Rock in Rio USA Lineup | Taylor Swift, Metallica, No Doubt, Bruno Mars, & More to Play First-Ever Rock in Rio USA Festival
Brazil’s famous Rock in Rio festival has expanded over the years to include stages in Lisbon and Madrid. Now, for the first time ever, the festival comes to the United States with Rock in Rio USA. For its inaugural year, the festival is bringing some of the best artists in rock and pop to the City of Rock in Las Vegas for two jam-packed weekends in May. Check out below to see who’s performing during each weekend, and leave us a comment letting us know which acts you’re most excited to see at Rock in Rio USA 2015.
Rock Weekend – May 8th & 9th
No Doubt
Few groups in the ’90s achieved the popularity and success of No Doubt. With the unstoppable charisma of frontwoman/”it” girl Gwen Stefani and their unique fusion of new wave and ska, it didn’t take long for the band to become a chart-topping pop act and MTV staple. A series of hit albums kept them relevant into the 2000s, with multiple Grammy Awards and nominations as well as multi-platinum sales. Stefani released two successful solo albums in 2004 and 2006, and after a nearly five-year hiatus, the band reunited for a North American tour in 2009. No Doubt released their sixth studio album “Push And Shove” in 2012, which marked the release of the band’s first new material in almost a decade.
Metallica
Metallica has played the Rock in Rio stage six times already, so they were an obvious choice to headline the rock weekend of the inaugural Rock in Rio USA festival. The band has not only been a huge part of the festival’s history, but they are also one of the biggest and most influential heavy metal bands in the world. With record-breaking album sales, astounding critical praise, multiple Grammy Awards, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it’s clear that Metallica has already left a lasting impression on the music industry. The legendary rockers are still going strong, and are set to release their tenth studio album later this year.
Mana
Mexican rock band Mana is considered one of the greatest Latin rock bands in the world. Along with four Grammy Awards and seven Latin Grammy Awards, they have earned a number of other recognitions and honors, establishing the band as international rock superstars. Formed in Guadalajara in 1986, the band has since gone on to break records in album sales and concert attendance all over Latin America. Having made several unforgettable appearances around the world in the last few years, Mana is sure to put on yet another amazing performance at the first-ever Rock in Rio USA.
Linkin Park
Linkin Park made a name for themselves as one of the most successful bands of the 2000s with hits like “Numb,” “In the End” and “What I’ve Done.” Their rock-meets-rap sound earned them a humongous fan base, millions of albums sold, and two Grammy Awards among other achievements. Linkin Park is not only renowned as one of the greatest rock bands of recent years, but they are also known for their thrilling and memorable live shows. Last year, the band released their sixth studio album, “The Hunting Party.”
The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless is a rock band formed in 2009 by former “Gossip Girl” star Taylor Momsen. The band features Momsen on vocals and guitar, as well as guitarist Ben Phillips, bassist Mark Damon, and drummer Jamie Perkins. Shortly after the release of their debut album, The Pretty Reckless was already playing festivals like Bamboozle and the Vans Warped Tour, and they soon earned spots opening for hugely popular bands like Evanescence and Guns N’ Roses. Last year, they released their sophomore album, “Going to Hell,” which featured two singles that reached the #1 spot on Billboard’s rock charts.
Rise Against
Over the last 15 years, Chicago’s Rise Against has made a name for themselves as one of the biggest punk bands in the world. The band currently consists of Tim McIlrath on vocals, Zach Blair on guitar, Joe Principe on bass, and Brandon Barnes on drums. They released their latest album, “The Black Market,” last year, marking their seventh full-length to date. In addition to chart-topping rock hits and impressive album sales, Rise Against is also known for the band members’ charitable presence and social advocacy, supporting organizations like PETA and Amnesty International.
Hollywood Undead
The aptly-named Hollywood Undead hails from none other than Hollywood, California. The band members are notorious for wearing masks onstage and are each known by a unique nickname. Formed in 2005 by the artists known as J-Dog and Tha Producer, Hollywood Undead owes a great deal of their success to the social networking giant Myspace, which helped them launch their career in the mid-2000s. The band remains successful to this day, and they will be releasing a new album at the end of this month.
Foster the People
Before forming Foster the People, frontman Mark Foster used to write jingles to pay the rent, so it’s no wonder the band has so many catchy hits. Foster and fellow band members Cubbie Fink and Mark Pontius came together in 2009 in Los Angeles. Their debut album “Torches” sold nearly two million copies and earned them several Grammy nominations. The album had several hit songs including “Pumped Up Kicks,” which SPIN declared the anthem of 2011. The band released their equally catchy sophomore album, “Supermodel,” in 2014.
Deftones
Deftones was formed in Sacramento in 1988 by lead vocalist Chino Moreno, guitarist Stephen Carpenter, and drummer Abe Cunningham, all of whom were childhood friends. The band eventually added Chi Cheng on bass and later Frank Delgado on keys. Over the years, Deftones released seven studio albums, but they hit some bumps along the way. In 2008, bassist Chi Cheng was involved in a car accident which left him comatose, causing the band to hold off releasing their planned sixth studio album, “Eros.” Though he eventually underwent a partial recovery, Cheng passed away in 2013, after which the band released the track “Smile” from the still-unreleased album. Despite the devastating loss of Cheng, Deftones carries on with current bassist Sergio Vega and the band is planning to record another album soon.
Gary Clark Jr.
Austin-based musician Gary Clark, Jr. has been compared to guitar greats like Jimi Hendrix. His sound is an innovative mix of blues, soul, and hip hop, incorporating both modern and classic elements of blues style, and accompanied by smooth vocals. The Texas native recently collaborated with the Foo Fighters on their track “What Did I Do? / God As My Witness” from their latest album “Sonic Highways” and in September he released a live album of his own.
Sepultura ft. Steve Vai
The internationally-renowned band Sepultura (the band’s name means “grave” in Portuguese) is often regarded as the most popular Brazilian metal group of all time. Though the band has undergone some serious lineup changes over the years, with several original members bowing out, including founders Max and Igor Cavalera, Sepultura has nonetheless withstood it all and continued to be one of the most successful metal bands in the world. They have released 13 studio albums to date, many of which were certified gold or platinum in countries all over the globe, and the band has altogether sold millions of records worldwide. At this year’s inaugural Rock in Rio USA, Sepultura is teaming up with legendary guitarist Steve Vai for a once-in-a-lifetime performance.
Bleachers
NYC indie pop outfit Bleachers was formed by Jack Antonoff, the guitarist for the popular rock band Fun. Bleachers’ debut album was released in 2014, and its lead single, the catchy and anthemic “I Wanna Get Better,” quickly rose to the top of the Billboard Alternative charts. Bleachers’ sound has an obvious ’80s influence, but the band combines modern production techniques with that to make music that’s fresh and interesting.
Coheed and Cambria
New York’s Coheed and Cambria is regarded as one of the leading bands in progressive rock. The band originally formed in 1995 and called themselves Shabutie, but officially changed their sound, and their name, in 2001, which marked a real turning point for the group. They released their debut album as Coheed and Cambria in 2002, and have released seven total albums to date, all of which are highly conceptual. Their most recent release is the two-part album “Aftermath,” the two halves of which came out in 2012 and 2013, respectively. However, the band is said to be working on an eighth studio album this year.
Saints of Valory
Alternative rock band Saints of Valory formed in 2008 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but relocated to Austin, Texas in 2010. The band initially came about as the project of bassist/lead vocalist Gavin Jasper and guitarist Godfrey Thomson, who met as kids in Rio. Jasper and Thomson enlisted French drummer Gerard Labou as well as Texas native and keyboardist Stephen Buckle to round out the band’s lineup, and soon they were recording together as Saints of Valory. The group released their debut EP, “The Bright Lights,” in 2010. They later signed with Atlantic Records and made their major label debut in 2013 with the EP “Possibilities,” which includes their hit single “Neon Eyes.”
Of Mice & Men
Southern California-based metalcore band Of Mice & Men was founded in 2009 by former Attack Attack! frontman Austin Carlile and New Zealand-born bassist Jaxin Hall. Although both Carlile and Hall eventually left the band in 2010, Carlile’s departure did not last long, as he returned to the group in 2011. Of Mice & Men has become a staple on the Vans Warped Tour, having been on the lineup four times in the last five years. The band has released three studio albums so far, and just recently issued a deluxe edition of their 2014 album “Restoring Force.”
Pop Weekend – May 15th & 16th
Taylor Swift
Calling all lonely Starbucks lovers: Taylor Swift will be making a stop in Vegas to headline the pop weekend of Rock in Rio USA just before kicking off her highly anticipated 1989 World Tour. Swift recently left her country roots behind and emerged as a full-fledged pop singer. Having begun as a country artist, she was able to effortlessly cross over into the mainstream over the years by moving towards a poppier sound with each album release. Her transition to a full-blown pop star is now complete, as evidenced by her latest album, “1989,” which is chock-full of catchy, radio-friendly hits like the smash singles “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space.” With multiple Grammy Awards, platinum album sales, millions of views on YouTube, a number of film and television roles, and a ubiquitous presence on mainstream radio stations, there’s no doubt that Swift has successfully achieved diva status.
Bruno Mars
Although he’s really only been on the scene for about five years, Bruno Mars has established himself as one of the most successful solo artists in the world, and he has two platinum-selling albums, a Super Bowl performance, and two Grammies to prove it. His rise to fame began in 2010 when he seemed to be all over the radio, as he was featured on hit tracks like B.o.B.’s “Nothin’ On You” and Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire.” Later that year, he released his debut album “Doo-Wops and Hooligans,” which produced several chart-topping singles like “Grenade” and “Just the Way You Are,” officially establishing him as a successful solo artist. His next album, “Unorthodox Jukebox,” arrived in 2012, and did just as well as his first, once again landing him on the top of the charts.
Ed Sheeran
English singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran recorded his first two albums when he was only a teenager before moving to London to focus on his music career. Through extensive touring and internet exposure, Sheeran built up a following and earned the support of artists like Elton John and Jamie Foxx. After appearing on Taylor Swift’s 2012 album “Red” and penning songs for popular boy band One Direction, Sheeran was suddenly an international star. Now, he’s all over the radio and selling out huge arena shows. His 2014 album “x” reached the #1 spot in several countries, and was recently nominated for two Grammy awards.
Sam Smith
Sam Smith is undoubtedly one of the greatest music success stories of the last few years. The soulful English singer initially gained attention when he lent his vocals to Disclosure’s 2012 hit single “Latch.” The next year, he was featured on Naughty Boy’s “La La La,” earning his first number one and international recognition. In 2014, Smith released his debut full-length, “In the Lonely Hour,” which got him nominated for six Grammy Awards, of which he won four.
Echosmith
Formed in 2009 in Los Angeles, pop-rock band Echosmith is a family affair comprised of four siblings. The band features Sydney Sierota on vocals, Jamie Sierota on lead guitar, Noah Sierota on bass, and Graham Sierota on drums. Echosmith came to attention in 2013 with their breakthrough single “Cool Kids,” which became a top 40 hit the following year. The band played the Vans Warped Tour two summers in a row and in the last two years they have opened for artists like Owl City, Twenty One Pilots, and Neon Trees.
Empire of the Sun
Australian electronic glam pop duo Empire of the Sun formed in Sydney in 2007. The group, often compared to Daft Punk, consists of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore, who had been collaborating together for years before officially forming Empire of the Sun. They released their debut album, “Walking on a Dream,” in 2008. The record went platinum in their home country of Australia, while the title track became an international hit. Their sophomore album, “Ice on the Dune,” arrived in 2013 and featured the commerically successful hit “Alive.” Empire of the Sun is currently working on a third album titled “Every Ocean Tells a Story.” Their live show is one not to miss, and features elaborate setups and extravagant costumes.
Ivete Sangalo
Brazilian pop superstar Ivete Sangalo rose to fame as a member of the band Banda Eva, but in recent years decided to go solo. She made her solo debut in 1999 with a self-titled album that turned out to be a huge hit and went double platinum. Her subsequent albums were equally successful, particularly her 2004 effort “MTV ao Vivo,” for which she won a Latin Grammy Award.
Jessie J
Jessie J has overcome a lot to get where she is today, including various health problems and signing with a label that went bankrupt before they could release her music. However, the English singer/songwriter has been admirably persistent in her career, and is now one of the most successful recording artists of the last few years. Having started off as a songwriter, penning songs for big artists like Miley Cyrus and Chris Brown, Jessie J eventually emerged as a successful solo artist in her own right, releasing several platinum-selling singles that topped charts worldwide. Some of her biggest hits include collaborations with artists like David Guetta, B.o.B., Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj.
John Legend
As a nine-time Grammy Award winner, multi-platinum-selling artist, devoted social activist, and one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Infuential People, John Legend (born John Stephens) indeed lives up to his name. As a child growing up in Ohio, he was somewhat of a prodigy, excelling in music and going on to attend the University of Pennsylvania when he was only 16. In 2004, he released his debut album on Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label, which officially launched his career and earned him critical acclaim and three Grammy Awards. Throughout his career, he has penned several hit songs, and his recent single “All of Me” reached number one on the charts. He continues to carry that success into the new year, as he just won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for his song “Glory,” which was featured in the movie “Selma.”
Charli XCX
Charlotte Aitchison, aka Charli XCX, first gained attention in 2012 when she was featured on Icona Pop’s breakthrough single “I Love It,” which she also co-wrote. Two years later, she emerged as an outright pop superstar after being featured on Iggy Azalea’s #1 hit song “Fancy.” Her album “Sucker” arrived at the end of that year, and was designated the best pop album of 2014 by Rolling Stone. Charli XCX is currently touring with Katy Perry as the opening act for the European leg of her Prismatic World Tour.
Joss Stone
Joss Stone became a mainstream success in 2003 when she was just 16 years old with her multi-platinum debut album “The Soul Sessions.” Armed with a big, powerful voice and soul-inspired style, Stone has released five more albums since then, each earning similar chart success to her first, particularly in the U.K. She recently announced that she will be releasing a seventh studio album, “Water For Your Soul,” which she has stated will have a more eclectic sound with some reggae influence. Stone is currently in the middle of an extensive world tour that will take her to over 200 different countries.
Tove Lo
Sweden’s Tove Lo gained attention in 2013 when her breakthrough electropop single “Habits” reached number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song became even more popular and saw more international exposure when it was remixed by American production duo Hippie Sabotage. Her rapid success later earned her a spot opening for Katy Perry on her Prismatic World Tour. In September she released her debut album “Queen of the Clouds,” which is her first full length record.
Magic!
Magic! rose to fame with their 2013 debut single “Rude,” which became an international hit and reached the top ten on the charts in several countries. Formed in Toronto in 2012, Magic! consists of lead singer Nasri, guitarist Mark Pellizzer, bassist Ben Spivak, and drummer Alex Tanas. The band has gained popularity with their unique sound that fuses reggae with traditional pop rock. They released their debut album, “Don’t Kill the Magic,” in 2014, and are currently touring with Maroon 5 as the opening act for the band’s world tour.
James Bay
James Bay is an up-and-coming soulful folk pop singer/songwriter who hails from England. The 24-year-old musician toured with Hozier last year and recently received the Critics’ Choice award at the 2015 BRIT Awards. He has released three EPs so far, and his debut full-length comes out at the end of March.
Mikky Ekko
Singer-songwriter Mikky Ekko spent much of his childhood moving around the deep south. As a literal son of a preacher-man, his musical roots are infused with gospel influence, which unsurprisingly makes its way into his music. His career took off when he caught the attention of hip-hop producer Clams Casino, who would eventually produce his single “Pull Me Down.” Ekko’s big breakthrough came when he was featured on Rihanna’s single “Stay,” which he co-wrote. “Stay” became a charting success in multiple countries, bringing Ekko into the spotlight for the first time. Mikky Ekko released his debut full-length album, “Time,” in January on RCA.
The 2015 Rock in Rio USA festival is less than two months away, and the lineup is incredible, so be sure to get your Rock in Rio Las Vegas tickets on TickPick today!
Click here for our 2015 Music Festivals Guide!
Related Articles
Recent Posts
- The 10 Best Concert Venues in the DMV | Your Ultimate Live Music Guide
- Chance the Rapper 2025 Tour Dates, Tickets, and Presale Codes
- Ultimate Baltimore Ravens Tailgate Guide: Best Ticketed Events & Premium Tailgating Experiences at M&T Bank Stadium
- The Best StubHub Alternatives for Buying Tickets
- Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist 2025 Tour Dates, Tickets, and Presale Codes