Rock in Rio: Music festival is financial success despite national crisis

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It's known as one of the largest music festivals in the world--Rock in Rio. What began in 1985, in back in Rio de Janeiro is now in its 17th edition. It's an event that mixes music and business like no other. CGTN's Lucrecia Franco has more.

For music and party lovers, Rock in Rio is like Disneyland. A playground with a star-filled musical line up performing to a crowd of thousands. Tickets to watch rock legends such as iconic Alice Cooper cost $140 U.S. dollars. They were sold out in April, despite Brazil's economic crisis.

FERNANDA VELOSO FAN "This is priceless, an unforgettable experience. It could cost a million and I would be happy."

The mega festival is taking place at the 2016 Olympic games main venue. Olympic Park, now transformed into a three-hundred-thousand square meter arena.

LUCRECIA FRANCO RIO DE JANEIRO "More than a music festival Rock in Rio has taken on the look and the feel of a theme park but most fans seem to love it and for some it is a once in a life time experience."

MIKE LARSON US TOURIST "I love the people here, the energy is amazing, all of the people in Rock in Rio, in Brazil, this is my favorite country in the world besides the United States."

It is also big business. More than seven hundred products have been licensed for the festival and are being sold quickly. Good news for cash-strapped Brazilians.

ALEX LOPES, MANAGER CHILLI BEAN SUNGLASSES "Sales are great. In this moment of crisis. Rock in Rio, came at the right time and we are selling more than we expected."

The world's biggest companies are also sponsoring the festival with new virtual reality gaming and a super stage -offering you a chance to be a star, even if just for a moment. This year with fifteen hundred artists on the bill, Rock in Rio, organizers say it is a new business model, a commercial success, and it is clear fans are enjoying it. Lucrecia Franco, CGTN, Rio de Janeiro.