Mumbai, Jan 29: India’s iconic rock journey finds its powerful finale in Mumbai as Henry Babu Joseph, founder member of the legendary 1970s rock band Human Bondage unites with the contemporary sound of the Rajeev Raja Combine for Tribute to Human Bondage – a concert series celebrating the music, rebellion, and cultural spirit that shaped India’s formative rock years.
Following acclaimed performances in Bengaluru and Goa, the three-city musical celebration culminates in Mumbai, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the raw energy and emotional intensity of a band that redefined Indian rock music and inspired generations of musicians and listeners.
The Mumbai leg unfolds across three distinct venues, each reflecting a different facet of the city’s vibrant live-music culture:
● 6 February 2026 | 9:00 PM onwards – BlueBop Café
● 7 February 2026 | 9:00 PM onwards – Bombay Gymkhana ● 8 February 2026 | 8:00 PM onwards – Antisocial
Mumbai holds a special place in the story of Indian rock, having long served as a cultural crossroads where global influences met local experimentation. As the final chapter of the Tribute to Human Bondage tour, the city provides a fitting stage for a celebration that honours both musical legacy and the enduring culture of live performance.
The Mumbai concerts feature founder member Henry “Babu” Joseph performing alongside the acclaimed jazz-fusion ensemble Rajeev Raja Combine. Together, they revisit Human Bondage’s iconic repertoire through performances that balance authenticity with contemporary interpretation, keeping the band’s original spirit alive while speaking to today’s audiences.
Human Bondage’s evolving line-up over the years included Henry “Babu” Joseph (vocals), Radha Thomas (vocals), Suresh Shottam (guitar), Ramesh Shotham (drums/percussion), Steve Law (keyboards), Fred Manricks (keys), Xerxes Gobhai / Vinty Bunyan (bass), with Gasper D’Souza as manager. These artists collectively helped shape India’s independent rock movement.
The series resonates with Air India Express’s ongoing engagement with India’s cultural landscape, reflected in its support for community-led art and music initiatives, including its role as Travel Partner for the recently concluded Hornbill Festival of Nagaland.
Talking about the tour, Rajeev Raja says, “Growing up, I had heard stories of the iconic band Human Bondage, which greatly inspired me. As a young musician, Babu Joseph, the band’s vocalist, was also a mentor who encouraged me immensely. I’m delighted to be sharing the stage with the founder members of Human Bondage and bringing alive their music with my band, Rajeev Raja Combine. I’m grateful to Air India Express for supporting this initiative and helping celebrate the legacy of such a defining chapter in rock music.”
Henry Babu, founder member and vocalist Human Bondage, “I’m really delighted and excited to be playing with the Rajeev Raja Combine in Bengaluru, Goa and Bombay with RRC, three major cities, where we played in the 70s. A big thank you to Furtados for their support.”
The collaboration also reflects Air India Express’s ‘Tales of India’ initiative, under which every new aircraft tail showcases indigenous art from across the country through distinctive livery, turning the airline’s fleet into flying canvases that celebrate India’s rich artistic heritage. With music deeply ingrained in its brand essence, Air India Express sees this collaboration as a seamless extension of its sonic identity, created by BrandMusiq. Tribute to Human Bondage becomes a platform to nurture this relationship with music—one that goes beyond campaigns into sustained cultural partnerships.
More than a nostalgic look back, Tribute to Human Bondage is about continuity and cultural memory. It foregrounds live music as a shared, physical experience, where musicianship, improvisation, and the energy of the room take centre stage. By introducing younger audiences to rock & roll in its purest form, the series ensures that India’s rock legacy continues to evolve rather than fade into history.
