independent bands can reach world-class collaborators. Most of all, Uday reflects on the legacy he cherishes: helping shift India’s live circuit from cover-band defaults to original music as the standard. He also teases a gentler solo project produced by a rising young talent, proving reinvention never really ends.

If stories of music branding, cross-cultural production, and life on the road light you up, this one’s for you. Follow the show, share it with a friend who loves rock history with heart, and leave a review to help more curious listeners find us.

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