We’ve previously tipped you to the brilliant video of 1000 musicians simultaneously performing David Bowie‘s “Rebel Rebel.” The gargantuan effort was organized by Rockin’ 1000 as a follow-up to their epic turn on the Foo Fighters‘ “Learn to Fly.”
First, a bit of background…
In 2015, a group of 1000 performed the Foo Fighters’ song in an Italian field to help urge the Foos to perform in the Italian city of Cesena. Organizer Fabio Zaffagnini said:“I guess that this video is going to be seen by a huge amount of people. But it’s been addressed for just five people,” naming the individual members of the Foo Fighters. “Our call is to ask you to come and play for us.” (The clip has been viewed over 35 million times.)
Not surprisingly, the band heard about the outstanding marketing effort and were so touched by it that they did, in fact, perform there on November 3, 2015. Kudos all around to the organizers, the participants and the band.
The “Rebel Rebel” performance took place on July 24, 2016, when 1000 musicians assembled at Orogel Dino Manuzzi Stadium in Cesena, Italy for a full concert called “That’s Live.”
As the video breathlessly describes it: “‘That’s Live’: the first concert ever of the Biggest Rock Band on Earth!” This time, Zaffagnini says: “Musicians from all over the world came together and are giving us an incredible live show with no one [person] standing out.” If you haven’t watched the clip of the Bowie song, click here to read our story.
The same team has duplicated their efforts for more classic rock anthems, recorded and filmed at that July 2016 concert.
Watch Rockin’ 1000 perform Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
The next events are April 22, 2023 in Mexico City, May 20 in Bogota, and June 3 in Madrid.
Rockin’ 1000’s album, That’s Live: Live in Cesena 2016, also includes their versions of The Clash‘s “Police on My Back,” the Rolling Stones‘ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and Steppenwolf‘s “Born to Be Wild,” among its 17 songs.
