Post Malone’s first-ever concert in Guwahati turned into an unexpectedly emotional night on Monday, December 8, as the global superstar paused mid-performance to pay tribute to late Assamese legend Zubeen Garg. What began as a high-energy event quickly transformed into a heartfelt moment that resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom erupted into cheers and applause as Malone honored the state’s beloved musical icon.
With sincerity in his voice, Malone addressed the massive crowd: “To be in the home of the great legendary Zubeen tonight, ladies and gentlemen… I just hope everyone’s having an amazing day and an amazing night. My name is Austin Richard Post, and I’ve come to play some street songs.” The touching tribute instantly went viral online, with fans sharing clips across social media platforms and expressing appreciation for the international acknowledgment of Zubeen Garg’s legacy.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had welcomed the Grammy-nominated artist ahead of the concert, calling the performance a “historic occasion” and a milestone that placed Guwahati on the global entertainment map. His message further fueled the excitement surrounding Malone’s arrival.
Meanwhile, the emotional weight of the tribute was amplified by the ongoing investigation into Zubeen Garg’s tragic death on September 19, 2025. The iconic Assamese singer reportedly drowned while swimming in Singapore during travel related to the North East India Festival. Singapore authorities, after the initial autopsy, stated that no foul play was suspected and listed drowning as the official cause of death, sharing preliminary findings with Indian officials.
However, the case quickly grew more complicated back home. The Assam Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has since registered more than 60 FIRs across the state and conducted multiple raids, including at the residences of the festival organiser, Garg’s manager and several associates. A second post-mortem in Delhi reaffirmed drowning as the cause of death, ruling out poisoning despite swirling speculations.
The investigation has already resulted in multiple arrests, including those of the festival organiser, Garg’s manager, his two personal security officers, band members and even a police officer who is a close relative. Authorities are now also looking into suspected financial irregularities involving transactions reportedly exceeding ₹1.1 crore linked to the security staff.
Despite medical reports suggesting the death was accidental, the Assam government continues to assert that criminal intent was involved. Chief Minister Sarma has stated openly in the Assembly that Garg’s death was “plain and simple murder.” According to officials, the SIT is nearing completion of its probe, with a chargesheet likely to be filed by December 12, 2025.