The event made headlines recently with news that Axl Rose had agreed to “a lateness clause” – a fine, basically – if Guns N’ Roses fails to take to the stage on schedule.
Infamously late throughout their “Chinese Democracy” world tour, GNR have a history with the legendary festival: in 2001, the band hit the stage almost 2 hours late and fans waited, without incident, for the band to play. This time out, the promoters want to head off any potential issues that could arise from a repeat of the situation, especially considering it’s the festival’s closing night, Sunday, October 2.
An event update was issued by promoter Roberto Medina, who has announced that the Opening Show will pay tribute to the different generations that enjoyed the previous shows in Rio in 1985, 1991 and 2001.
The high point will feature local bossa-nova star Milton Nascimento dueting with Freddie Mercury on the screen for a special rendition of Queen's South American mega-hit, “Love Of My Life.” Queen's performances of the song during their two nights at Rock In Rio '85 are regarded as one of the defining moments in the history of the festival.
Rock In Rio 2011 happens on the last weekend of September and the first one of October.
For more details, check the Rock In Rio site here.
Queen Queen – Love Of My Life
Rock In Rio – Rio de Janeiro, BR - January, 1985
See also:
Queen: second round of reissues on the way
Guns N’ Roses: Queen’s Brian May talks about his work on Chinese Democracy
Queen: Brian May to receive 2011 Eddy Christiani Award
Queen exhibition opens in London
