She Will Be Loved, Mumbai Edition: Maroon 5 Sets The Stage On Fire

Dec. 3 marked a historic night for music lovers as Maroon 5 finally landed in India for the first time to perform at Mumbai's Mahalakshmi Race Course. Fans flocked in droves, drawn by the allure of the band's hits and Adam Levine's iconic falsetto.

The concert, organised with a touch of eco-consciousness, included a free Rs 200 top-up for those who took public transport, a gesture that delighted attendees, including this writer. However, the long walk to the venue left many rethinking their choice of footwear. Free balloons, however, made the walk feel slightly easier.

My first encounter with Maroon 5 was in eighth grade with Moves Like Jagger. Ten years later, their music has been the soundtrack to many memories (no pun intended), making their India debut my first international concert.

I didn't know what to expect. Would they show up on time? Would the crowd behave? Thankfully, Maroon 5 exceeded all expectations. They arrived just 15-20 minutes late—a feat considering "Indian Standard Time." While I secretly hoped for confetti bursts, the fireworks during Sugar and a dazzling display post-concert were a more than satisfying substitute.

The setlist was a perfect blend of bangers like Animals, Girls Like You, and Memories, alongside classics like She Will Be Loved, and Sunday Morning. The crowd erupted when Adam Levine brought a woman from the audience on stage during She Will Be Loved, serenading her with a verse. Tears flowed freely.

As the band transitioned seamlessly into Girls Like You, the energy peaked. Boyfriends hoisted their girlfriends onto their shoulders, creating a sea of silhouettes that swayed to Levine's voice. By the time Sugar brought the night to a close, it felt like we'd been through an emotional and musical whirlwind.

James Valentine's guitar solos were pure magic, proving that Maroon 5's musical prowess extends far beyond Levine's charismatic stage presence.

What stood out was how well-behaved the crowd was. Despite preemptive stampede-prevention announcements, the exit was surprisingly organised—a feat for large-scale events in India.

The success of Maroon 5's India debut signals a growing trend. With Dua Lipa's performance, Coldplay's upcoming concerts, Lollapalooza's high profile guests like Louis Tomlinson and Green Day, and Ed Sheeran's frequent visits, global performers are finally giving Indian fans the recognition they deserve.

Rising disposable incomes and the increasing willingness to splurge on leisure activities are creating a fertile ground for concert culture.

As Adam Levine throughout the night mentioned an apology for the delay in their India debut and a heartfelt promise—"Mumbai, sorry it took us so long to get here, but WE WILL BE BACK!"—the audience roared in approval.

For a night filled with fireworks and flawless riffs, one thing is certain: India has officially moved like Jagger, and we're ready for more.