There are festivals, big festivals and then there are historical events.. He Rock In Rio, a well-known brand that celebrates its 20th anniversaryfalls within this last category. It may be a bit cliché, but this is something you have to experience at least once in your life. And it is a festival that is as huge as it is well organized, where you can truly enjoy the music and, ultimately, return home with a smile and a good memory, which is what it is all about.
Be that as it may, let’s get to what’s important here: the groups. Our day began with Extremewho beyond their extraordinary “More Than Words” – which also played – showed that they have a very forceful live performance. Nuno Bettencourt, who was playing at home, made this a special occasion and was happy to be with his fans. The guitar hero left no stone unturned and showed us, once again, that he is tough to beat on the six strings. And be careful, if there is a song that stands out and that makes us go up, it is that wonderful “Get The Funk Out”, another cut from ‘Extreme II: Pornograffitti’ which is almost the climax of the performance.
Of course, the band is daring and ends with “RISE”, from their latest album, ‘Six’. Perhaps it is something atypical, but, after the cannon shots they offer throughout their recital, they can do whatever they want, even make us sing “We Will Rock You” by Queen which reminds us of his historic performance at the 1992 Freddie Mercury tribute.
The performance of the night was perhaps the most unexpected
We came with great desire to see Living Colora band originally from New York that, if you don’t know, we highly recommend you listen to. What charisma, what way of sounding, what style and what level. In one hour, they have time to do everything from covering Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” to playing Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five’s “The Message.”, one of the anthems – if not the most – most emblematic in the history of rap. Impossible not to be amazed by them.
The only thing that hurt the performance was the lack of audience. They were playing at the same time as Rival Sons and that caused there to be fewer people than the band deserved, given that, obviously, we are talking about a huge festival. Vocalist Corey Glover, however, didn’t even seem to notice and, during the performance of “Cult of Personality”, his most celebrated song, he got off the stage and took a good bath with the masses. Spectacular.
And the heavyweights come out
Evanescence took the main stage in what influencers call “the golden hour”, when the sun begins to set and everything turns a sort of golden color. The powerful stream of voice of an Amy Lee who does not miss a single note perfectly complemented the image of, now, a huge army of faithful who sang her best songs.
17 cuts sounded, among which there were no shortages “My Immortal”, “Wasted On You”, “Bring Me to Life” (this one, the last one) or “Going Under”. Again, the precision of the band, and especially Lee, in their performances is worthy of praise.
And the time to see Europe was approaching. Those of Joey Tempest They have been offering practically the same show in different formats (depending on the event) for three years – or more – while they prepare what will be their new album. They don’t need to change anything, to be honest.
What can you modify when they ring “Carrie”, “Rock the Night”, “Superstitious” or the always well received “The Final Countdown”? To some who are confused it may seem that the Swedes are a one-hit wonder group, but nothing could be further from the truth. It’s more, “Walk the Earth”the song that gives its name to his latest work, is a great song and not all veterans of the genre would be able to sign something like that at this point.
For the rest, it should be noted that Tempest, with that wonderful smile he wears, was most charismatic, without stopping playing with his microphone stand and enjoyed the performance. Climbing onto his platform that gave him some height and visibility, he left everyone happy.
The best of bites
And what can we say about Scorpions that we haven’t already said. Those of Klaus Meine They are fireproof, more specifically Mr. Mikkey Deeyour battery, who seems to carry with him the spirit of the late Lemmy. There’s a little bit of Motörhead in his drum solo and that’s wonderful.
The Germans’ set goes from less to more, making us celebrate song after song although, especially, inviting us to enjoy the great anthems. “The Zoo”, “Send Me An Angel”, “Wind of Change” (with new lyrics that, given the circumstances, are more relevant), “Blackout”, “Big City Nights”, “Still Loving You” or “Rock You Like A Hurricane” is not missing from their set.
Many have been left for dead on several occasions. Even they themselves played at retiring. However, Scorpions still sting… and how they do it! These gentlemen have a long life left and even more so when they are put in scenarios of this level.
And so, with a tremendous dose of rock in our veins on this trip to Lisbon, we leave with a smile. ¡Obrigado! Here’s to 20 more years!
