The 8th Rock in Rio in Rio de Janeiro took place between 27 September and 6 October 2019 with seven nights of shows spread over two weekends. 

Iron Maiden, who played the first festival in January 1985, returned for its fourth Rock in Rio performance. Also returning to the festival in 2019 were Bon Jovi, Muse, Scorpions, Nickelback, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Dave Matthews Band, Whitesnake, Sepultura, Foo Fighters, Slayer, Seal and Jessie J, as well as a number of Brazilian acts, such as Paralamas who played the first festival, and Ivete Sangalo.

But Rock in Rio never stands still so the opening headline act in 2019 was Drake, one of the most watched star on the planet right now, but a man who was born 21 months after the first festival. Pink also made her Rock in Rio and South American debut, on a night that also included the Black Eyed Peas, H.E.R., Charlie Puth, and one of Brazil biggest acts, Anitta.

Other new acts performing in 2019 included Imagine Dragons, Ellie Goulding, Bebe Rexha, Alok, Weezer, Tenacious D,  Goo Goo Dolls, Panic! At the Disco, Helloween, Anthrax and King Crimson.

The festival is scheduled to return to Rio in September 2021, when there is expected to be a parallel festival in Santiago, Chile.

Photos courtesy of Rock in Rio.