Retro Rebellion: Madras Rock Collective Revives 1980s Anthems in Chennai

The Anatomy of a Regional Supergroup

In a quiet Chennai neighborhood, the aggressive pulse of a drum kit echoes from a private studio, signaling a rehearsal of Scorpions' 1984 classic 'Rock You Like A Hurricane.' This is the headquarters of the Madras Rock Collective (MRC), a group that officially debuted in April 2023 despite its members boasting over twenty years each in the local music circuit. The project, which lingered in conceptual stages since 2018, represents a deliberate move away from one-off tribute acts toward a permanent ensemble dedicated to the hard rock and ballads of the late 20th century.

A Lineup of Industry Veterans

The MRC roster brings together diverse professional backgrounds united by a shared history in Chennai's prominent colleges and established bands. Bassist Mario Nambiar, formerly of Nerve Wreck, balances a corporate career with his role in the band. He is joined by vocalist Aakash Jacob, a banker whose vocal style was forged at Madras Christian College. The rhythm section is anchored by Rahul Gopal, a BITS Pilani alumnus and former member of Little Babushkas Grind, who now balances music with nutrition coaching and competitive pistol shooting.

Technical precision is provided by keyboardist Vivin Kuruvilla, a Trinity College of Music trained professional and founding member of Blood and Iron. Guitarist Josh Mark Raj, a full-time musician and educator, rounds out the group, utilizing a Yamaha Revstar to deliver the complex riffs characteristic of the era. The collective’s setlist focuses heavily on the high-energy output of the 1980s through the 2000s, featuring music from: