Rock in Rio Lisbon is gearing up for an extraordinary 20th anniversary celebration in June 2024, and today reveals the first headliner, Ed Sheeran.
Europe’s home to the world’s most colossal and iconic music festivals, Rock In Rio has shaped the global festival landscape for four decades, and returns to Lisbon for a double weekender between 15-16 & 22-23 June 2024. This historic edition will also mark a new chapter for Rock in Rio Lisbon as it takes place in a new, state-of-the-art venue in the stunning Parque Tejo Lisboa, promising an even more immersive and memorable experience for attendees.
It’s been 20 years since the first edition of Rock in Rio Lisboa. Two decades of stories and memories, seeing 3 million visitors over 9 editions to the City of Rock. In 2024, the festival, which made its debut in Lisbon in 2004, is back for a special edition, with great new features including a new location and the first confirmed headliner today.
Renowned for hosting only the biggest entertainment names in any generation, to headline Rock In Rio is among the highest accolades for any major live act. Few can match the global status of a show on this extraordinary scale, and firmly in this exclusive club is the untouchable English singer-songer Ed Sheeran. Ten years after his debut on the Main Stage in Portugal, Ed is back at Rock in Rio Lisbon as the headliner on 16th June 2024.
An artist whose talent knows no bounds, Ed has consistently shattered records and captured the hearts of fans across continents. His music, marked by its raw emotion and undeniable charm, has catapulted him to international stardom, and with over 150 million records sold worldwide, he stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time. His chart-topping hits, including “Shape of You”, “Bad Habits”, “Thinking Out Loud”, “Perfect”, “The A-Team”, “Castle on the Hill” and countless more have etched themselves into the fabric of popular culture – setting himself apart as an artist that goes beyond simply music but a wider symbol of the 21st century. Fresh from sold-out stadium shows across the globe, his appearance at Rock In Rio Lisbon is one of but a few headline shows announced for Ed in 2024 – setting the stage for a historic moment set to draw fans from far and wide to Portugal’s popular capital city destination.
Speaking about the milestone and today’s announcement, Roberto Medina, Vice President of Brand Reputation at Rock World said: “Looking back and seeing Rock in Rio’s journey since arriving in Portugal in 2004, how much the festival and the market have evolved, the challenges we’ve overcome, the legacy we’ve already left behind, all the people we’ve made a mark on and the projects we’ve created and supported over the years that would allow us to help transform lives, that’s what makes it worthwhile. And that’s what we want to celebrate, with all those who made these 20 years possible. Since it’s not every day that you turn 20, we’re going to do what we do best, party! Having Ed Sheeran back at the City of Rock, we couldn’t have a better start! This will undoubtedly be a historic edition.”
Notably, this year marks not only the 20th anniversary of Rock in Rio Lisbon but also the grand 40th anniversary of the original Rock in Rio itself, a testament to its enduring impact on the global music festival landscape. For forty years, Rock in Rio has been a beacon of musical excellence, showcasing an array of iconic artists that have defined generations. From Queen and Prince to Beyoncé, Coldplay and AC/DC, the festival’s stage has borne witness to some of the most unforgettable performances in music history. Beyond the music, Rock in Rio has championed vital causes, making an indelible mark in the realms of environmental and social activism.
The 20th-anniversary edition of Rock in Rio Lisbon promises to be an unparalleled experience, offering an eclectic lineup that spans genres and generations. In addition to the world-class music, attendees can expect a myriad of immersive attractions and interactive activities, ensuring an all-encompassing festival experience.
On 15, 16, 22 and 23 June 2024, a new City of Rock will open its doors in Parque Tejo Lisboa, in an ode to the city that hosted the festival in 2004. Inspired by Rio de Janeiro, the new City of Rock will feature a new stage and a new Route 85 where the public can learn more about the history of what is now one of the biggest music events in the world. The iconic World Stage, which this year will benefit from a stunning backdrop between the Tagus River and the Vasco da Gama Bridge, will continue to host the biggest national and international artists and will feature an audiovisual show commemorating the 20th anniversary, taking place daily in the clearing of this stage.
Rock Street is also back and returns with the same provocative tone, to talk about the encounter between people and technology and how we value the human and use technology in a constructive and healthy way. Other spaces that proved to be a success when they debuted in 2022 are also moving to the new venue, namely the Chef’s Garden, which will bring the best of Portuguese gastronomy to Cidade do Rock; and the ESC Online Sports Bar, which is taking on greater prominence this year as it coincides with the European football championship.
Rock in Rio is not just about music and entertainment. The festival is also known for its commitment to the future and in 2001 it launched the social project “For a Better World” as a way of formalising what had already been in its DNA since 1985. Since then, the festival has expanded its activities, adopting and encouraging practices that support the collective and contribute to building a better world, joining forces with companies, associations and partners who have the same vision. In this edition, the Better World will also be celebrated and with its own space: in the already iconic Pala at Parque Tejo Lisboa, the festival will create an area that explores these 20 years from a socio-environmental perspective, recalling the projects that are part of the festival’s legacy.
Given Rock in Rio’s rich legacy of hosting the most unforgettable shows in history on a scale unmatched by any other, it is only fitting that Ed Sheeran, a modern-day music legend, has been chosen as the first headliner for the 20th-anniversary celebration, performing at the opening weekend on 16th June to 80,000 adoring fans.
Rock in Rio Lisbon takes place on 15, 16, 22 and 23 June 2024. Tickets will be available via:https://rockinriolisboa.pt/