Ed Sheeran Will Headline ‘Rock in Rio’ Lisbon 2024
Ed Sheeran will be the headliner for the 20th-anniversary celebration of Rock in Rio Lisbon in 2024. The event is set to take place on 16th June 2024, at the Parque Tejo Lisboa, hosting up to 80,000 attendees. Rock in Rio Lisbon will take place over two star-studded weekends, from 15th-16th June and then from 22nd-23rd June, marking a shift from its previous venue, the Parque da Bela Vista.
Rock in Rio Lisbon had its debut back in 2004, as an offshoot of the original Rock in Rio Festival, which began its illustrious journey in the vibrant Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro in 1985. Over the years, this musical extravaganza has extended its influence to Madrid, with the most recent event in 2012, and Las Vegas, where the last edition took place in 2015.
Image Courtesy: The Independent
Roberto Medina, the Vice President of Brand Reputation at Rock World, the festival’s organizing body, shared his thoughts on this milestone occasion, “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.”
Medina’s enthusiasm continued as he added, “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.”
Image Courtesy: Rolling Stone
Ed Sheeran’s upcoming headline performance is particularly special as it will mark a decade since his first appearance at Rock in Rio Lisbon, where he graced the Main Stage. This festival has a rich history of hosting legendary artists, including recent headliners like Muse and Black Eyed Peas. Over the years, the likes of Beyoncé, Prince and Queen have also performed at the event.
The 2024 edition promises an enhanced experience with the World Stage overlooking the picturesque Tagus River and the iconic Vasco de Gama Bridge. Moreover, this year’s festival will feature a daily audiovisual spectacle commemorating its 20th anniversary.
Ed Sheeran’s popularity is at an all-time high, which crowned him as the most streamed male artist of the last 15 years. His hit track ‘Shape of You’ achieved a staggering 3.6 billion streams globally as of 11th October, making it the most streamed UK track.
Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter
The inaugural U.S. edition of Rock in Rio is set to make its debut with headliners like Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran.
Beyond the ‘Perfect’ singer’s impressive musical career, Sheeran’s recent appearance alongside Busted at London’s O2 Arena received widespread attention, as he joined the boy band for a rendition of their 2004 single ‘Who’s David’.
Image Courtesy: Entertainment Tonight
Even his hometown football club, Ipswich Town, couldn’t resist paying tribute to the local hero. Viral footage captured the team celebrating a victory with an impromptu rendition of Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’, illustrating the artist’s deep connection to his roots.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Ed Sheeran released a live bonus version of his latest studio album ‘Autumn Variations,’ subtitled ‘(Fan Living Room Sessions)’. This project features live renditions of every song on the album, all performed from the homes of his fans.
-Britney Jones
