By Kyrsoibor Pyrtuh
Amidst the public discord over the closure of schools on the day Bryan Adams performed live in Shillong, the concert at J N Sports Complex, Polo, went exceptionally well, with a thunderous crowd cheering the world renowned artist. However, on the economic side of it, I would concur with James Perry, the Mawlai born Canadian and successful local entrepreneur, where he posted on social media recently, “The whole concept of all these international musicians coming to Shillong and boosting tourism is, to me, the wrong approach. Musicians and festivals are great but in the end they bring business for 1,2 maybe 3 days. Tourism needs consistent sustainable flow. Most of those coming for the big shows, likely have blown their budget on the tickets…no more budget to go to spend in rural areas. Concerts and festivals should be there but not sponsored by the Tourism Department, they should be self-sustaining. If a traveler’s time coincides, then it is lucky for them”.
Public Event versus Public Safety:
Let me begin by stating that the upgraded J N Sports Stadium at Polo, which today can hold up-to thirty thousand (30,000) audiences is not inclusive. It totally excludes people with disabilities, the elderly and is not conducive for certain people with a slightly weakened physical condition. “According to conservative estimates, the concert held on December 10, 2024, had between 15,000 and 20,000 attendees.
Although the designated gates were assigned for different categories of ticket holders, the experience I had while entering through the gate into the ground and from the ground after the show was over, compelled me to raise a pertinent question of public safety. This poses the greatest risk to the public at large who attended the event. The entry and exit points are so narrow that the attendees had a harrowing time getting through them, besides being time consuming. On the evening of Bryan Adams’ concert and while navigating through the narrow lane and steps towards the ground, one thing that struck me and which was scary was what if (God forbids) a natural disaster like an earthquake occurred or a major fight broke out. The stampede of people would be disastrous and casualties would have been of humongous proportions.
As someone who frequents the J N Indoor Sports Complex at Polo, for sports and leisure activities, I am familiar with the surroundings of the venue like the back of my hand. There is ongoing major construction surrounding the stadium. The new construction as well the expansion of the galleries to increase the seating capacity to nearly thirty thousand spectators had hampered the movements of attendees to the concert and cut down the spaces which were previously huge and ample.
There was only one designated major entry and exit point from the main gate opposite the Short Round Road. However, a few individuals who were aware of the back gate, which led towards the Fourth Furlong-Demseiniong Road, took this route after the show. Conversely, those who parked their cars in the SRGT parking, Lawmali, Pynthorbah, Bivar Road, and Oakland faced another challenge, as they had to walk another kilometre or two along the banks of the River Umkhrah to reach their respective parking places. The closure of the back gate to the public has raised concerns, especially considering its significance as a crucial entry and exit point. This gate provides easy access to various roadways, particularly the ‘Lawdum-Bomfyled Road, where people can conveniently park their vehicles or walk down and up the hill from Laitumkhrah. The closure has limited options for concert attendees who rely on this route for its accessibility and convenience.
Several factors might have contributed to the decision to close the back gate. These could include security issues or ongoing construction that requires the area to be restricted for public access. However, it is essential for the relevant authorities to communicate these reasons transparently as well as to explore alternative solutions that could mitigate inconvenience. The security personnel both from the state police, the assets protection groups and bouncers were well mannered and well behaved. They must be given credit. However, both outside and inside the ground the management was not impressive as there was a huge crowd at the gate (s) that caused great inconvenience. Then there was a long break of nearly forty five minutes before Bryan Adams hit the stage @ 8 pm smacks of unprofessionalism on the part of organizers.
The safety and security of the people in any public event is of utmost importance. Although, the upgradation and improvisation of the JN Sports Stadium at Polo, is welcoming, but the concerned authorities must revisit and conduct a special audit before allowing holding of any event which attracts huge crowds, including football/athletic matches or religious gatherings. The JN Sports Stadium at Polo, (even after completion) does not seem to be feasible any longer for hosting any event with more than five thousand attendees.
A new era of concert culture
No doubt, the high point of the Bryan Adams concert is the emergence of the new era of concert culture. To be fair, Shillong’s concert-going landscape has evolved and transformed dramatically where an atmosphere of mutual respect reigned supreme. Attended by a balanced mix of teetotallers and casual drinkers, the event showcased how music can unite people beyond the influence of alcohol.
While vendors offered an array of beverage from waters to a selection of beers and whiskey, the prevalent culture was one of moderation. Long gone are the days when rock concerts were marred by unruly behaviour; this gathering was a testament to the evolving concert culture where enjoyment does not equate to excess.
Unlike past events characterized by raucous fistfights and intoxicated disputes, the audience at the concert seemed to embrace a shared sense of responsibility. People were there for the love of music, not the thrill of chaos. The once-frequent incidents of rowdiness and public confrontations have diminished (not completely), reflecting a broader societal shift towards a more disciplined enjoyment of live performances.
As safety and enjoyment become intertwined, the music scene can focus on fostering a space where fans can connect with each other and the artists, allowing the sound of guitars and heartfelt lyrics to take centre stage. In this new era of concert culture, the emphasis is on appreciation for the artistry and the collective experience, proving that it’s possible to have a memorable night to remember without becoming embroiled in negativity. One cannot deny the fact that Shillong music buffs are amazing. They sang along every line of every song rendered by the artist.
Let me conclude this piece with RS Lyngdoh’s lines: ‘U (Khasi) u don ruh ka jingsngewthuh kaba pura ba ka jingim bun kam khlem ka rongbiria ka pynlyngkot ia ka rta…’ (The Khasi people inherently understood that amidst the hustle and bustle of their busy lives, without leisure, music, and art, life is shortened).