Gurdas Maan Innovation World Tour 2017 by UK Box Office

Presents

Gurdas Maan Innovation World Tour 2017 www.ukboxoffice.net

CONTENTS: 03

Welcome

Defining Innovation

A New Arena

Gurdas Maan’s “Punjab”

A Tribute

Serenading Spirituality

The Hallmarks Of Greatness

Parting Words

WELCOME So, here we are again, introducing another nationwide tour of Punjabi music’s premier artiste. No sooner had the dust settled from Gurdas Maan’s ‘Masti Tour 2015’, the preparations for the current project had begun. And ‘project’ is an apt word for Maan’s 2017 shows. We’ve been working thoroughly for almost two years now, collaborating and conceiving the subsequent theme for a potentially ground-breaking year. And so was born: Gurdas Maan Innovation Tour 2017. Although Maan’s stage shows require little-to-no modification, it’s no secret that Maan had always been a precocious young artiste and has continued to write, produce and perform ahead of his time. With this matter of fact, the need to bring something new to fans across the nation became the front runner of the UK Box Office brainstorming blasts. However, don’t expect Maan like you’ve never seen him before, completely. That would be blasphemous to musical ingenuity. The stage is his castle, and Maan is its ruler; he’ll perform as graciously as he has always done. But this time there’s a touch of palpable innovation - perfect

ingredients for what promises to be a perfect evening of musical entertainment. Whether you’ve taken your seat in London or absorbing the arena in Birmingham prior to the start of show, we’re pretty sure you’ll leave with some moving memories. After all, a Gurdas Maan concert has always been a night to remember. And with a stroke of innovation, be prepared for a night you’ll never forget. We thank each and every one of you for attending as we’ve always believed it’s our collective effort that makes these evenings so special. From the whole team…

Enjoy the spectacle that is… Gurdas Maan Innovation Tour 2017.

Ashok Suman Ashok Suman

(Director, UK Box Office)

“Aa sajana ik vaari… ke akhiyan taras gaiyaan…” “Come forth just once… these eyes have grown weary in wait…” (Akhiyan – Gurdas Maan)

Thank You! Ash and Jag would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fans that attended and participated in the Gurdas Maan Innovation World Tour – UK Tour 2017. Without you this tour would not be possible. Thank you to all who contributed in bringing the shows to life for whom there are too many to mention. THE UK BOX OFFICE “A Team” 2017: Ash, Jag, Kaka, Khalid, Diptesh (Above and beyond). THANKS TO: Jayne, Callum and the immediate UK Box Office family of whom have provided their much needed support during this tour. Mr and Mrs Dhawan. SPECIAL THANKS TO: Mr and Mrs Maan. It is as always a great honour and privilege working with you.

Ashok Suman & Jagjit Suman Directors, UK BOX OFFICE

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Defining Innovation INNOVATION:

Make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products. (English Oxford Living Dictionaries).

A stagnant state is formed from a lack of ideas and progression. And if the previous six tours have taught audiences anything, it’s that the UK Box Office have consistently strived to better their previous best. With that in mind, the work for Gurdas Maan’s 2017 UK tour began as the curtains came to a close on the concluding 2015 stage. The concept of the current tour is the brainchild of UK Box Office Director, Ashok Suman, together with director, and Maan’s son, Gurrick G. Maan – a powerful combination indeed, considering the international level of previous concerts designed by the former and the smash hit directorial debut of the latter (see “Gurdas Maan’s ‘Punjab’ – the review” section). After lengthy exchanges of ideas and carefully crafted visions that would burn the midnight oil, the creative collaboration ultimately led to this destination – the Gurdas Maan “Innovation” Tour 2017. The tour has promised to be all that’s great about the Punjabi maestro’s music mastery combined with a feast of innovative visuals, sounds and design.

IT’S NOT A REVOLUTION…

witness the quintessential GURDAS MAAN within the innovation…

THE LINES…

Ik tu hove, ik mein hova, ik vakhri ji hove tha mahiya, gal teri meri ban di eh ta mahiya…

Ni oh magre magre aave vang shudaaiya de, menu ageh’hi meneh aundeh ne parjaaiya de…

Nach ni, nach ni, nach ni, munde gabru shaukeena kolo bach ni… Oh vela yaad kar, jado baari vich khilaarke chati maar ke roz

balaundi se, oh vela yaad kar…

Vekhin dilan pyaar naa karin, gal gal te pa’oo pachtauna, hasna ta doh din da, sari zindagi umar da rauna…

Aao mere gal naal lag ke, peeran nu parnaam karo, rab milaya ta pher milange, jaandi vaar salaam karo…

Taariyan di chunni vaali, muk gaiyee raat kaali, khore kado mukoo sadi zindagi da geet veh…

Ik vaari jamna ta ik vaari marna, zindagi begani mauth apni to darna…

h challa beri oi boore, ve watan mahi da doore, ve jaana pehele poore, ve gal sun chaliya dolha, ve Rab to kaada’i ohla…

aa me maapiya ne rakhi, naa me saureh’ya di hoiyee, jina zindagi’ch hasi unna doli vehle roiyee…

…FROM THE SONGS

I “Hasdi De Dandh Ginda” N “Nach Ni” N “Oh Vela Yaad Kar” O “Vekhin Dilan Pyaar Naa Karin” V “Rab Milaya” A “Taariyan Di Chunni” T “Pyar Kar Le” I “Challa” O “Ki Khateya Teri Heer Banke” N “Ik Tu Hove”

“Tu vi badal jaa yaar, zamaana badal giya” “Change, my friend, for the world has changed” (Tu Vi Badal Jaa Yaar – Gurdas Maan)

A New Arena

It truly is a year for innovation. Not only is there something new on stage for fans to enjoy, there’s literally a new stage in one of the staple cities of Gurdas Maan’s UK tours. 2017 sees the introduction of The Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham. And what a home it is. Newly refurbished to the highest quality, the Barclaycard Arena is one of the stand-out venues for international artistes. In this calendar year alone, Barclaycard Arena will have housed global icons, including Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and Celine Dion, to John Legend, Iron Maiden and a World Wrestling Entertainment Live event. And now it’s Maan’s turn to become part of the arena’s archives.

THE VITAL STATS • From a capacity of 15, 800 supportive fans to a fewer number in more intimate and atmospheric events, Barclaycard Arena is as versatile as it is splendid. • As part of the Greener Arenas initiative, Barclaycard Arena is committed to delivering environmentally sound events. It’s worth noting some of Maan’s work has supported the protection and conservation of the world, deeming the venue a true meeting of minds. • Quite literally in the heart of the nation, Barclaycard Arena is strategically placed for fans across the country– whether you’re a newbie from Newcastle or a devotee from Devon, Barclaycard Arena is a convenient arena for you to immerse yourself in Maan’s music. • The venue hosts some of the most spectacular and scenic views compared to most. The vibrant city’s awe-inspiring Worcester and Birmingham canal leads up to the arena, surrounded by an array of restaurants, not to mention the number of eateries inside the venue itself.

SATURDAY 27TH MAY 2017 MARKS MAAN’S DEBUT SHOW AT THE ICONIC BARCLAYCARD ARENA AND WILL EVER GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE MOST HISTORIC NIGHTS IN HIS INTERNATIONAL TOURING CALENDAR. BE PART OF HISTORY!

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Gurdas Maan’s “Punjab” THE REVIEW

Punjab, is not just a hymn for the ears, it’s a pilgrimage for the eyes. Music. Lyrics. Delivery. If all three are produced to perfection, then the chances are you’re listening to a great song. Add a perfectly produced music video to the concoction, and what you have is Punjab. Gurdas Maan’s latest single, Punjab, is not just a hymn for the ears, it’s a pilgrimage for the eyes. Never has there been, nor perhaps will there be (the head-start of “destiny” is Maan’s trump card), an artiste whose songs have resonated with so many people of so many ages in so many places. From a London lad to a mother from Mumbai, Maan’s music is made for the masses. Not in that oft-forced, label-pressured,

requisite of churning out mediocrity for the mere sake of monetary gain, but for the absolute fact that Maan’s work is, simply put, better than the rest. Alas, if you’re a fellow artiste reading this, that truth shouldn’t be sneered at. It should be revered. There’s something in Maan’s craft for us all to better our own. And to that end, Punjab is unapologetic in speaking – scratch that – teaching contemporary Punjabi’s about the condition of their state. And what a state it’s in.

THE VERSES Dissecting each and every stanza would be a blasphemous move. A translated review could do no justice to the lyrics that resonate. Do yourself a favour and listen to the single. When done, let’s get back to this review and marvel in Maan’s unparalleled majesty of soothing our souls, fragmenting our faults and embracing our emotions. That’s what Punjab does. For two years, rightfully, fans have had to wait for Maan’s latest single to hit – more scratching – “smash” through the airwaves. They say the ‘patient will prosper’; and how grateful we are for that virtue as Punjab was the result. Punjab has all the hallmarks of a quintessential Maan song. He sides heavily with his trademark socialobservation skills. It’s not “preachy” in the way that makes your toes curl in a cringe-filled wince; Maan’s ability to preach through his pen has always been the oxymoron of “subtly-blatant”. When Maan sings it, we believe it. When singing to us about rectifying our wrongs, it never sounds like Maan is bashing us over the head with his microphone. He cleverly draws us into the song world, through characters or narrative, and ushers us to the church pews. Once seated, and the sermon completed, we reflect with gratitude. That’s the ability of a great songwriter. Punjab does just that. Sure, it’s blatant and harsh, but Maan’s incomparable rhyming ability and use of a vocabulary that seems “so-Maan”, makes Punjab more than bearable. It makes it unforgettable. A stand-out line in the first verse (once the song begins in earnest), exemplifies the brutally blatant

yet poignant poetry that Punjab manages to deliver throughout its journey: “Jam’neh to pehlan adha puth maar ta” (You’ve half murdered your unborn child). This drilling is delivered to the careless mothers-tobe with regards to substance intake. The impact of such a hard-hitting lyric could have easily been made redundant had it not been birthed by Maan’s pen; his audacious ability to construct such a line with splendour and skill meant it was always going to land home. And it did. If you listen carefully enough, there’s almost a throwback of sorts in this very verse to “Ki Banu Duniya Da” (“What Will Become of This World?”) – in particular, the line: “…vadiye majaajane majaaj bhul gaiyee” (“’oh-so-great girl’, you’ve forgotten your real world”). Substance, spiritual and social abuse are all highlighted throughout each verse and how these sacrileges have tainted and maimed all that should be great of the state: “Rangla Punjab mera kaala hogiya” (“My once colourful Punjab has turned black”). The song unapologetically displays a clear conflict of genre. The emotional layer of the song cannot be denied, but yet you’ll find yourself foot-tapping on the first real beat. But you’ll soon stop. You’ll discover that it’s your psyche and heart (as dramatic as that may sound) is what’s actually dancing. The chords that Maan manages to strike within you are all down to the song’s music and words. The rousing music complements the vociferous-yet-hearty vocals with real gusto. It’s compelling listening from start to finish, even if it’s head-bopping at the same token.

The Visuals Punjab is one of those few gems where you must watch the video in order to “listen to the song”. The video, in all its glory, is getting rave reviews the web-over. And rightly so. Punjab is not only compelling listening, it’s compelling viewing. In the Punjab narrative, Maan plays the guise of time, in Bhagat Singh-like attire, guiding a young Bhagat Singh through two periods of Punjab. We join them on a journey to the Punjab-oftoday as the young revolutionary is made to witness (and flinch) at the atrocities that Punjabi people display. Abuse galore. Suspended through the air and landing with grace, both Bhagat Singh and Maan (the guide) land on relevant scenes with each passing stanza. Could the aerial transportation have been replaced by a simple closing-of-the-eyes and warping? Sure. But would we be remembering the impact of the alternative as much as we will the “trademark flight” of Punjab? Perhaps not. Additionally, there’s something endearing about the way in which Maan holds Bhagat Singh’s hand; you can almost sense the gesture, “Go see…”

Often, child actors can weaken the perception of the narrative’s reality through unpolished performances. Not in this instance. Not only is the little Bhagat Singh played so convincingly, but he evokes sympathy, particularly at the end when shedding a tear. Conversely, there is not much needed to be said about Maan’s performance. He’s an award-winning actor, and lest audiences forget, it’s undeniable that he is the greatest of all the singer-turned-actors the region has ever produced. Present company included. The chemistry between Maan’s character and the young martyr is what really brings the video to its proverbial home. If they failed to work, so would Punjab. Note to be made: the intro leading up to the opening verse wouldn’t be out of place in any mainstream Indian film. It’s that good. And it helps that Maan’s dialogue delivery is as engaging as his singing voice. And there’s no exaggeration there. Archives back the claims.

THE DIRECTOR Maan’s son, Gurrick G. Maan, has taken to the helm and conceived, crafted and delivered the perfect marriage between song and scenes. Each verse’s message is manufactured throughout the script with on-point performances and targeted action. If Gurrick’s first major release is anything to go by, then fans

of Punjabi media can look forward to a refreshing plethora of quality filmmaking that is certain to take the striving industry to even greater heights. In fact, there is sure to be an identifiable “Maan stamp” on similar highly-acclaimed projects in the future. Wise ol’ visuals at a tender age is no mean feat. La La Land’s Damien Chazelle, anyone?

LISTEN. WATCH. LEARN. There’s rarely a false note in Punjab. And the song isn’t bad either. Don’t just listen to Punjab. Watch Punjab. After all, that’s what Maan professes: Watch… Punjab. It needs it.

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A Tribute THE MOTHER THAT GAVE US MAAN An online study reports there are two billion mothers in the world while approximately 4.3 babies are born each second. The process is simple: a child is born; a mother is formed. But out of this loud crowd and constellation of two billion stars, there are but a few that shine brighter than the rest, lighting up an otherwise motionless atmosphere. Those are the exceptions. And some mothers do have them – those blessed children. The ones gifted with an intangible ray of talent. The ones that are destined to be far greater than us mere mortals. The ones that grow to leave a legacy in this world. Unbeknown to a single soul at the time of such a child’s birth, those mothers exist. And the ones who birth greatness are worth reverence.

THE MOTHER OF MAAN One such mother was the late Mrs. Tej Kaur… On the 4th of January 1957, in the small village of Gidharbaha, she gave the world a gem. A gem that changed the world through his bestowed talent of mastering the arts. She gave the world Gurdas Maan. The buck stops at that very name. Unfortunately, the only truth about this existence of life is indeed an ultimate demise. And sadly, Mrs. Tej Kaur was reunited with her creator on November 2016. Fans and music devotees around the world cannot quantify Maan’s contribution to the industry and impact on their personal lives, hence they will never be able to express their gratitude to Mrs. Kaur enough; the fact of the matter is we’ll forever be indebted, for Maan’s existence and gifts to this world was her gift to us... and what a mother that makes her.

THE TIME WE TAKE FOR GRANTED That’s why it’s vital we cherish the moments we have with our mothers before those very moments perish. And perish they will. It’s not a possibility, it’s an inevitability. Adulthood changes each and every one of us; whereby once we were the sensible all-obeying children, we become the impatient ever-agitated adults. Appreciating the fact that time waits for no man, we can begin to focus on repaying our mothers’ sacrifices and unconditional love in kind. It’s not materialistic gifts that mothers desire, although that’s what they give, and then some, it’s time – when will my child sit with me? Talk with me? Hear me? Walk with me? All of these valid questions exist because somehow along the journey of life a child loses interest in all of the above. The time a mother gives: • 9 months before birth • Infancy - Nurturing her child • Childhood – Disciplining her child • Teenage years – Understanding her child • Adulthood – Remembering her child And in all of these stages, she protects her child. If a mother can give such time to her children, then children ought to cherish the time that’s slipping by so unapologetically. And all this can be done by staying present in the moment and acknowledging that damned current of time. Individuals like Maan repay some of that gratitude by immortalising their mothers through their art. Although we’re not all blessed with a creative streak, we can all take advantage of a slither of time to show our appreciation – Maan’s taken many a minute to pen verses for his mother. About his mother. And that’s a telling tribute.

THE THINGS THEY DO We’ve all felt it. The impact of our mothers on our respective lives. Whether it’s their self-crafted concoctions to remedy our ailments, their personal sacrifices to ensure we needn’t sacrifice the same, their magical ability to sense our unspoken woes, they have the voice we call ‘home’. Sure, they’re not immune to making untimely phone calls when we’re busy playing ‘adults’; but those quirks work. They’re unapologetically ‘mum’. They say a child’s existence makes a mother’s existence worthwhile, but a mother’s existence makes ours function. It’s those very small things we take for granted that add up to the big. To be forever indebted is a child’s burden to carry throughout his or her life. It comes as standard.

THE INSPIRATION Children find adventure in fantastical worlds, but they find a sense of peace in a mother’s presence. Maan was no exception to this particular rule. The ability to observe his surroundings and transform them into song form was an innate talent that Maan developed throughout his childhood and formative years. And the presence, and subsequent impact of his mother, provided the peace for that poetic platform to be nurtured. Throughout the decades, Maan has referenced his mother in a number of songs. The impact of her words seemed to have shaped him – something that’s not uncommon for most children of the world. • In the song Pind DIyan Galliyan, Maan discloses that he would not have achieved a fraction of his value had she not scolded him to become the best version of himself: “Je Gurdas nu tu Marjaana kehndi naa, ni maaye meriye. Marjaane di pora keemat pehndi naa”. • And thus, in the title track Punjeeri, he acknowledged his mother’s influence on his work: “Eh kirpa meri maa di kirpa, jo likhiya jo gaaiya”. And then there is the ‘mother of all mother-songs’ – Maan’s soul-stirring, poignant and complete tribute to mothers the world over: Maawan Thandiya Chaawan. Read the following translation and transcription and listen to the very same. It’s a bittersweet homage to mothers and arguably the greatest one to date.

THE FINAL WORDS…

It’s difficult to pay tribute to a person’s life that has had no relation to your own. But when such a person has gifted you with an entity that continues to enrich and impact your life through his masterful craft, it’s difficult dismiss the fact that we’ll forever be indebted to a wonderful mother… …some children do have them.

RIP MRS. TEJ KAUR.

MAAWAN THANDIYAN CHAAWAN

“Rab kendha ‘Sun, bandiya, thwanu maawan dithya ne… mere ghar tak paunchan laiyee, eh raah’va ditya ne’” “God said, “Listen, oh man, I’ve gifted you a mother… they are the road that leads to my abode”” (Maape – Gurdas Maan)

Maawan Thandiyan Chaawan Chaawan kaun kare, Maawan de har jaane loko kaun pareh, Maawan Thandiyan Chaawan, Chaawan kaun kareh

Like soothing shelter be mothers, Who else shall shelter you, Who else will fulfil such deeds, Like soothing shelter be mothers, Who else shall shelter you,

Puth kapooth baneh sauh vaari, Maa rehndi maa ban keh, Sukha sukhdi khaira mangdi, Pher pher ke manke, Puth mere to thathiyaan vaavan rehn pareh,

Sons shall deter but a hundred times, But a mother forever remains a mother, Wishing you prosperity and countless blessings, By praying on each rosary bead, “May my son be free from harmful winds”,

Maawan Thandiyan Chaawan, Chaawan kaun kareh

Like soothing shelter be mothers, Who else shall shelter you

Maa diyan gaalan kiyo diyan naalan, Gusseh vich keh jaana, Marjaana, teh jaana, veh tu, Rurh jaana, leh jaana, Har maa apni puth di nazar utaar kareh,

A mother’s scolding tongue bears no malice, Tis used in mere haste and anger, “You’ll die, you’ll rot, you’ll, Banish and you’ll erode,” Each mother merely protects her son from evil jinx,

Maawan Thandiyan Chaawan, Chaawan kaun kareh

Like soothing shelter be mothers, Who else shall shelter you

Maan tere ne ‘Marjaane’ da, Rutba maa to paaya, Jado mere hath Ghutka deke, Ik Onkaar paraah’ya, Ram Naam boli, ja boli Hare Hare,

I, Maan, adorn the name “Marjaana”, Bestowed upon me by my mother, When she placed the holy book in my palms, And taught me there is but One God, Chant the name of ‘Ram’, or chant ‘Hare, Hare’,

Maawan Thandiyan Chaawan, Chaawan kaun kareh

Like soothing shelter be mothers, Who else shall shelter you

Oh mamta di maari di, Siviyaan vaal arthi chali, Jithan vale saare puthar, Haaran vaali kali, Putra deh laiyee khushiyaan mangdi aap mareh,

There goes the dead motherhood, On the way to its cremation, The sons are crowned the victors, As the mother remains defeated, Her life was spent blessing her sons, now she herself suffers death,

Maawan Thandiyan Chaawan, Chaawan kaun kareh

Like soothing shelter be mothers, Who else shall shelter you

Serenading Spirituality Gurdas Maan was bestowed the honour of supporting the event by lending his distinct and enchanting voice to the celebrations as the lights shone bright and the congregation gathered forth. The 350th anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, was celebrated in commemorative magnificence earlier this year at Mangal Talab, Patna Sahib. A pilgrimage of thousands of Sikhs from around the world filled the holy vicinity, forming an inspirational and devoted congregation. To mark this most wonderful occasion, a major laser light show was on display, emitting images and colours to reflect the life of the tenth Sikh Guru. Gurdas Maan was bestowed the honour of supporting the event by lending his distinct and enchanting voice to the celebrations as the lights shone bright and the congregation gathered forth. It was as spectacular for the eyes as it was soothing for the soul; Maan’s incomparable addition to the spiritual sounds in the atmosphere formed a soul-stirring cloud of spiritual and rejuvenating ambience.

“Ik amrit di boondh hi kaafi aag bujaavan laiyee, ik oh sirh hi kaafi hunda kaum jugaavan laiyee…” “Just one drop of holy nectar can defeat a fire, and just one sacrificial head is enough to awaken a faith…” (Yaar Punjabi Eh – Gurdas Maan)

During the spectacular visual display, which used storytelling as a form of education and commemoration of the topical Sikh history, Maan’s material was used to support the narrative, including the highly-acclaimed song Sarbans Daaniyaan Ve (Vialayatan). The display concluded with a revelation that suggested only the most significant figures were used, rightly so, for such a significant event. Contributions were made by the late Jagjit Singh, Gulzar and scripted by renowned literary stalwart, Surjit Patar. With such an array of leading names in their respective disciplines, it’s no wonder that Maan, thanks to his very own status in the land of the five rivers, serenaded the spiritual display with his spiritual-esque delivery. Rab rakha, indeed.

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The Hallmarks Of Greatness The factor that differentiates the great from the good is their ability to transcend their art. To go above and beyond their own industry and impact the wider spectrum where others could not. Truly iconic figures have managed to do just that. In abundance. The late Muhammad Ali’s charisma stepped out of the ring and impacted the wider society where others failed. Additionally, Bruce Lee, who went too soon, exemplified such a life greater than most – from modest beginnings in Hong Kong to permanently etching a strand of DNA in the world’s psyche. And it was Lee, who once said, “The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering”. And those that live the life of legend, are rarely mortal. Maan’s no exception. As the stand-alone figure in the Punjabi music industry, Maan has carried all that is great of Punjabi music and presented it the world over through international concerts, institutional accolades and exponential fan following. It’s that somewhat-destined ability that makes these individuals greater than the good.

Maan and “The Boss”

In the Music

Determining the traits of greats is a simple task, regardless of the artistes’ respective markets. And due to his incomparable level of dominance in his own market it’s difficult to liken Maan to an artiste from another industry.

Springsteen’s Americana sounds are renowned storytelling pieces expressing both inspirational and troublesome tales from his humble New Jersey roots. His repertoire of songs can take you on a journey from roadside bars to the foothills of Wyoming; each containing characters that evoke emotion and inspiration. Maan does the very same through his ability to take us to a hazy evening in the alleyways of a Punjab village (Sajna Ve Sajna) in one verse, to the banks of a river that runs through it in another.

Elvis Presley’s iconic status, and subsequently immortal name, is not an unjust reference. But when you delve deeper into those ‘hallmarks of greatness’ and juxtapose the similarities between two artistes of the same calibre and status, it becomes apparent that the legends of the game are made from the same clay. New Jersey-born, folk-rock artiste, Bruce Springsteen, who is affectionately called “The Boss”, is one of the most acclaimed singersongwriters in the world. He holds a status similar to Maan in his respective industry to a level of near-reverence. With a career nearing five decades, Springsteen has influenced a countless number of artistes, both lyrically and on stage. It’s no secret that Maan continues to do the very same in Punjabi music – the number of Maanesque lyrics that are belted out from impressionable singers are countless. If there is one living artiste that shares a similarity with Maan, then “The Boss” would be it. And if you delve a little deeper, the Maan-Springsteen mirror reflects some uncanny resemblances.

Both artistes yearn for their respective American/Punjabi dream and are not afraid to commentate on the prevalent problems within them. Songwriters like these don’t need to write through rose-tinted specs all the time, even their harshest critiques of their own lands are garnished with love – for wanting better. So how can two great songsters be criticised for singing the truth about their land in one song and then rejoicing its beauty in another? Each song has its own world and context. That’s songwriting.

And how about this for a parallel. Springsteen’s deceptively titled “Born in the U.S.A.” highlights the antithesis of the American dream: “Got in a little hometown jam, So they put a rifle in my hand, Sent me off to a foreign land, To go and kill the yellow man, Born in the U.S.A. I was born in the U.S.A” – Springsteen (Born in the USA). And then in Maan’s latest, before uncovering Punjab’s pitfalls, he warns us: “Kerah kerah dukh dassa mein Punjab da…” - Maan (Punjab). The parallels continue; Springsteen’s heart-warming and equally tragic tale of brotherly love in “Highway Patrolman” takes us along a narrative journey, from start to finish. Maan’s “Mitti” does the very same in a personification of a clay pot; we hear the product’s story from birth to death. And for Maan’s signature “Challa”, there’s Springsteen’s signature, “The River”. The latter being another epic story through the ages of love, loss and life – a similar feat achieved with “Mamla Gadbad Hai”. And then there’s those hidden gems, that only the most ardent fans know. Oftentimes, they’re the real winners.

In the Accolades

Full circle…

Great artistes are never strangers to recognition. Both Maan and Springsteen have had their fair share of awards and honours, merely adding to their legendary statuses.

What’s intriguing about this parallel of great artistes is not only in their common qualities or ability to transcend their art, but the roots from which their talents were born. Get this: Springsteen is known for taking inspiration from the work of now-Nobel Prize winning singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan. And interestingly, one of Dylan’s most famous songs, which was released in 1965, is “Mr. Tambourine Man”:

Springsteen’s won a sensational 20 Grammy awards in addition to various other music-organisation accolades. Maan’s received a multitude of PTC Music awards as well as gongs from international institutions such as the BBC Asian Network. “The Boss” was inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 1999, while Maan has more recently received the Living Legend recognition at the Punjabi Filmfare Awards for another of his creative branch – performance.

“Hey Mr. Tambourine Man play a song for me,

Off the stage, Springsteen received the Presidential Medal of Freedom while Maan responds to more nods, including an honorary doctorate from a British education institution.

Greatness is destined.

Interestingly, both artistes are famed for their energetic, and younger-thantheir-years, live performances. Similar to Maan’s, a Springsteen concert is well-known to go on for three hours without a break – hit after hit… after hit.

I’m not sleepy and there ain’t no place I’m going to…” – Dylan (Mr. Tambourine Man) And Maan’s choice of instrument…? You can’t make this stuff up.

“Mere darshak mere sarauthe, sunan meriya cheeka… thwanu ki takleefan” “I have my audience and my followers who all listen to my screams… so why are you so troubled?” (Takleefan – Gurdas Maan)

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Parting words… And that’s a wrap for 2017! We trust you’ve all had a memorable evening and enjoyed Gurdas Maan’s sell-out shows across the land. We’d like to thank all those associated with the UK Box Office brand in helping to make Innovation 2017 a tour to remember; from our ever-supportive sponsors to our talented team behind the scenes… kudos! And finally, UK Box Office can’t thank you, the loyal audience, enough, for your support and dedication in helping us make this year’s tour even bigger than the last. And we’ve strove to do just that with each successive event. And long may it continue… For all our forthcoming endeavours and array of projected projects, visit our website at www.ukboxoffice.net and stay part of the UK Box Office family. In good faith...

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“Eh duniya nakhre kardi eh, dilaan nu vakhde kardi eh…” “So stubborn acts this world, for it only separates fond hearts…” (Makhna – Gurdas Maan)

PRESENTED BY Ash Suman & Jag Suman Directors, UK BOX OFFICE Starring

Gurdas Maan With special thanks to

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