Today, São Paulo pulsed with excitement for the highly anticipated Bangers Open Air . The festival will take place between May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2025.
The festival doors opened to the public around 2:15 PM. Soon after, attendees began to gather in front of the Ice Stage , where the first warm-up show took place. Entry was smooth and well-organized, contributing to a positive and uneventful start to the event.
Check out the coverage from our contributors Caio Botrel and Luhana Botinelly , and the exclusive photos by Jéssica Marinho .
Kissin' Dynamite – warm up opening
The festival started punctually with a show by the German band Kissin' Dynamite , who were performing in Brazil for the first time, on the Ice Stage . With an extremely energetic performance, the band won over the audience in the first few minutes. It was an impressive start to the festival, with the Germans positively surprising with their intensity and stage presence.
It was remarkable to see the audience singing and dancing to all the songs, from classics from the early albums to the most recent Back With A Bang (2024). The musicians were visibly excited, smiling frequently and interacting a lot with the audience — who responded with even more enthusiasm.
The electrifying presentation of Dogma
The band Dogma took the stage around 4:10 PM and delivered a memorable show to the audience, who were eagerly awaiting their return. One of the highlights of the performance was the audience's active participation.
The band's stage presence was a highlight, with their interaction with the audience full of charisma and theatricality, a hallmark of the band that is already beloved among Brazilians.
The highlight of the performance was the unusual and powerful version of Madonna which surprised and thrilled everyone.
Armored Saint – Californian heavy metal
Californian heavy metal legends Armored Saint also kicked off their set on the Ice Stage , drawing a slightly larger crowd than at the start of the festival. However, it wasn't an easy task, as Dogma's previous show had been one of the best of the day, capturing much of the audience's attention.
Although the audience wasn't as enthusiastic as at previous shows, the band, with their vast experience, exuded energy from beginning to end. It was a technically flawless show, with the musicians' performance maintaining the quality expected of major names in metal.
Pretty Maids – a show apart
Next, Pretty Maids brought their powerful hard rock to the stage. Although the audience was a little less enthusiastic compared to the previous performance, the Danish band didn't let it faze them and delivered an energetic and charismatic show.
Owners of several hard rock hits and major influences on bands like Blind Guardian , the musicians demonstrated professionalism and passion and delivered a great show.
Doro Pesch, the majesty of Heavy Metal
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest stars of the night was the metal queen, Doro Pesch .
The legendary German singer captivated the audience with her infectious energy and unparalleled charisma, delivering what many considered the best show of the opening night.
The interaction with the fans was constant, creating a celebratory atmosphere. Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of the performance was the moving tribute to Judas Priest, with a powerful rendition of "Breaking the Law," driving the audience wild.
In addition to playing several classics from her career, Doro made a point of repeatedly demonstrating her affection for Brazil and the audience that welcomed her with enthusiasm.
Glenn Hughes – closes the first day of the festival.
Glenn Hughes , the British rock legend, took to the stage for one of his last shows in Brazil. Although the musician still has five more dates scheduled for November, this Friday's performance, the 2nd, was his last in Brazilian territory at festivals. Right after Doro Pesch's fantastic show on the Ice Stage , the audience rushed to the front of the Hot Stage , where they waited a few minutes until, simply, the band members entered. Finally, Glenn Hughes took to the stage with his bass and, with the same simplicity, began the show. The audience's emotion was palpable as they watched the Englishman perform with his excellent band at the festival. Even tired from the day, the audience sang the songs at the top of their lungs, still animated and full of energy.
Playing classics from his solo career and Deep Purple , Hughes mentioned that he arrived in Brazil today and would have to return to Los Angeles the next day, but he made a point of highlighting the importance of São Paulo in his career, making clear his special affection for the city.
Bangers Open Air warm-up left everyone wanting more. With an enthusiastic crowd that filled the Memorial da América Latina and sang along to the various songs, the energy for the coming days will be at an all-time high.
The festival continues tomorrow, starting at noon, in São Paulo, and it promises to be epic.
READ ALSO : Saxon's Biff Byford talks to Wikimetal about Bangers Open Air, Latin American fans and more
