HISTORIC EVENT
Rock in Rio 1985
Historic Music Festival
EVENT OVERVIEW
About Rock in Rio 1985
The first Rock in Rio was held over ten days in January 1985 and placed Brazil on the international large-scale festival circuit.
HOW IT DEVELOPED
Event History
Rock in Rio’s official history says founder Roberto Medina created the festival as Brazil was entering a period of major political and cultural change. The first City of Rock covered 250,000 square meters and hosted 15 Brazilian and 16 international attractions.
WHY HERE
Location History
The festival was conceived and built in Rio de Janeiro, where Roberto Medina created the original City of Rock as a purpose-built festival environment.
BY THE NUMBERS
Attendance History
| Edition | Location | Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| Rock in Rio 1985 | City of Rock, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 1,380,000Official Rock in Rio history reports 1.38 million people across ten days. |
WHO WAS THERE
Past Bands & Performers
Rock in Rio 1985 - International Acts
FACT CHECK
Sources & Verification
Primary source: Official Rock in Rio history
Last verified: August 28, 2026
Class Act leaves unsupported facts out rather than estimate or invent them.