The following report is courtesy of Reagan Gavin Rasquinha from The Times Of India:

It seemed great news for Mumbai's rock music aficionados when they heard that international band AEROSMITH was set for a June 2nd performance in the city. Then came the disappointing news that the band would be giving the city the skip, in favour of Bangalore. And that's not all, British rock group Iron Maiden, Deep Purple and Jethro Tull also gave Mumbai the skip - all thanks to the entertainment tax in Mumbai. But can the tax structure bear the sole brunt of the blame, or are there other reasons?

To rewind a little, event management companies promoting music concerts had suffered a setback because of the tax on admission rates and on sponsored events, which had led to a near complete closure of live entertainment in the city. Today, Mumbai is still struggling to satiate the popular hunger for a good concert. Adding to it is the rule which makes organizers pay on complimentary tickets issued. The contrast in policy is evident in comparison with other states — Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have no entertainment tax at all, while Karnataka, New Delhi, West Bengal and Goa have reduced tax rates to 10, 20, 20 and 15 per cent respectively.

But some opine that it's not just the tax which has driven away performers. Says music promoter Owen Roncon, "I think they are more comfortable there. It's not that Bangalore doesn't have taxes. They pay 10 per cent but they have greater sponsorship there. Shakira didn't go well because in my opinion, it was too overpriced. But it's Aerosmith, so if you got to go, you got to go!" Concert promoter V Jairam puts another spin to it, "It also depends on a band. If they have only one show in a particular country, the event company will make them play in their home city where they are comfortable."

But it's the fans who are facing the brunt. Says businessman and Aerosmith fan Kush Kotwani, "The tax has got to be lowered. We are missing out on a lot of good music. Aerosmith is a legendary band. Why should we go to another city to enjoy ourselves when we can do it right here? Please, let Mumbai rock again."