Rock Veterans Stand Out at Rock In Rio’s Second Week

By Beatriz Miranda, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Last Thursday, September 21st, Rock In Rio 2017 opened its gates to the second week of shows at the Olympic Park, in Barra. With Aerosmith as the main attraction, the festival surprised the audience with a pyrotechnics show in Alice Cooper’s performance, Aerosmith playing The Beatles’ “Come Together”, among other unexpected events.

One of Rock in Rio’ favorite bands, Aerosmith went up on the stage around 12:20 AM, with vocalist Steve Tyler, guitarist Joe Perry, guitarist Brad Whitford, drummer Joey Kramer and bassist Tom Hamilton having presented a lively hard rock show.

The American band played classics like “Let the Music”, “Cryin'”, “Crazy” and “Miss a Thing”, theme-song of the movie “Armageddon” (1998).

What’s more, Tyler presented a hard rock rendition of The Beatles’ “Come Together” and amazed the public when played “Dream On” on the piano.

Alice Cooper’s show, on the Sunset stage, was also full of great surprises, including a pyrotechnics spectacle. The 69 year-old rock and heavy metal singer fascinated the public for his vivid performance, but also for having invited to the stage Aeromisth guitar player Joe Perry, with whom Cooper presented “House of Fire” and “Another Brick in the Wall”.

“He’s just got so much personality. I have already seen some of his performances on the internet, but live is even more incredible. I feel I am an even bigger fan now. And it was amazing to have seen two legends of the rock music on the same stage”, said Cássio Dias, who came from São Paulo to Rock in Rio 2017.

The Sunset stage’s line up last Thursday, September 23rd, also included the Fall Out Boy, which drove the audience crazy when played 2000s hits like “Thanks For the Memories” and “Dance, Dance”. “I was dying to listen to these songs. I knew the show would be worth it”, said Hugo Mindone, from Ribeirão Preto, in São Paulo‘s state.

English band Def Leppard, which performed before Aerosmith on the main stage, also entertained the audience with its 1980s hard rock. With over 40 years of career, the group brought hits like “Rock of Ages” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me”.

The fan from Minas Gerais Guilherme de Paula, who got impressed with the good shape of 59 year-old vocalist Phill Collen, believes “this is the best quality rock one can hear. They are making art with their guitars”.