Bengaluru, January 2026: Global rock band Linkin Park headlined their first-ever concert in India on Wednesday night at the newly built Brigade Innovation Garden in Bengaluru, marking a long-awaited moment for Indian fans and honouring a promise made by late frontman Chester Bennington over a decade ago.
The concert, part of the band’s From Zero World Tour, began at 7:55 p.m., following an energetic opening act by Indian metal band Bloodywood. The Bengaluru show marked the venue’s debut as a host for a major international music act.
The performance held deep emotional significance for fans, recalling a 2010 video in which Bennington assured Indian supporters — alongside fans Raj and Anish — that Linkin Park would one day perform in the country. Wednesday night’s concert was widely seen as the fulfilment of that promise.
Thousands of fans sang along as the band delivered powerful renditions of iconic tracks such as ‘Numb’ and ‘Two Faced’, triggering waves of nostalgia and celebration. Social media was flooded with reactions as concertgoers described the evening as historic and deeply moving.
With the Bengaluru concert setting the tone, Linkin Park is set to perform next in Mumbai on January 25, continuing their India leg of the tour and further cementing their bond with the band’s long-standing fanbase in the country.
January 8 marks the birth anniversary of Elvis Presley, one of the most influential cultural icons of the 20th century and the undisputed King of Rock ’n’ Roll. Born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis rose from humble beginnings to redefine popular music by blending rhythm and blues, gospel, country, and rock into a sound that reshaped global entertainment.
Elvis was more than a musician — he was a cultural phenomenon. His powerful voice, magnetic stage presence, and unmistakable style challenged social norms and ushered in a new era of youth expression. Songs such as Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock, and Can’t Help Falling in Love became timeless classics, while his influence extended beyond music into fashion, film, and popular identity.
At a time when the world was undergoing cultural change, Elvis emerged as a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and individuality. His impact crossed borders, inspiring generations of artists across genres and continents. Even decades after his passing, his music continues to resonate, finding new audiences through films, documentaries, streaming platforms, and digital archives.
That enduring influence is most visible every year on January 8, when fans across the world come together to celebrate Elvis Presley’s birthday. The day is marked in ways that reflect both deep admiration and global reach — from quiet personal tributes to large-scale public gatherings.
At the centre of these celebrations is Graceland, Elvis’s iconic home in Memphis, Tennessee. Fans from across countries and cultures travel to the historic estate for birthday ceremonies that often include cake-cutting events, live performances, special exhibitions, and guided tours featuring rare memorabilia. Many visitors leave flowers, handwritten notes, and personal messages at his resting place, turning Graceland into a living monument of remembrance and gratitude.
Music remains the heart of every celebration. Radio stations and streaming platforms curate Elvis-only playlists, while tribute bands and performers bring his greatest hits to life at concerts, cultural venues, and community spaces. Across homes and fan gatherings, people dress in classic Elvis styles — from his early rockabilly look to the iconic jumpsuits of his Las Vegas era — keeping his visual legacy alive.
In the digital age, the celebration has expanded even further. Social media platforms fill with fan art, rare photographs, vintage performance clips, cover versions, and personal stories, often trending under hashtags such as #ElvisBirthday and #KingOfRockAndRoll. Museums, music institutions, and cultural organisations also mark the occasion by sharing archival content and curated tributes online.
Film screenings of Elvis’s movies, vinyl listening sessions, radio specials, and community events continue to attract longtime fans, while younger audiences often discover his legacy through modern biopics and digital storytelling. Each generation finds its own way to connect with the music, the image, and the spirit of the King.
As the world remembers Elvis Presley on his birthday, his legacy stands as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to transcend time and geography. More than nostalgia, January 8 represents the continued influence of an artist who transformed popular culture forever — proving that the King of Rock ’n’ Roll still reigns.
Lionsgate has finally unveiled the first official teaser for Michael, the highly anticipated biopic about the life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Scheduled to premiere on April 24, 2026, the film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, stepping into his legendary uncle’s shoes. The trailer, released on November 6, offers an emotional and electrifying glimpse into the highs and lows of Jackson’s extraordinary life — from his early days with The Jackson 5 to his era-defining solo career.
In the teaser, Jaafar channels his uncle’s unmistakable charisma and energy, flawlessly recreating some of the most iconic moments in pop history, including scenes from the “Thriller” music video and Michael’s trademark moonwalk. The trailer features snippets of classics like “Billie Jean” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” instantly evoking nostalgia for fans who grew up with the music that changed the world.
The film’s synopsis reads: “MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.”
Since the teaser’s release, fans have taken to social media to share their excitement and emotional reactions. One viewer commented, “This isn’t nostalgia… it’s time travel.” Another wrote, “The greatest entertainer to ever walk this planet. Without the internet, without social media, he still ruled the world like a king. Even today, no one comes close.”
Jaafar Jackson, the film’s lead star, is Michael’s nephew — the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza. He was chosen for the role after an extensive worldwide casting search. Early reactions have praised his uncanny resemblance and authentic portrayal of his uncle, with many calling him “the perfect choice to continue Michael’s legacy.”
As anticipation builds for Michael, fans and critics alike are eager to see how the biopic captures the essence of a man whose influence transcended generations and genres. With Lionsgate behind the production and Jaafar channeling his uncle’s spirit, Michael promises to be more than a film — it’s a celebration of the King of Pop’s enduring magic.
