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Helena Kallas

Rock in Rio: But Where’s the Rock?



This year's edition of Rock in Rio marked the 40th anniversary of the festival, a milestone that fans were eager to see being reflected in the lineup and in the tapestry of the music genres. Among the announced names were MPB legends Lulu Santos, Pato Fu, and Ney Matogrosso. Other genres were also well represented, with a diverse mix of funk artists such as MC Cabelinho, Livinho, and Kevin O Chris. Rap and trap had their moments with performances from Travis Scott, Oroshi, and Kayblack. The electronic stage welcomed DJ Snake and Mochakkn, and the Samba enthusiasts could enjoy the sound of Zeca Pagodinho and Maria Rita. In addition, jazz, bossa nova, and classical music were all represented by incredible talents. 



Among all the genres, pop music dominated this year's lineup, with big names like Katy Perry, Cyndi Lauper, Shawn Mendes, Imagine Dragons, One Republic, 21 Savage, Zara Larsson, and Mariah Carey among other remarkable artists.  However, many fans are left asking, where is the rock? Despite the festival's name, rock music appeared to take a back seat, with only a few rock artists making the cut. Given Rock in Rio's proud history of hosting legendary performances from iconic rock bands, including Queen, Guns N’ Roses, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, this year's lineup featured only a few names like Pitty, Capital Inicial, and Barão Vermelho, leaving many fans feeling disappointed at what was expected for the 40th anniversary.


The disappointment is not only from the lack of rock representation but also from the festival branding itself. While it has always featured a mix of genres, Rock in Rio has always been built on its Rock roots, but this year's edition seemed to be focused on the pop genre, possibly to attract a broader audience. 


Many fans expressed their frustration online, as they felt it was a wasted opportunity to celebrate the festival’s rock roots since in the past fans have witnessed unforgettable performances from rock legends like Metallica, Aerosmith, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. These bands gave the identity to the festival and created an electric atmosphere celebrating the rock spirit.


The evolution of the festival makes sense within a larger context of the music world, where rock music struggles to compete with other genres that are commercially dominant. Organizers may believe that diversifying the line-up will boost ticket sales and attract a wider audience; however, this approach risks alienating loyal fans who have been part of the festival journey from its very beginning. 


Looking ahead, there is hope that Rock in Rio can find a balance between honoring its rock legacy while embracing new musical styles. The future's still bright!

     



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