Before we get into the ‘Freedom’ Jam, let’s find out what Princeton says to define ‘freedom’. Apparently, it is ‘the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints’.

Yeah, right. Maybe that’s why the cops of Bangalore arrived on the scene and busted a little rock-meet, a gig that invited music lovers from across Bangalore for no cost - I repeat, no cost - to enjoy a bit of metal and the works.

So much for this whole ‘freedom’ idea. The reason? Volume. Now, if it actually wasn’t Sultans of Swing or Comfortably Numb that sounded the air, but instead a Thayee Yashoda fusion, perhaps the perfume and jewellery folks on the other side of the fence at Palace Grounds would have kept mum. But no, we love rock, and that makes us anti-Indian and them pro-Indian, so they call the hotline and ask the khaki-clad people of law to pay us a little visit.

Not that the Monsoon helped the cause. When the divine forces stopped peeing on Palace Grounds, we had time for exactly two bands to perform - albeit, mediocre, because the vocals were too low, the bass was too high and things had to be setup in a hurry. After which, in popped the law-enforcers, oh-so-worried about the sound the Jam was making, even as their traffic counterparts were ushering the rock-crazy crowd of Bangalore into the premises at the entrance.

This is why we gave them blackberries?? I sincerely hope that Freedom Jams across the nation aren’t harassed by the cops restricted the way we were today. We aren’t murdering anyone, you know, hello?

To those who suggest that ‘they were only doing their duty’ - hush. Alright, the folks on the opposite fence reported the ‘crime’ but what drove these cops to actually take action against a baseless complaint, considering that the authorities granted permission for the Jam?

60 bands for 60 years of Independence, they said. Considering that, while I was around, only two bands performed, and maybe that drives home a point to show how ‘free’ we really are as of today. Okay, so I missed the rest of the show that might have started around 9pm, and ironically, I might miss the best part of India basking in freedom if we keep restricting ourselves with a leash meant for the strays.

In the meantime, here are a few pix at the ‘gig’. Blame the slosh on the rain.