Saturday April 27th, 2024
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Acts for the Ages: The Pyramids’ Most Iconic Concerts

From Sinatra to Maroon 5, these superstars had the unique honour of performing in front of the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Riham Issa

Acts for the Ages: The Pyramids’ Most Iconic Concerts

After American rapper Travis Scott announced that he will launch his upcoming album ‘Utopia’ with a concert at the Pyramids, and rumours circled about The Weekend being a surprise guest, we couldn’t help but start reminiscing about all the times the Pyramids witnessed global artists rattle the cement (or the sands, in this case?) with their live performances.

From classic music legends, to techno masterminds and pop sensations, we take a look back at some of the most memorable and utterly unforgettable shows by legendary superstars that left a mark through the decades.


Louis Armstrong, 1961

American trumpet player and vocalist, and one of the most influential figures in jazz music, Louis Armstrong put on a blissful show at the Egyptian landmark as part of his international tour.

Grateful Dead, 1978

A ‘Be-in’ moment unravelled at the Great Pyramids of Giza as the legendary American rock band turned the historic site into a heaven for music and free-spirited revelry with their fusion of rock, blues, jazz and country. The band threw three live concerts in Egypt to raise funds for handicapped children and the Cairo Museum of the Antiquities (aka the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir).

In this clip, the 70s rock band got the crowd grooving with one of their hit tunes ‘Candyman’.


Frank Sinatra, 1979

The one and only Frank Sinatra performed some of his most iconic hits such as ‘Strangers In The Night’ and ‘My Way’ right at the foot of the Pyramids.


Julio Iglesias, 1981

Famed Spanish singer-songwriter and heartbreaker gave a mesmerising performance by the Great Pyramids of Giza in the 80s. Later in 2010, Julio stopped by Egypt again as part of his ‘Starry Night with Julio Iglesias’ world tour, stealing more hearts along the way.


Sting, 2001

British musician, actor, and former bassist, songwriter, and frontman for new wave rock band, The Police, Sting threw a concert marrying throbbing Arab rhythms with the power of Western rock and the floodlit Sphinx and the Pyramids as a backdrop. There, the rockstar also performed his song with Algerian Rai- musician Cheb Mami, ‘ Desert Rose’ just two hours before midnight.


Andrea Bocelli, 2003

The world’s most beloved Italian tenor performed at the Pyramids not once, but twice! In 2003 and again in 2010, Bocelli delivered emotional and phenomenal concertos that showcased his signature operatic style.


Shakira, 2005

Shakira put on an unforgettable show by the Pyramids with more than 100,000 attendees, marking the highest concert attendance in the history of Egypt at the time.


Mariah Carey, 2010

We don’t want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing we need… and apparently it’s to relive this magic moment where American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey swooned the crowds in front of the Pyramids.


Kylie Minogue, 2010

Australian singer and songwriter Kylie Minogue thrilled fans at an open-air concert in front of the Pyramids at the 10th anniversary of Enigma magazine. The pop star took to the stage in a gorgeous Emilio Pucci sheer gown and a staggering pair of spiked Christian Louboutin heels.


Red Hot Chili Peppers, 2019

American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers entertained more than 10,000 people in front of the Great Pyramids of Giza, with a fire set featuring some of their most famous tracks, like ‘’Can’t Stop’; ‘Californication’ and ‘Dark Necessities’.


Black Eyed Peas, 2021

Where is the love? In 2021, the crowds found it right in front of the Giza Pyramids when the Black Eyed Peas took over the stage with an unforgettable live performance, along with Egyptian pop group Sharmoofers.


Russ, 2022

Multi-platinum American rapper Russ drew in screams from the crowd at his live performance at the Pyramids in October 2022. He is also scheduled to perform on August 25th this year at the Al Alamein Festival, marking his third performance in Egypt.


Maroon 5, 2022

As the first date of the Middle Eastern-leg of their 2022 World Tour, American pop rock band Maroon 5, led by Adam Levine, put on a spectacular show on May 3rd featuring hits like ‘Payphone’ and ‘Sugar’.


Carl Cox, 2023

Earlier in March of this year, renowned world-famous DJ Carl Cox delivered a thumping live set, creating soundscapes of eclectic house and techno music that had crowds on all toes the whole night.

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