STORY: Music lovers gathered on Friday (September 4) in Rio de Janeiro for the opening of the Rock in Rio festival, with U.S. rock band Foo Fighters headlining the first day's lineup.

Fans expressed excitement as they arrived at the "City of Rock," the nickname for the festival venue, on the opening day of the seven-day event.

Foo Fighters topped a lineup that also featured Swedish rock band The Hives and Brazilian band Capital Inicial, among others.

The festival runs through September 13 and will feature artists including Elton John, Gilberto Gil, Jon Batiste, Jamiroquai, Maroon 5 and J Balvin.

Rock in Rio was founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1985.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (SEPTEMBER 4, 2026) (REUTERS – Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF FAN POSING FOR PHOTOGRAPH IN FRONT OF GIANT ROCK IN RIO LOGO

2. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) FOO FIGHTERS FANS, MARCELO RETAMAL AND PABLO VELOSO, SAYING:

RETAMAL: “We’re having fun and so far, everything has gone well. Thank you, Brazil, thank you.”

VELOSO.”First time here in Brazil, Foo Fighters bring it on!”

3. VARIOUS OF FANS PASSING THROUGH SECURITY CHECK BEFORE ENTERING ROCK IN RIO MUSIC FESTIVAL VENUE

4. FANS LINING UP TO ENTER FESTIVAL

5. FANS RUNNING AS THEY ENTER THE FESTIVAL

6. ROCK IN RIO GIANT LOGO

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) ROCK IN RIO FAN, DENISE PAIVA, SAYING:

“I love this since a lot of years ago, I just didn’t go to the first Rock in Rio, but I’ve been to all the others. I’ve come while pregnant. I have two adult children who aren’t into rock, I’m the only rock lover of the family, but I love it. For me, this place is pure energy.”

8. VARIOUS OF FANS POSING FOR PHOTOGRAPHS IN FRONT OF ROCK IN RIO LOGO

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) FANS, ROBERTA AND JOEL (NO SURNAMES GIVEN), SAYING:

ROBERTA: “It’s an experience and an achievement; we’ve prepared a lot, and here we are. We’re going to really enjoy it.”

JOEL: “It’s a dream come true, for sure. Especially as a musician.”

10. PEOPLE PASSING BY FERRIS WHEEL

11. FANS SITTING AND CHEERING

12. PLANES FLYING BY WITH SMOKE TRAILING