From collaborations and innovations to bold statements, Brazilian musicians have made history at the festival.
Rock In Rio season is not only a time to gear up for upcoming performances but also to look back at the incredible shows that made history. As one of the world’s largest festivals, Rock In Rio has always embraced Brazilian music culture. Since 1985, Brazilian artists have taken the stage, bringing innovations, unforgettable performances, and even some legendary mishaps.
Here are a few standout moments:
Engenheiros do Hawaii - 1991
This band, known for being "too far from the capitals," took over Brazilian radio with hits like "Infinita Highway" and "O Papa é Pop." Naturally, they were invited to perform at Rock In Rio '91. The trio from Rio Grande do Sul didn't shy away and delivered a performance worthy of the festival.
Lobão - 1991
In a bold move, Lobão took the stage at Rock In Rio in front of a crowd full of heavy metal fans. He brought the Mangueira samba school drummers with him but was met with loud boos and a shower of objects like cans and bottles. The chaos peaked when Lobão stopped the show, cursed the crowd, and walked off stage. The incident became a memorable moment in the festival’s history.
Carlinhos Brown - 2001
Ten years after Lobão’s incident, Carlinhos Brown faced a similar situation when hundreds of plastic cups filled with water were thrown at him. Unlike Lobão, Brown powered through and completed his set, using the opportunity to talk to the massive crowd and deliver a full performance.
Sepultura e Tambours Du Bronx - 2013
In 2013, Sepultura teamed up with French percussion group Les Tambours Du Bronx, delivering a visceral performance that celebrated the Brazilian band’s 30th anniversary with a powerful mix of heavy metal and percussion.
Sepultura e Zé Ramalho (2013)
That same year, Sepultura also took the Sunset stage alongside none other than Zé Ramalho. The show was a unique blend of northeastern psychedelia and heavy rock. Fans were blown away, coining the nickname “Zépultura” for the band. Classic hits like "A Dança Das Borboletas" and "Admirável Gado Novo" were reimagined with a heavy metal twist.
Cássia Eller - 2001
Considered one of the greatest performances in Brazilian music history, Cássia Eller lit up Rock In Rio 2001. Her electrifying interpretations of songs like "Partido Alto" (Chico Buarque), "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Kurt Cobain, Chris Novoselic, David Grohl), and "Quando a Maré Encher" (Fábio Trummer, Roger Man, Bernardo Chopinho), along with radio hits "Malandragem" (Cazuza, Frejat) and "Segundo Sol" (Nando Reis), were nothing short of iconic, and she channeled that raw energy into the crowd.
Barão Vermelho - 1985
Cazuza and the band rocked the crowd at the first Rock In Rio with a true lesson in rock ‘n’ roll. Their closing song, "Pro Dia Nascer Feliz," became an anthem for Brazilian rock fans. Forty years later, the song still resonates, serving as a nostalgic symbol for the festival that changed the music industry in Brazil.
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