It was an incredible show, one of the most spectacular in the city’s memory, but Travis Scott’s “earthquake in the rocks,” which has also made the pages of the New York Times in recent days, still sparks controversy in Rome. Sixty thousand Circus Maximus, inflamed by the performance of the Texas rapper, who had the wild Kanye West as a guest, literally made Rome tremble.
Travis Scott’s ‘Earthquake’ makes Rome shake
So much so that many thought it was a real earthquake. Hence the controversy, the threat to stop events at the Circus Maximus by the director of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum, Alfonsina Russo, and the cordial conversation between the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, and the Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano. For the following activities, starting with the long-awaited concert of Max Pezzali, more attention will need to be paid: strict control, strict adherence to the regulations that are prescribed in black and white by the Archaeological Park during authorization. Heavy fines.
Travis Scott’s ‘Earthquake’ Makes Rome Shake: A Show to Shout Also With Kanye West
When U2 blew the windows in Flaminio
But Travis Scott was not the first and perhaps not even the last musical earthquake in Rome. After what happened at Circus Maximus during the performance of the rapper, many remembered the unforgettable U2 concert at Flaminio Stadium. Certainly not a monumental place. It was May 27, 1987, when 45,000 people broke into the factory, which today stands abandoned. The 100,000 watt system and the thousands of fans blasted to the rock notes of the Irish band set off so many vibrations that residents of houses bordering Flaminio became alarmed, thinking of an earthquake. That magical night was not without broken glass and cracks for U2 fans and for the band itself. The next day was also not without controversy. As today. But in Rome, now increasingly the music capital, with many international artists performing in the city and Coldplay recording to full houses for four shows in 2024, “the show must go on.”