“We have received over 2,500 registrations from around the world. Of these, 700 musicians have been selected, and 52% are Portuguese,” stated the CEO of the promoter, MOT – Memories of Tomorrow, during the event’s presentation.
On the pitch of the Estádio Municipal de Leiria, which is hosting the show for the second consecutive year, Tiago Castelo Branco explained that the aim is to fill the remaining 300 spots with Portuguese musicians:
“We want to give a stage to Portuguese music and talent. We believe that in the coming weeks, we will reach the target of one thousand, with the 300 Portuguese musicians still needed.”
The age range of the registered musicians spans from the youngest at five years old to the oldest at 74, he added.
An innovation for the 2025 edition of Rockin’1000 is the introduction of an optional fee for musicians to secure priority in the selection process. The semi-annual subscription costs 75 euros, and the annual one costs 95 euros.
This option has faced criticism from some musicians, but Fabio Zaffagnini, the project’s founder, assured from Italy that “participating in Rockin’1000 is free.”
“Anyone can join, but from this year, we introduced a membership program for those who want to support the project and help it grow,” he explained.
The Italian organizer further clarified that among the thousand participants in 2025, those who are not Portuguese have a ‘membership,’ and among the Portuguese musicians currently registered, 30% are ‘supporters’ [with a paid subscription] while 70% will be free members.
“Membership is our way to support the project, but participation is free. Members of Rockin’1000 enjoy benefits, as it is fair to have some advantages. Most Portuguese musicians will participate for free,” he reiterated.
By August 13, all one thousand musicians filling the positions for voice, guitar, piano, bass, and drums will be determined.
Today, in Leiria, the second guest of this edition was announced. In addition to Tim, Marisa Liz will also perform at the Estádio Municipal Dr. Magalhães Pessoa.
“Marisa Liz will interpret an original song by António Variações, chosen specifically for the moment the world is living through. António Variações couldn’t have known that so many years later, the world would be on the brink of a nuclear war. She will sing ‘Guerra nuclear,’ for its power and message,” stated the CEO.
The lineup will feature 20 rock songs, and at least one other in Portuguese, “À minha maneira.”
“It’s a song by Xutos e Pontapés, and rightfully so,” exclaimed Tim, lead vocalist of the band, who was also present at the presentation in Leiria.
The musician expressed that “the expectation is high”:
“Playing with a thousand musicians and for an audience of tens of thousands is always very exciting. I’m sure it will be a magnificent show.”
With a projected attendance of 22,000 spectators, Rockin’1000 currently has “30% more tickets sold than we had last year when we opened sales.”
“If last year we sold out about a week before the event, I’m convinced that by early August we might achieve the results we had last September,” concluded the MOT representative.
