Alternate Rock
Bandland 2026 Canceled After Muse Pulls Out of Bengaluru Festival
The third edition of Bandland, one of Bengaluru’s most prominent rock and alternative music festivals, has officially been canceled, organizers BookMyShow Live announced, citing unforeseen circumstances after headliners Muse withdrew from the event. The festival was scheduled to take place on February 14 and 15, 2026, just weeks from now.
In a statement shared on social media, the organizers said the decision was made to protect the integrity of the festival experience. “With the festival just a month away and our commitment to delivering the kind of uncompromised live experience Bandland stands for, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s edition,” the statement read.
Muse’s Withdrawal Forces Organizers’ Hand
According to BookMyShow Live, Muse—one of the festival’s marquee headliners—has canceled its upcoming tour due to unforeseen circumstances, which includes its planned performance at Bandland 2026. While no official statement has yet been released by the band, organizers emphasized that they fully respect Muse’s decision and expressed their support.
“Bandland 2026, scheduled for February 14 & 15, will not be going ahead as planned,” the post continued. “Muse, one of our headliners, has had to cancel their upcoming tour due to unforeseen circumstances.”
With Muse’s exit so close to the event dates, organizers concluded that moving forward without a replacement of comparable scale would compromise the festival’s vision.
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A Strong Lineup Left Unfulfilled
Bandland 2026 had been shaping up to be one of the most ambitious editions of the festival to date. Alongside Muse, the lineup included pop-rock band Train, Australian progressive rock favorites Karnivool, Indian hardcore act Scribe, and several other international and homegrown artists.
Originally expected to take place in the final quarter of 2025, the festival was later announced for February 2026, raising anticipation among fans who had already witnessed successful editions in previous years. Images from Bandland 2024, showing massive crowds in Bengaluru, had fueled expectations of another large-scale celebration of rock and alternative music.
Impact on India’s Live Music Scene
The cancellation marks a significant setback for India’s live music calendar, particularly for rock and alternative fans, as Bandland has positioned itself as a rare platform for large international rock acts in the country. With fewer major rock festivals on the circuit, the loss of Bandland 2026 leaves a noticeable gap in early 2026 programming.
Industry observers note that rising production costs, tight touring schedules, and global uncertainties have increasingly affected large-scale music festivals worldwide.
Refunds and Next Steps
BookMyShow Live confirmed that all ticketholders will receive a full refund, which will be processed within 8 to 10 working days to the original mode of payment. No alternative dates or replacement events have been announced so far.
While Bandland 2026 may not go ahead as planned, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how the festival rebounds in future editions.
