Steven Wilson returned to India after a nine-year hiatus as part of his four-city India leg of the The Overview Tour and on November 7, 2025 he performed at Aquatica Grounds in Kolkata
The evening delivered an immersive mix of sound and captivating visuals, leaving the crowd of thousands of progressive rock lovers mesmerized with an experience of a lifetime.
Entry, Venue & Management
From arrival to final exit the event ran smoothly. The queue at the box office moved quickly, entry bands were handed out with no fuss, and the ticket-zone allocations ensured everyone reached their designated area without delay. Food and beverage stalls were easily accessible, thus making guests comfortable and ready for the show ahead. The behind-the-scenes effort made the difference and set the tone for a memorable night.
Role of SkillBox & the Local Scene
Promoted by SkillBox under their LiveBox series, the event in Kolkata represented a step-up for the city’s live-music scene. From pre-event communications to crowd control and on-site logistics the management stood out for its professionalism. The ticketing platform had publicly announced the Indian dates for the tour spanning the four cities, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru. The local logistics in Kolkata for the November 7 show mirrored that promise with high-end precision. For fans familiar with live shows in the city, the efficient operations, from zone entries to F&B access signalled a new level of operations efficiency for major international acts.
Structure of the Performance
The show followed the two-part format of the tour. In the first half the band played Wilson’s new album The Overview in its entirety. The album, comprising two long tracks, serves as the thematic spine of the tour and was presented in sequence as if it was a masterclass of musical storytelling and sonic experimentation. After a short break of around fifteen minutes the band returned and proceeded to perform tracks from Wilson’s solo catalogue, offering the kinds of songs that longtime fans had been anticipating.
Audio-Visual & Stage Experience
One of the most striking aspects of the night was the visual element especially during The Overview set. Behind the band a large screen displayed absolutely breathtaking visuals that complemented the album’s cosmic themes where floating stars, abstract landscapes, shifting colours and several intricate elements gave the show an out-and-out cinematic feel. In addition to that, the live quadraphonic sound setup provided a wide, immersive audio field and this kind of surround effect is very rare in Kolkata venues. The combination of crisp production, well-balanced mix and visual design made the performance more of an experience of lifetime that just another music concert.
Band Dynamics & Key Moments
Steven Wilson led the evening with his outtsanding vocals, intense guitar playing and phenomenal synth backings that clearly showcased his brilliant artistry . Adam Holzman on synths delivered a steady stream of rich textures not only throughout The Overview set but also particularly on numbers such as “Home Invasion” and “Regret #9”. Nick Beggs handled the bass sections with his excellent lines and some raw, gritty tones throughout the gig and his work on tracks like “Vermillioncore” and “Harmony Korine” drew attention for driving the songs from the low end.
Craig Blundell held the foundation of the rhythm section along with Nick Beggs on the bass with some sharp and tight drumming that never lost momentum. In addition to that, Randy McStine stood out for his versatility in the guitar works that ranged from subtle emotional lines to bold riffing and inventive solos. Whether during the new-album material or older favourites like “Ancestral” and “Regret #9”, his playing cut through with clarity and power leaving the audience speechless.
Every member contributed moments worthy of note. McStine’s solos in the latter part of the show captured the audience’s full focus and while there was no single “highlight” as such, it was rather a consistent string of high-calibre performance. It felt like each band-member had arrived ready to deliver, and they did so together and set an example of how a performance should be.
Encore & Audience Connection
After the second part of the show the Steven Wilson and the band left the stage, causing a brief wave of surprise among the audience and moments later they returned for the encore, performing the classic Porcupine Tree track “Lazarus”. The crowd sang along with full voice and energy.
The evening closed with the band playing “Ancestral” from the album Hand.Cannot.Erase. and finally the all-time loved title track from The Raven That Refused to Sing. It was a fitting end to a show that had balanced new material and fan favourites with equal weight.
For the audience at Aquatica, Kolkata, the evening offered more than a chance to hear a major international act but rather it proved that Kolkata is ready for world-class live-show infrastructure. Between the premium PA system, the sweeping visuals, the careful venue management and the high-level musicianship on stage, every attendee left with that rare live-music satisfaction. For many, the longing has already set in and as Steven Wilson promised, here’s hoping he returns to this city soon.
Also read: Gig Review : Dutch Prog Metal Titans Textures Make a Blazing India Return
