By Jay Forte, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Rock in Rio organizers announced yesterday (February 6th) that pop superstar Lady Gaga will headline the opening night of the 2017 festival, as well as confirmed three other attractions for the event’s main World Stage.
The Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer and Brazilian sensation Ivete Sangalo were also announced, as well as the American singer Fergie.
Currently the main attractions signed on for September 15th are Lady Gaga, Ivete Sangalo and 5 Seconds of Summer.
On September 16th it will be Maroon 5 and Fergie, then on September 21st Aerosmith and Billy Idol will perform, followed by Bon Jovi on September 22nd and Red Hot Chili Peppers on September 24th.
Celebrating its 32nd anniversary this year, the Rock in Rio festival will take place on September 15th, 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th, and will again be held in Barra da Tijuca’s Cidade do Rock at the Olympic Park.
Lady Gaga recently performed at the Super Bowl Halftime show, and had been part of Rock in Rio 2011, which was the her first time performing in Brazil and the festival’s first return since 2001. The festival has since been back in Barra in 2013 and again in 2015.
Chuck Cassie, a Canadian expatriate living in Rio and managing partner of The Lucky Screw Irish Pub in Copacabana shares the act he is most excited about. “Aerosmith. I’ve always liked them and I have no idea how much longer they will be playing, so may be one of the last chances.”
Tickets for Rock in Rio will be available on April 6th on the official Ingresso.com sales channel. For the first time, card-entry will be replaced by a bracelet, which should be placed only on the day and will bring more convenience and safety to visitors.
Rock in Rio was first held in 1985 in Rio de Janeiro and during the last three decades, the festival has grown into an international event with editions held in Lisbon, Portugal, Madrid, Spain, and for the first time this year in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.
More additions will be made to the 2017 Rio line-up during the upcoming months including the DJs for the Electronica stage. For more information, check back with The Rio Times and see the festival’s official website.