20 years
making history
Want to know how it all began? Press Play!
2004
It was May 2004 when, for the first time in history, the City of Rock opened its doors in Parque da Bela Vista. More than 380,000 people passed through during 6 days of the festival. Portuguese and Brazilian artists took the stage, as well as renowned international bands, making up a total of 70 attractions and more than 120 hours of entertainment.
2006
In 2006 Da Weasel met with Red Hot Chilli Peppers backstage at the festival and were introduced to the American band as their biggest fans. To express their gratitude to the portuguese band, moments later on stage, Red Hot Chilli Peppers dedicated their song "Me and My Friends" to Da Weasel. The second edition of Rock in Rio Lisboa proved that it was here to stay, with different structures and stages, 350.000 people over 5 days of the festival. The Electronic Tent won over the portuguese crowd and the festival's Social Project raised 553,000 euros for Sic Esperança, festival's partner.
2008
In 2008, Rock in Rio was organised for the first time in two different locations: Lisbon and Madrid. In this edition in Parque da Bela Vista, the Hot Stage was replaced by the Sunset Stage, a space dedicated to joint performances by artists and bands, mostly Portuguese, from various musical styles in a jam session format. We witnessed a remarkable concert by Amy Winehouse, a debut by Joss Stone, among many other unprecedented moments.
2010
In its fourth edition in 2010, City of Rock hosted Bon Jovi, Rage Against The Machine, Motörhead, John Mayer, Cypress Hill and Rihanna, among other big names in world music. The Portuguese capital was once again marked by these days of festivities, music and great entertainment.
2012
Metallica, Evanescence, Marron 5, Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen were some of the main attractions at Rock in Rio Lisboa in 2012. Parque da Bela Vista, Lisbon, hosted the world's biggest music and entertainment event for the fifth time. Over five days, the City of Rock welcomed more than 350.000 people. On the day that Smashing Pumpkins, Linkin Park, The Offspring and Limp Bizkit took to the World Stage, 84,000 people visited Lisbon's City of Rock.
2014
We welcomed more than 345,000 fans over the five days of the event, and exceeded the target of 2 million people who have passed through the gates of City of Rock over 10th anniversary in Portugal. Robbie Williams joined the portuguese crowd and gave us an incredbile concerto full of good British humour. On the second day, The Rolling Stones with a special guest on stage, Bruce Springsteen, and another special guest in the audience: the former president of the United States, Bill Clinton. Linkin Park, Steve Aoki, Arcade Fire, Ed Sheeran and Lorde also appeared at this historic event.
2016
There were 5 days of party in June 2016, Bruce Springsteen, Queen + Adam Lambert, Hollywood Vampires, Maroon 5, Mika, Ivete Sangalo and many others! As well as the World Stage, the shows were spread across the City of Rock in the Electronic Tent, Vodafone Stage and Rock Street Brasil.
2018
57 hours of music, dance, humour, art, gastronomy, sun, heat, swimming pool, sunsets, friends and lots of partying in the City of Rock! In Portugal, 5.8 million people watched Rock in Rio Lisboa online/television in an unrivalled edition. 264 performances, 18,999 people rode the Ferris Wheel, 3,611 people rode the Slide 7 Up. Bruno Mars, Muse, Katy Perry, among many others in this edition!
2019
2019 was break year for Rock in Rio Lisboa, but the party was essential to celebrate 15 years in Portugal. During the first few months of the year, Galp Music Valley Sessions took place, unprecedented meetings between Brazilian artists and bands with Portuguese artists and bands, 4 meetings with music that goes beyond borders. In September, the party continued with 3 days of music and lots of joy at Belém Tower Gardens. Orchestra, videomapping, James and Ivete Sangalo to round off the summer.
2022
The 9th edition had been confirmed for June 2020, but the pandemic has taken its turn. This edition was also confirmed for 2021 and again for 2022. Then our long-awaited, much-anticipated meeting. 4 absolutely magical days where the energy of reunion was unique and so special. Muse, Ney Matogrosso, Black Eyed Peas, Ellie Goulding, Post Malone, Anitta, The National and so many others completed the experience at Cidade do Rock.
2024