Everybody in Rio: Remember the free international shows that marked the city

The shows that marked Copacabana They turned the beach into an unforgettable stage. Amid one of the most iconic postcards in the world, the waterfront has hosted historical performances by artists such as Rod Stewart, Rolling Stones, Madonna and now Lady Gaga. On May 3, the American singer promises to make history with a great seaside show.

But this trajectory hasn't started now. The largest dance floor in the world has ever been the scene of striking moments that have left their mark and rendered a place in record books.

In 1994, the British singer Rod Stewart did a memorable show for about 3.5 million people at the Réveillon party. This show has entered the Guinness Book as the largest audience ever registered in a free music event. On the setlist, hits like Maggie May, Baby Jane and I Don't Want to Talk About It From the time he was part of The Faces.

In 2005, during the celebrations of the 440 years of Rio, Lenny Kravitz He brought his rock to the beach, showing once again that the city is perfect for big outdoor events. The audience went crazy with classics like It Ain't Over 'Till It's Over, Always on the Run and Are You Gonna Go My Way. The presentation had an estimated audience of 300,000 to 600,000 people.

The following year, in 2006, Rolling Stones gathered about 1.5 million people in a show that was kept in memory of cariocas and tourists. The stage was set on the sand and had a runway connecting it to the Copacabana Palace, where the band members were staying. In the repertoire, classics like Start Me Up, Brown Sugar and Satisfaction. The presentation, part of the tour The Bigger Bang, was broadcast to several countries, such as the United States and Mexico, and earned a CD and DVD — the biggest show in the history of the quartet commanded by Mick Jagger.

At the turn of 2007, the group Black Eyed Peas Did the party with hits like Don’t Lie, Shut Up and its version for More than Nothing, by Sérgio Mendes, in another Réveillon full of music, dance and a lively crowd in the sands of Ipanema. The presentation was part of the tour Monkey Business.

In 2012, Stevie Wonder It moved the crowd with a free show in Christmas climate, which counted on the special participation of Gilberto Gil. About 450,000 people were present. King of black music, the American made the beach his home room and, in the company of children, played a selection of hits as I Just Called to Say I Love You, Higher Ground and Bird of Beauty.

More recently, in 2024, Madonna made history with his Celebration Tour. The Pop Queen concert chose Rio to revisit its 40-year career and brought together about 1.6 million fans. In the repertoire, hymns like Like a Prayer, Live to Tell, Nothing Really Matters and Holiday. The presentation was featured in the press worldwide.

Now, it's time for Lady Gaga I'm sorry. The artist will perform on May 3rd, promising a show to match the tradition and beauty of this edge. The show is part of the event Everybody in Rio, which celebrates the strength of culture and tourism in the city.

These events are part of a vibrant tradition: they are shows that have consolidated the city as one of the largest outdoor music venues on the planet.

What about you? Are you prepared to experience this historic moment more?

Learn more: Rio receives great international shows