Queensryche and Steelheart to perform at ShiRockfest in Manipur

The internationally acclaimed bands will be performing for the first time in India

Legendary American heavy metal rock band Queensryche is all set to make their debut performance in Northeast India, which is emerging as the most popular destination for international rock bands.
The veteran rock stars will be joined by fellow countrymen, rock band Steelheart during the upcoming ShiRockfest, an annual international rock festival of Manipur scheduled to be held at Bakshi Ground in Ukhrul headquarters from April 22 till the 28th.
One of the leading metal bands through the eighties and nineties, Queensryche received worldwide acclaim after the release of their 1988 album Operation: Mindcrime which is often considered one of the greatest heavy metal concept albums of all time.
“These two famous bands will perform in India for the very first time,” said Venkat Yumnam, the event Manager of the ShiRock 2018. “Steelheart will be performing on April 24 while Queensryche on April 28.”
All arrangements are being made for the arrival of Steelheart on April 22 and Queensryche on April 26 in Imphal. At the same time Manipur based rock bands competition will be held in Imphal on April 9 and the 10th while Northeast states based bands in Guwahati on April 12 and the 13th.
ShiRockfest is a ticket-free international music festival held exclusively as part of government sponsored Shirui Lily Festival (April 24-28) to promote the conservation of the endangered state flower Shirui Lily and to promote young talented artistes, which will in turn promote eco-tourism in Manipur.
Shirui Lily flower is a unique and rare species of terrestrial lily grown naturally, and only found at Shirui peak in Ukhrul, Manipur. This seasonal flower, which blooms during the summer is famous because it cannot be transplanted elsewhere in the world despite numerous attempts made by researchers and scientists. Hence the name, Shirui Lily.
The last edition- ShiRock 2017-was a grand success with a crowd turnout of 30,000 to 40,000 per day. The major attraction of the ShiRock is the band competition wherein different bands from the entire Northeast India competes.
Interestingly the first position holder of the competition will be awarded a cash prize of INR 10 lakh besides giving opportunity to open the debut performance of Queensryche, said the event manager. The second and third position holders will be awarded INR 5 lakh and 2.5 lakh respectively while the individual prize winners will be awarded INR 25,000 each.
Our Correspondent