u/Equivalent_Lychee906

I genuinely don’t get this. Why are some people proudly posting their bootleg band tees like it’s something to flex?

If anything, I’d be embarrassed. You’re literally repping a band while making sure they don’t get a single rupee from it.

At the same time, the same crowd keeps asking why the Indian rock/metal scene isn’t growing, why bands don’t tour here, why merch isn’t easily available, why labels don’t invest.

This is exactly why.

Most people don’t buy albums, don’t stream properly, don’t support official merch—and then act surprised when the scene stays stagnant. You can’t expect growth while actively avoiding contributing to it.

And this isn’t about being “elitist” or gatekeeping. Not everyone can afford everything, fair enough. But proudly showing off bootlegs like it’s the same thing as supporting the band? That’s just backwards.

If you actually care about the music and the scene, support it in whatever way you realistically can. Otherwise, at least don’t pretend you’re helping it grow.