After a silence that has lasted nearly a decade, the Battle of the Bands — once Goa’s most anticipated annual rock spectacle — is making a thunderous return in 2025.
Aptly titled ‘The Resurrection’, this year’s edition marks the much-awaited comeback of the legendary event that defined the Goan live music scene in the early 2000s.
Organised by Slipdisc Advertising, the event was paused in 2016 after 15 electrifying years. But, this wasn’t a retreat, it was a redirection.
"We began the show because we were passionate about rock music," says co-founder of Slipdisc, Keith Fernandes. “Over the years of organising this rock show, whose design, publicity and advertising was also handled by us, we gained many clients. Our business took off, and it became difficult to spare time for it.”
While Slipdisc grew into a powerhouse in advertising and outdoor branding, its roots in music never faded. But, as the company focused on building its brand, the logistics of producing a four-month-long rock festival became increasingly demanding.
“We did not want to lose the momentum or get distracted,” Fernandes explains, “but we promised ourselves that one day soon, the show would be back.” And, that day is coming soon.
Launched in 2001, Battle of the Bands emerged in defiance of the EDM wave sweeping Goa at the time. With global alcohol brands flooding the party scene and DJ-driven events, live musicians found themselves edged out of the spotlight.
“Musicians and bands who were booked throughout the year were suddenly jobless. Their jobs taken over by DJs,” recalls Fernandes.
In response, Slipdisc stepped in with a bold mission — revive rock music in Goa, and offer a lifeline to local talent. The festival became a sanctuary for electric guitars, raw vocals and the unfiltered energy of live performance.
In a digital age of auto-tune and pre-recorded sets, ‘The Resurrection’ is a proud throwback. There are no flashy gimmicks or surprises this year, and that’s entirely by design.
In a digital age of auto-tune and pre-recorded sets, ‘The Resurrection’ is a proud throwback. There are no flashy gimmicks or surprises this year, and that’s entirely by design.
“It will be exactly what Battle of The Bands is famous for — good, old, rock and heavy metal. Goa’s hardest rock show is coming back to show the current generation what rock is all about,” Fernandes affirms.
This back-to-basics philosophy is part of what sets the event apart. Fans can expect authentic, live performances with no sampling, no pop compromises, and an unapologetic embrace of classic rock and metal.
The Battle of the Bands has long been a rite of passage for college bands and emerging artistes across Goa. It’s not just a competition; it’s an incubator of musical identity.
“We mentored youngsters by exposing them to senior musicians. Both sets of musicians were energised by the exchange,” Fernandes shares.
By celebrating raw creativity, rebellion and the willingness to break rules, the event became a rare space where musicians could be truly free — no labels, no limits. It also fostered a unique kind of inter-generational harmony, where young upstarts and veteran artistes learned from each other.
The 2025 edition isn’t just a comeback; it’s a cultural revival. The fans who once moshed in the front row as teenagers are now returning with families in tow passing on the legacy of rock.
“At one time, they brought their first dates to our rock show,” Fernandes says with pride. “This year, they will attend with their partners, children and/or grandchildren in tow. This is what makes us happy.”
As Goa’s music scene continues to evolve, Battle of the Bands remains a symbol of artistic freedom and rock spirit. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, ‘The Resurrection’ promises a return to music that’s loud, live, and unapologetically real.
The Battle of the Bands has long been a rite of passage for college bands and emerging artistes across Goa. We mentored youngsters by exposing them to senior musicians.
Don’t miss Goa’s hardest rock show in 2025 — Battle of the Bands is back, and it’s louder than ever.
Stay tuned for updates on the lineup, dates, and ticketing info. Rock is alive and it’s coming home!
WHAT: 'Battle of the Bands 2025: The Resurrection'
WHERE: Emerald Lawns, Parra, North Goa
WHEN: Friday, August 15, 2025
CONTACT: +91 8605887700
MORE INFO: @slipdisc.in