John Mayer to Linkin Park: International Artists to Watch Out for in India in 2026
The first quarter of 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark period for live music in India, with a powerful line-up of international artists scheduled to perform across major cities. From legendary rock bands and Grammy-winning singer-songwriters to EDM superstars and global pop icons, Indian music lovers are in for a packed concert calendar featuring long-awaited debuts, comeback tours, and large-scale festivals.
With Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, Pune, and Shillong emerging as major live music hubs, 2026 signals India’s growing stature on the global touring circuit.
Key Performances to Watch
John Mayer
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter will make his India debut with a standalone concert in Mumbai on January 22, 2026. Known for blending blues, pop, and rock, Mayer’s arrival marks a milestone moment for Indian fans who have waited years to see him live.
Linkin Park
Nu-metal legends Linkin Park will headline the third edition of Lollapalooza India in Mumbai. The festival boasts over 40 artists, including Calum Scott, Playboi Carti, YUNGBLUD, Kehlani, LANY, Fujii Kaze, Mother Mother, and more, making it one of the biggest multi-genre events of the year.
Dream Theater
Progressive metal icons Dream Theater return to India as part of their anniversary world tour, performing in Bengaluru on January 30 and Kolkata on February 1, promising a treat for metal purists.
The Lumineers
The American folk-rock band will perform in Delhi-NCR in early February as part of their Automatic World Tour, bringing their anthemic sound to Indian audiences.
EDM, Rock and Pop Powerhouses
DJ Snake will tour India in February 2026 under the Sunburn Arena banner, performing across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR, making it one of the biggest EDM tours of the year.
British rock band Muse is set to headline back-to-back shows in Bengaluru on February 14–15, while Def Leppard will embark on their first full-fledged India tour in March, covering Shillong, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Adding to the excitement, The Scorpions will return for their farewell “Coming Home” tour, performing in Shillong, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, ending a nearly 20-year wait for Indian fans.
Indian Star on Global Scale
Punjabi superstar Karan Aujla will launch his biggest India tour yet, covering six cities between February and March 2026, underlining the growing crossover appeal of Indian artists.
Our Thoughts
2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for India’s live music ecosystem. With world-class artists, diverse genres, and multi-city tours, India is no longer just a stopover but a priority destination for global music acts. For fans, this means unforgettable nights, historic debuts, and a concert calendar unlike any before.
