![15 bands shortlisted for [V]’s Launchpad](https://test.radioandmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/0a8116b7e2811050834787a6be90e36a_0-2.jpg)
MUMBAI: Twenty shortlisted bands from across India made their way into Channel [V]’s third edition of [V] Launch Pad and were invited to perform in front of a live audience at the Andheri Sports Complex on 27 January.
Through the day, 15 bands (names) Fire Exit, ATM, Radio, Faridkot, Hourglass, Sector 8, AAS, Reverse Polarity, Circus, Cassini’s Division, Ho Bos, Black, Prachir, Blank Noise and Workshop were shortlisted for Channel [V]’s Launchpad after the eliminations held in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The atmosphere during the competition was enthusiastic but also full of anxiety. Participating bands were seen preparing and warming up for their performances. For most bands, this was their chance to bring out the music out of their closets out in front of the world.
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The 20 rock bands from diverse genres, languages and sounds performed in front of a loud audience of 300+, which finally shortlisted 15 bands for the television reality show.
Since, the competition is about identifying musicians/bands having their own individuality, there were no conditions on genres, or the language. The eliminations were purposely recorded in the daylight – the idea was to save electricity, to support and spread environmental consciousness.
Some of the bands, none of whom were informed earlier that they would face elimination the same day, even decided not to perform. The gig turned out to be a true fight for survival where showmanship had to be backed by original music, crisp sound and a tight performance for which the live audience voted.
On the basis of the votes, Bobby Talwar from Rolling Stone announced the names of the five bands that were eliminated. The bands were sent packing even before they could unpack for their brush with stardom on [V] Launch Pad.
The bands will now be put through the brutal litmus test by a heavy duty jury of Indian rock legends like Vishal Dadlani (pentagram), Bobby (Zero), Baan (Orange Street), Shaair and Func, Dhruv and Ashu (Blue Frog), Shekhar (Vishal Shekhar fame) Raghu Dixit and others.
