Bengaluru-based indie rock band Thermal and a Quarter is set to open for legendary British rock band Def Leppard at their upcoming concert in Bengaluru — a moment the band calls both emotional and special, particularly as they celebrate their 30th anniversary this year. For band members Bruce Lee Mani, Rajeev Rajagopal and Tony Das, sharing the stage with a band whose music shaped their early rock influences feels like a milestone in a journey that has spanned over three decades. In a conversation with Bangalore Times, they speak about the excitement of the opportunity, the city that shaped their sound, and how India’s independent music scene has evolved.
When we started out, most people wanted to hear familiar songs or covers. They weren’t very open to original music. Because of the internet and exposure to global music, audiences are much more open now. There’s better access to instruments and equipment, and the industry is far more organised
Tony Das
Their music was the soundtrack to many of our early memories: Tony DasFor guitarist Tony Das, opening for Def Leppard is also deeply personal. “Their music came to us at a certain time in our lives when we were discovering rock music,” he says. Tony recalls how the band’s songs became tied to memories of growing up. “It was that age when you’re experiencing so many emotions — heartbreaks, friendships, everything feels intense — and bands like Def Leppard were providing the soundtrack to all of that. Even today, when you hear the first drum hit or chord, it takes you right back. So being able to see them live and share the stage with them is quite emotional,” he says.
When people talk about Def Leppard, they also talk about how they’re the pride of Sheffield. In the same way, it’s nice when people say we’re a Bengaluru band and that there’s something about our music that reflects the city
Bruce Lee Mani
Thirty years later, opportunities like this still feel special: Bruce Lee Mani“This is actually an interesting year for us because it happens to be our 30th anniversary in 2026,” says Bruce. The band has opened for international acts before, including Deep Purple in 2001 — a moment that brought the group into the spotlight. “That really helped put Thermal and a Quarter on the map in the city and across the country. But even now, every time an opportunity like this comes along, it still feels special. Playing alongside a band that has been around for 40–50 years and has so many hits is incredible. We feel very privileged to be part of something like this,” he says.
Even when you watch young bands that may not be technically perfect, if they are sincere about what they’re doing, you feel that energy. That’s what makes music powerful
Rajeev Rajagopal
We’ll mix new music with songs suited for big stage: Rajeev RajagopalDrummer Rajeev Rajagopal says the band has been carefully planning the setlist for the concert. “The setlist is always the biggest thing we think about when opportunities like this come up,” he says. “About 50 per cent of the set will feature songs from our brand-new album that’s coming out soon,” he says. The rest will include tracks that work well in a large concert setting. “We have some very intimate songs that we love, but for a big event like this we wanted a mix that represents our sound well. There’s also one song we might be performing only for the second time ever. It’s exciting to introduce new music while revisiting some songs that people have loved for years,” he adds.
