I’m a huge fan of live music, and you’ll often find me in a field somewhere over the summer with a group of friends watching our favourite artists, but Rock in Rio Lisboa is different, says Daniel Bird
Rock in Rio Lisboa completely changed my outlook on festivals(Image: Supplied)
Rock in Rio Lisboa has completely changed my outlook on festivals. Now it’s no secret that I love a festival, my summer is normally packed with them (I once did five back-to-back a few years ago), so when the opportunity to fly out to Lisboa to attend Rock in Rio came up, it was an instant yes.
I’d never attended a European festival and always had FOMO seeing my friends jetting out, and it’s safe to say, I’ll definitely be doing more. Arriving in Lisboa, I had a feeling it would be a good weekend after checking into the VIP Grand Hotel; it had an edge to it and certainly added to the trip.
While I was gutted I couldn’t make weekend one, which saw Katy Perry and Linkin Park headline, as well as the Kaiser Chiefs performing, weekend two certainly made up for it.
Seeing the legends (on Legends Day) that are Cyndi Lauper and Sir Rod Stewart live has always been a dream, and neither disappointed. Cyndi may be in her 70s, but my word, she can put on a show. With just 11 songs on her setlist, she delivered what everybody wanted – banger after banger.
From her impressive performance of I Drove All Night to Time After Time, I think the people around me thought I was a bit crazy, belting out every lyric. Her classic “True Colours” was an ultimate favourite with the crowd. Speaking about the negativity and division in the world, Cyndi said: “We look like a community of light and never forget that, we hold the light.
“No matter how freaking dark it gets, ok.” And a community of light is exactly what Rock in Rio Lisboa delivered. From incredible firework and strobe-light shows to a huge community of music lovers coming together, it also promoted a sense of unity.
From British fans attending, as well as people from Portugal, Spain, and even people flying in from Brazil, Rock in Rio Lisboa made sure everybody was included. We danced and sang together, despite language barriers – promoting the true meaning of music, uniting people at a time when it’s more important than ever.
Sir Rod Stewart was another highlight of mine. But I was wary that he may not attend due to his ongoing health issues, but, I couldn’t have been more surprised. He’s 81, five decades older than me, but he had more energy than the youngest people in the crowd.
Walking out on stage to the sound of bagpipes, he made his presence known. With that undeniable raspy tone to his voice, Sir Rod got the party started, and he delivered more than I could have ever expected. People of all ages were up singing and dancing, embracing every moment of the musician’s One Last Time Tour.
He may be a knight, but he needs another medal for his set list, which included the likes of It’s a Heartache, It Takes Two, Maggie May and two of my favourite songs, Dolly Parton’s Jolene and Tina Turner’s Proud Mary, before belting out Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.
I’d wanted to see him for so long, and I can’t lie, I think his Rock in Rio Lisboa set was more impressive than his Glastonbury Legends slot (which I watched on TV). While music can often feel politicised, Sir Rod took time out to stand firmly with Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while also fuming: “F**k Putin,” which saw the crowd erupt in cheers.
Normally, I wouldn’t have been inclined to feel as though such a political message during a performance would be suitable, but it goes back to my statement about inclusion; everybody can relate to seeing the heart-breaking imagery shared on the news about the Ukraine war, and the whole day was about coming together with people, so I completely respect Rod’s decision.
The last time Sir Rod performed at Rock in Rio Lisboa was 2008, and he said it’s “better now, much better,” – I didn’t attend in 2008, but I can imagine it’s still as incredible as it always has been. The Sunday was filled with rap music, from Rema to Central Cee and the headliner, 21 Savage.
Now, I’m not the biggest rap fan, but I can appreciate the talent. I didn’t catch 21 Savage’s set, but I loved the few songs I know by both Rema and Central Cee. The entire crowd went wild the moment they both walked on stage, instantly absorbing the energy from the huge main stage.
During my time, I also got to interview Aston Barrett Jr. of The Wailers – the son of the original Wailers star, Aston Barrett, also known as Family Man – which you can read here. I wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to interview reggae artists at festivals, especially ones with such a legacy, so this was a real highlight, hearing the backstories and the pressure Barrett Jr faces to continue with The Wailers’ name.
I enjoyed the comfort of Rock in Rio Lisboa from the swanky VIP area. And while some may see the prices as expensive, at around €380 per day, I can say they’re worth it. That ticket comes with unlimited food and drink, as well as a whole host of freebies given out across the day, which is something UK festivals should take note of. Plus, we were also able to stand on a viewing platform with a direct view of the main stage, which doesn’t usually happen in the UK.
Over 330,000 people attended, equivalent to filling more than 16 sold-out MEO Arenas, travelling from over 127 countries, demonstrating just how popular the festival is amongst music lovers.
Over the two weekends, more than 60 artists performed on the four stages, with people enjoying 52 hours of live music and entertainment. But it’s not just the music which I found interesting, there is quite literally something for everybody – whether it’s taking in the sights from the VIP area, watching the incredible The Flight aerial spectacular – including audio-visuals, pyrotechnics and immersive installations across Parque Tejo, there is so much to choose from to enjoy.
And the news I had been waiting for all weekend, Rock in Rio Lisboa will be back in 2028, as it happens every two years. The festival will return to Parque Tejo on 17, 18, 24 and 25 June 2028. And I can imagine that there will be more people attending, including myself!
Vice President of Rock in Rio Lisboa, Roberta Medina, said: “The Rock in Rio Lisbon of today has grown enormously, expanding both its musical programme and its infrastructure. It has also become an iconic image of Lisbon, with the spectacular backdrop of the World Stage and the Vasco da Gama Bridge reaching audiences around the globe.
“Our ambition goes beyond staging one of Europe’s biggest music festivals. We want to showcase Lisbon and help position Portugal as one of the world’s leading destinations for culture, tourism and entertainment. Welcoming visitors from 127 countries, hosting some of the biggest names in music and creating moments that resonate across the world demonstrate that ambition.
“This is a legacy built together with the city of Lisbon, our partners, our artists and, above all, the audience, whose incredible energy made this year’s Cidade do Rock truly unforgettable. That is what inspires us to keep innovating and to continue making Rock in Rio Lisbon a global benchmark.”
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