Foto ReD at Rockin’1000 in Leiria Portugal

USPA NEWS - We at Foto ReD Photographic Agency, together with our talented photographer Franco Bentivoglio, had the honor of capturing and narrating the electrifying energy of Rockin’1000 in Portugal.

Immersed in the pulsating atmosphere of this extraordinary event, we created a photographic reportage that captures not only the power of sound, but also the magic of glances, gestures, and emotions. Through our images, we tell the story of an event that celebrates music as a universal language—one that unites cultures, generations, and hearts. Rockin’1000, with its vibrant atmosphere and inclusive spirit, was the perfect stage for this visual narrative. During the concert, the images spoke where words could not: the energy unleashed when a thousand people play in unison, the ecstatic crowd, the lights dancing on stage, and faces lit by passion. Every shot is a window into emotion.

Fabio Zaffagnini, the soul of the project Zaffagnini took the stage multiple times, greeted by long applause. In Portuguese, he recalled the project’s origin: “Ten years ago, thanks to a thousand musicians, the Foo Fighters came to play in my hometown, Cesena. That joy exploding in my heart tonight has reached yours too.” He paid tribute to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, recently passed away, and made a heartfelt appeal against war: “Let’s just play Rock’n’Roll.”

A stage, a truck, a dream Inside the stadium, a massive black truck bearing the word “METALLICA” stood at the far end of the field—a symbol of power and passion. Soon after, the musicians took their places, welcomed by 25,000 ecstatic fans. Silence fell as conductor Daniel Plantz raised his arms. The first notes of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” tore through the air, while lights transformed the stadium into a kaleidoscope of sound and vision.

The sky above Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa lit up with music, emotion, and pure collective energy. For the second consecutive year, Leiria hosted Rockin’1000—the world’s largest rock concert—bringing together 1,000 musicians and over 20,000 fans in an epic celebration of the project’s tenth anniversary. Among the countless stories that make Rockin’1000 a one-of-a-kind event, two young stars stood out: Guglielmo, an 8-year-old drummer from Lisbon, and a fellow 8-year-old singer who enchanted the audience with her crystal-clear voice and fierce rocker spirit.

A gesture worth a thousand words At the end of the show, a touching moment: Guglielmo gifted one of his drumsticks to our photographer Franco Bentivoglio, smiling and saying, “It was great.” A simple gesture that won hearts. Their presence on stage was more than symbolic—it proved that rock knows no age, and that musical passion can ignite even the youngest hearts. Guglielmo kept time with surprising precision, while the young singer moved thousands with her intense and confident performance. Among seasoned performers and veteran musicians, these two young talents showed that the future of rock is already here—and it’s loud.

A global celebration Marking the tenth anniversary of the project, this edition promised a truly global spectacle: tickets were sold in 47 countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania—proof that Leiria has earned its place on the world rock map. This event is more than a concert: it’s an international movement of music, energy, and passion. With over 98% of capacity filled and only a few dozen tickets left before selling out, anticipation grew by the hour. After editions in iconic cities like São Paulo, Madrid, Paris, Frankfurt, and Turin, Leiria made history as the first city to host Rockin’1000 two years in a row. The stage was set. The city was buzzing. And soon, 1,000 musicians would write history again.

An experience beyond the stage From the first light of dawn, the city pulsed to the rhythm of rock. Musicians from 29 countries and 138 nationalities flooded Leiria for a day of rehearsals, meetings, and sharing. Born in Italy in 2015, the project has taken on a global dimension, with Leiria becoming the first city to host the event twice. The concert was not just a musical show—it was a love letter to rock, a community embracing all ages and skill levels. From professionals to bedroom musicians, everyone found their place in this massive band, supported by tutorials, guided rehearsals, and the infectious energy of the “Music Gurus.”

Numbers that tell stories • 61% of musicians were Portuguese, with strong local representation from the Leiria district. • 39% came from around the world, making the event a true musical melting pot. • Female participation reached 23%, showing that rock is becoming increasingly inclusive. • The youngest performer was an 8-year-old drummer from Lisbon, while the oldest was a 74-year-old bassist from Leiria.

A spine-tingling setlist FOO FIGHTERS, MUSE, QUEEN, AC/DC—fans were treated to an unforgettable night as 1,000 musicians played and sang their favorite anthems. The audience journeyed through decades of rock with iconic tracks like: • Foo Fighters: All My Life, Learn to Fly • Metallica: Enter Sandman • Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody • Muse: Knights of Cydonia • AC/DC: Shoot to Thrill • Nirvana: Lithium • David Bowie: Space Oddity • Guns N' Roses: Live and Let Die • Pixies: Where Is My Mind? • U2: Sunday Bloody Sunday • The Rolling Stones: Jumpin’ Jack Flash • The Who: Won’t Get Fooled Again • Black Sabbath: Paranoid (tribute to Ozzy) • Led Zeppelin / Hendrix: Explosive medley finale • Marisa Liz: Guerra Nuclear (special guest) • TIM (Xutos & Pontapés): À Minha Maneira (special guest)

Special guests and unforgettable moments Marisa Liz and TIM brought the essence of Portuguese rock to the stage, blending tradition and innovation. Fabio Zaffagnini’s speech celebrated music’s power as a universal language. A global movement Rockin’1000 is more than a musical event. It’s a message of unity, sharing, and hope. In a divided world, a thousand musicians proved that music can break down barriers and build bridges. And we, through our photographs, aimed to make that message eternal. With over 1.5 million fans worldwide, Rockin’1000 is not just an event—it’s a movement that connects people through music. Leiria, with its contagious enthusiasm and warm welcome, once again proved it’s up to the task.

Conclusion: when music becomes memory Rockin’1000 Portugal wasn’t just an event to experience—it was one to remember. Through our photographic reportage, we sought to transform every note, every glance, and every emotion into images that speak for themselves. It was a visual and sonic journey that allowed us to tell the story of shared music—the kind that resonates in the hearts of those who play and those who listen. For us at Foto ReD Photographic Agency, documenting this concert was more than an assignment: it was a privilege, an enriching experience we’ll carry into every future shot. Because when a thousand voices unite in one song, the world stops to listen. And we were there, ready to capture it.