Tribute to Human Bondage Brings India’s Rock Legacy to Mumbai

Mumbai is set to host the powerful finale of Tribute to Human Bondage, a concert series celebrating one of India’s most influential rock bands. On 29 January 2026, the city becomes the final stop in a three-city journey that has already captivated audiences in Bengaluru and Goa. The series unites Henry “Babu” Joseph, founder member of the iconic 1970s band Human Bondage, with the contemporary jazz-fusion ensemble Rajeev Raja Combine, bridging generations of Indian rock music.

More than a tribute, the concerts serve as a reminder of a time when Indian rock was raw, experimental, and defiantly original.

Three Nights, Three Venues, One Legacy

The Mumbai chapter unfolds across three venues that reflect the city’s diverse live-music culture. Performances are scheduled for 6 February at BlueBop Café, 7 February at Bombay Gymkhana, and 8 February at Antisocial, each night offering a distinct atmosphere and audience experience.

As a historic cultural crossroads, Mumbai has long played a vital role in shaping Indian rock. Hosting the tour’s concluding performances, the city provides a fitting backdrop for a celebration rooted in musical rebellion and artistic freedom.

Tribute to Human Bondage – Mumbai

Reimagining Human Bondage’s Sound

At the heart of the tribute is the collaboration between Henry Babu Joseph and Rajeev Raja Combine. Together, they revisit Human Bondage’s iconic repertoire with performances that stay true to the band’s original spirit while embracing contemporary interpretations. The result is a sound that feels both nostalgic and immediate, resonating with longtime fans and younger listeners alike.

Human Bondage’s evolving line-up over the years featured influential artists including Radha Thomas, Suresh Shottam, Ramesh Shotham, Steve Law, Fred Manricks, Xerxes Gobhai, Vinty Bunyan, and manager Gasper D’Souza. Collectively, they helped lay the foundations of India’s independent rock movement.

Henry “Babu” Joseph

A Personal and Cultural Reunion

For Rajeev Raja, the tour carries deep personal meaning. He credits Human Bondage—and Babu Joseph in particular—as formative influences during his early years as a musician. Sharing the stage with his mentor is both a professional milestone and a tribute to a defining chapter in Indian music history.

Henry Babu Joseph echoed that sentiment, expressing excitement about returning to cities where Human Bondage performed during the 1970s. The reunion underscores the enduring emotional pull of live rock music and its ability to transcend decades.

Rajeev Raja

Music, Memory and Continuity

Supported by Air India Express as part of its broader cultural engagement, the series aligns with the airline’s commitment to celebrating Indian art through initiatives like Tales of India, which showcases indigenous art across its aircraft fleet.

Ultimately, Tribute to Human Bondage is not just about looking back. It is about continuity—keeping India’s rock legacy alive through live performance, shared energy, and cultural memory. By introducing younger audiences to rock in its purest form, the Mumbai finale ensures that the spirit of Indian rock continues to evolve, inspire, and endure.