Mahesh Tinaikar, founding guitarist of Indus Creed, dies at 63
The musician helped pioneer Indian rock music in the late 1980s, making stadium shows possible in the country.
At a glance
- Tinaikar was a founding guitarist of Rock Machine, which later became known as Indus Creed
- The band formed in 1984 and released their debut album 'Rock 'n' Roll Renegade' in 1988
- He is credited with helping establish rock music in India during the late 1980s
- Musicians who followed acknowledged his influence in pioneering the genre in the country
Mahesh Tinaikar, a founding member of Rock Machine (later known as Indus Creed), died in Mumbai following a suspected heart attack, according to his bandmates. He was 63.
Tinaikar formed the band in 1984 with vocalist Uday Benegal and other musicians. The group released their debut album in 1988 and toured extensively across the country, helping establish rock music in India at a time when stadium shows by Indian rock bands were rare. Fellow musicians paid tribute to his pioneering role in opening the path for subsequent generations of Indian rock artists.
Why it matters
Tinaikar was instrumental in establishing rock music as a viable genre in India at a time when stadium shows by Indian rock bands were almost unthinkable.
Original reporting
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