By Ben Tavener, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – British music sensations Coldplay and American pop and rock hit-makers Maroon 5 wowed 100,000-strong crowds at epic music festival Rock in Rio last night, on the penultimate day of the event. Fans were anxious to see whether Coldplay would preview any of the songs from the group’s new album “Mylo Xyloto” – which is only set to be released on October 24th.
They were not disappointed, with the band playing five tracks from the new album, including three previously unheard tracks, as well as some of the group’s biggest hits.
Internationally-known Brazilian rockers Skank also took their place among the international lineup on the Palco Mundo (World Stage), along with long-running Mexican rock sensation Maná.
The Palco Sunset (Sunset Stage) saw performances from Brazilian golden oldies such as Zeca Baleiro, famous for singing “Lenha” and “A Flor da Pele”.
Also Arnaldo Antunes and Rio’s very own Erasmo Carlos, who performed at the first Rock in Rio festival in 1985 and is best known for singing “Close”, doubled up with music from their 1950s and ’60s rock ’n’ roll Joven Guarda heyday.
All eyes are now on Sunday’s finale, with Guns N’ Roses and System of a Down set to bring the house down. As ever, anyone unable to watch Brazilian TV coverage on Multishow, can watch Youtube’s stream of the epic festival.
Read more (in Portuguese).
* The Rio Times Daily Update is a new feature we are offering to help keep you up-to-date with major news as it happens