Backstreet Boys 'anger Indian metal fans'

The Backstreet Boys have caused outcry among heavy metal fans in India after being announced ahead of Iron Maiden as headliner for the upcoming Rock In India Festival.

The alternative music event was the first of its kind in India when it opened in 2008, with Megadeth and Machine Head topping the bill. Iron Maiden closed the bash in 2009.

However, festival bosses have attracted widespread criticism for this year's lineup, which has largely ditched metal bands in favour of more mainstream acts such as The Backstreet Boys and Richard Marx.

Despite the backlash, organisers are standing by their decision, saying: "There has been a long-standing request from many music fans to our website that they would like to see mainstream music and also classic rock... Rock In India is a 'music' festival and the headliners have already been announced.

"Rock In India does not mean the 'genre' rock only. Being a fan, you have right to an opinion. Being a promoter, no artist is big or small to us. All artists are respected equally and not looked down upon just because they are a pop artist! We respect their music!"

The Rock In India Festival will kick off in Delhi on February 20 and in Bangalore on February 22.