KINZANG DORJI TSHERING | Paro
The Asian Rock Fest 2025 is bringing together rock music enthusiasts, local artists, and international performers at the Woochu Sports Arena in Paro, marking a significant moment for Bhutan’s contemporary music scene. As the country’s first large-scale rock festival, the event showcases a mix of Bhutanese and international bands, highlighting the diversity and growing reach of rock music in the region.
The festival opened on December 19 with strong audience turnout and a professionally managed setup, including high-quality sound systems, stage lighting, and crowd arrangements. Food stalls and merchandise booths added to the festival atmosphere, while fans gathered early to witness performances by both local and visiting bands.
The first day of the festival featured performances by PakTso Boiz, who opened the event with an energetic set that immediately engaged the crowd. BackBeads followed with original compositions and a dynamic stage presence. The international lineup began with Poomjit from Thailand, whose refreshing sound and strong interaction with the audience stood out among the performances. The Crossroad continued the evening with a performance that reflected their versatility and experience in the Bhutanese rock scene.
Jimi N The Velvet later took the stage, delivering a performance rooted in raw rock energy. The band’s vocalist, Jigme Namgyal, said that rock and roll has been a lifelong passion for him and that performing at Bhutan’s first rock festival was itself a major inspiration. He said the band had practiced for years, but for this festival they put their heart and soul into representing Bhutan and showing that the country has its own rock and roll identity. He added that while there were no joint practice sessions with international bands, local bands often jam together and exchange musical ideas. According to him, the aim of their performance was to inspire audiences through
pure energy and to encourage younger generations to play rock music, emphasizing that rock and roll is a universal genre driven by raw feeling.
The first day concluded with a performance by Cotoba from South Korea, whose distinctive sound and musicianship left a strong impression on the audience. Rinchen Jurmey Dorji, a fan from Thimphu who traveled to Paro for the festival, said he enjoyed most of the performances but was particularly drawn to Cotoba and PakTso Boiz. He said seeing Bhutanese rock bands perform alongside international artists felt special and praised the sound system and lighting. He also described Cotoba’s music as unique and challenging in a positive way, adding that he would attend similar events again if they were held in Bhutan.
The second day began with audiences continuing to gather at the Woochu Sports Arena to experience another lineup of performances. The day features by Maybe Paranoid, The Revolution, Paranoid Void from Japan, The Sangay Lhaden Band, North H, and Parikrama from India. Fans present at the venue described the atmosphere as energetic, with strong crowd participation and continued appreciation for the stage visuals and sound quality.
Sonam Rigzin, a rock fan from Paro, said the crowd energy has been one of the most exciting aspects of the festival so far. He noted that seeing Bhutanese and international bands share the same stage makes the event feel connected to the wider music world while still celebrating local talent. He also highlighted the lighting on the main stage after dark as particularly impressive and said he would attend future editions of the festival if it continues.
Sangay Tenzin, who attended the festival as a fan and is also a bassist of a popular Bhutanese band, said Poomjit’s performance stood out for its refreshing sound and strong stage presence. He said the mix of local and international acts creates meaningful cultural exchange and provides exposure to new musical styles. According to him, the crowd interaction and overall energy of the audience have added significantly to the experience.
Artists performing at the festival have also spoken about the importance of such platforms. Rabi Kumar Ghalley of the Bhutanese band North H said the band is performing mostly original songs, including two Dzongkha tracks, and that preparation involves being physically and mentally ready while maintaining professionalism. He said his hope is for audiences to feel the power of rock music and understand the struggles involved in playing heavy music. He added that interacting with other musicians encourages self-reflection and growth, and while the band maintains its original sound, it is open to incorporating more folk elements in the future.
As the Asian Rock Fest 2025 continues to inspire thousands of fans, the event is serving as a platform for musical exchange, learning, and live performance, bringing together artists and audiences through a shared appreciation for rock music.
