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Art Box portal is following the Rock en Seine festival directly from Paris for the first time in an official capacity. Our editorial team is on-site here, while also continuing to cover events in Serbia. The festival’s opening night celebrated women, with a focus on inclusivity, recycling, gender equality, ecology, and a cashless experience. Performing was Chappell Roan, the queer pop sensation; the atmosphere in Paris—where thousands celebrate diversity, freedom, and music—reminds us of the stark contrast with our social and political realities at home, and reaffirms that neither music nor culture exists outside their social and political contexts.

Rock en Seine launched its 21st edition on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the iconic Domaine National du Parc de Saint‑Cloud in Paris. The first night continued a tradition introduced in 2023: celebrating female performers with only women and all-female bands on the main stage, highlighting women’s contributions to contemporary music.

The evening opened with Luvcat, a rising star in pop, followed by performances by Suki Waterhouse and London Grammar. Yet the biggest crowd draw was Chappell Roan—the American pop phenomenon and Grammy winner for Best New Artist—whose Paris show is her only confirmed concert in France this year. Her queer aesthetics, drag-inspired performance, and songs about growing up in a conservative environment, sexuality, and identity resonated deeply with fans, many donning her signature pink cowboy hats.

Chappell Roan performed standout tracks including The Giver, Super Graphic Ultra Modern Gir, Coffee, and Femininomenon, exploring gender norms and the liberating power of female identity amid striking visual staging and costumes.

On the Horizons stage, young talents Thea, Sunday (1994), and Sofia Isella brought youthful energy and diversity to the festival’s first night.

Rock en Seine continues again this year as a cashless, eco-friendly festival, implementing specific recycling and environmental protection measures, alongside a safe zone for anyone seeking security and support.

However, the festival hasn’t remained detached from politics: despite promoting ecology, gender equality, and inclusion, the decision by the Saint‑Cloud city authorities to withdraw financial support in response to the Irish band Kneecap—known for their politically charged songs and support for Palestine—has sparked widespread reaction.

Over the coming days, audiences will enjoy performances by global headline acts including Queens of the Stone Age, Fontaines D.C., Vampire Weekend, Last Train, Empire of the Sun, Justice, Doechii, Kid Cudi, Floating Points, The Limiñanas, and I Hate Models Rock en Seine+1.

The opening night showed that Rock en Seine is more than just a music festival—it’s a space for affirming diversity, freedom, and creativity. Chappell Roan marked the evening with her performance, uniting the audience through music, theatrical presence, and messages of identity and emancipation.

And Art Box portal continues its on-the-ground coverage from Paris while also keeping an eye on events unfolding in Serbia.