Thirty years after their historic and record breaking opening night performance at the very first Rock in Rio festival in January 1985, Queen are to return to top the bill for the opening of this year’s 30th Anniversary festival, performing with Adam Lambert as main stage headliners Friday, September 18.
The Rock in Rio date is one of six arena and stadium dates Queen + Adam Lambert will perform across South America during September. In addition to three concerts in Brazil (Rio, Sao Paulo and Porto Alegre), Queen + Adam Lambert will also perform in Argentina and Chile (Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Santiago).
The South America dates are the latest leg in a series of sold out concerts across the world which in just over a year have seen Queen + Adam Lambert perform 67 shows already North America, Asia, Australia and Europe.
Says Rock in Rio President and Founder Roberto Medina: “30 years ago, Queen performed in front of 250,000 people who fell in love with the band, and it became one of the most iconic moments of Rock in Rio. I am positive that the moments from 30 years ago will be rejuvenated and rejoiced with Queen + Adam Lambert, making it again a moment no one will ever forget.”
Queen’s opening night on January 11, 1985 at Rio’s custom built City of Rock exploded the record books, drawing an audience of over 250,000. The band’s second appearance on January 18, brought their total Rock in Rio audience beyond 500,000. Televised to over 60 countries across the world, Queen’s shows were watched by nearly 200 million people. Queen albums occupied all top ten places in the Brazilian album chart and Love of My Life became a new Brazilian anthem.
“We came to South America originally because we were invited down. They wanted four wholesome lads to play some nice music. Now I’d like to buy up the entire continent and install myself as President,” quipped a thrilled Freddie at the time.
Three decades on from those historically enshrined shows, Queen now prepare to return to Rock in Rio, an event they played no small part in helping it become one of the world’s biggest annual festival events.
“We’re Back ! Rockin’ in Rio ! Can’t wait ! See ya there, guys !!”, announced Queen guitarist Brian May.
Queen’s drummer Roger Taylor said: “How great to be coming back to Rio to rock you even harder than before.”
Singer Adam Lambert adds: “I’m so excited to be joining Queen at Rock in Rio! This will be a triumphant return for them, and my FIRST time in South America!”
The full Rock in Rio 30 Years festival runs for seven nights over two weekends – September 18,19 & 20 and September 24, 25, 26 and 27. Other artists already announced to appear include Katy Perry, Slipknot, A-Ha, Queens of the Stone Age, Faith No More, and John Legend.
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