Videos circulating online paint a mixed picture of Travis Scott's debut performance in India, held at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. While some reports highlight the electrifying atmosphere and Scott's engaging performance, others point to organizational issues and a less-than-enthusiastic crowd.
Several concertgoers have taken to social media to express their disappointment. Videos show sections of the stadium with visibly empty seats, a stark contrast to the "astronomical demand" that prompted organizers to add a second show. Other clips depict a seemingly stiff crowd, with many attendees standing passively rather than actively participating in the high-energy performance that Scott is known for. Some attendees have also complained about long queues and waiting times, with reports of fans waiting for up to four hours to enter the venue. One concertgoer shared a video showing crowds waiting outside the venue, commenting that the gates hadn't opened even by 4:30 PM, despite being scheduled to open at 3 PM.
The reasons behind the lukewarm reception are varied. Some speculate that high ticket prices may have deterred genuine fans, while others suggest that resellers, who bought tickets with the intention of selling them at inflated prices, overestimated the demand. This could have resulted in a situation where many tickets were held by people who weren't particularly invested in Scott's music, leading to a less energetic crowd. One Reddit user noted a lack of hype for the concert compared to other international acts, observing that people were selling tickets at face value without finding buyers.
Despite the criticisms, many fans who attended the concert praised Scott's performance. News outlets highlighted the rapper setting "Delhi's JLN Stadium ablaze" with hits like "Goosebumps," "Sicko Mode," and "FE!N". Some reports mention the "sea of lights, jumps, and chants" that the performance elicited. There were also reports of surprise appearances, such as NAV joining Scott on stage. Hindustan Times reported that Scott told the crowd, "It's my first time in Delhi, let's show the world how Delhi pops!".
The event was not without logistical challenges. Prior to the concerts, there were reports about stray dogs on the stadium grounds, with some animal rights activists alleging that dogs were being rounded up and not allowed to return to their territories, violating Supreme Court guidelines. The Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories due to the expected influx of 50,000 to 60,000 spectators each night, implementing traffic restrictions and diversions around the stadium. Over 3,400 personnel, including private security and Delhi Police officers, were deployed to ensure safety and manage the crowds.
Whether the negative aspects of the concert outweigh the positive remains a matter of perspective. However, the videos and reports circulating online suggest that Travis Scott's India debut was a somewhat uneven affair, and raise questions about whether he will return to perform in the country again.
