Sepultura was one of the many bands to perform on the Rock In Rio Festival in Brazil, as well as their stints in Spain and Portugal. They were one of the few Brazilians acts to participate who also gained international acclaim. Beginning in 1985, they invited international artists such as Queen, George Benson, James Taylor, Rod Stewart, AC/DC and Yes to participate. They are set to participate on the inaugural Rock In Rio USA in Las Vegas in May.

Frontman Derrick Green spoke about what this festival is about. “One of the reasons is it was one of the first festivals that ever occured here. They happened to have bands like AC/DC and Ozzy Osbourne and other international artists. It became an incredible event for Brazil for such a long time. They were able to achieve a lot. The festival was responsible for making sure it happens every year, and being able to capture many different generations of people, whether they’re old or young.”

“I think what draws internationally is they don’t go through too many problems to make things work out. They’re able to draw incredible acts and they’re getting support to make it happen.”

Since they have performed on this festival before, Green shared his dream lineup if he were booking the event.

“There’s a few of the bands who have already been playing like Metallica and Slayer, but there’s a lot of smaller bands like a band from Cleveland, OH that I’m a big fan of called Keelhaul. I don’t know if they’re even still together. I would definitely have them or other bands like this band from California called Armed For Apocalypse.”

“I’d have to go down a list but bands like The Prodigy or Ministry – bands we’ve done covers of. A good mix of different bands which would be cool to see.”

Interview By Rei Nishimoto