Rock in Rio has confirmed its first name for the 2026 edition: Elton John will headline the Palco Mundo (World Stage) on 7 September, marking his only Brazilian show of the year and his first performance in the country since the end of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.
The announcement opens the countdown to the festival, with Rock in Rio Card tickets — which secure entry before the full lineup is revealed — going on sale 9 December via Ticketmaster Brasil.
Elton says:
“I’ve always had a fantastic time whenever we’ve played in Brazil. I didn’t manage to get to South America for the farewell tour, so when Rock In Rio asked me to play, I said yes immediately. I love my Brazilian fans, they hold such a special place in my heart… We’re playing brilliantly and sounding as good as we ever have. I really cannot wait to return to Brazil next summer.”
The performance arrives two years after Elton wrapped up touring and earned EGOT status making him one of the few artists to hold all four major awards (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). His show is expected to draw on six decades of music, including classics such as Rocket Man, Your Song, Tiny Dancer, I’m Still Standing and Candle in the Wind.
Rock in Rio 2026 Dates
Cidade do Rock – Rio de Janeiro Olympic Park
4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13 September 2026
The festival has grown into one of the most influential music events in Brazil since its first edition in 1985. Recent years have seen Rock in Rio expand its reach with blockbuster headliners, record-breaking ticket demand, and a programming model that regularly sells out months before full lineups are announced.
Rock in Rio Card
- On sale: 9 December
- Platform: Ticketmaster Brasil
- Guarantees access before the lineup is fully revealed
- Fans choose their festival date later
Rock in Rio encourages fans to register ahead of time to speed up purchase processing. In 2024, all 180,000 cards sold out in 2 hours, with demand exceeding availability by hundreds of thousands.
Elton John — beyond the stage
Across nearly 60 years, Elton has sold more than 327 million records, played over 4,600 shows in more than 80 countries, and authored the best-selling physical single in history (Candle in the Wind, 1997). He has also directed his influence offstage, raising over US$450 million through the Elton John AIDS Foundation, supporting programs across four continents.
His return to Brazil marks not just a one-off performance, but a rare moment from one of music’s most enduring artists in a country where he has long drawn feverish crowds.
