Rick Rubin's Festival of the Sun 2026 draws criticism for elitism
The second edition of the Festival of the Sun, curated by legendary record producer Rick Rubin, took place on June 21, 2026, in Colle di Val d'Elsa, Tuscany. The event featured performances by Devendra Banhart, Hatis Noit, Joep Beving, Jovanotti, Jolly Mare, Ganavya, and Yann Tiersen, with surprise sets in locations like the hills of Mensano and the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Monteriggioni. Tickets sold out via DICE before the lineup was announced, and an age restriction (18+) contradicted the festival's initial promise of free, community-oriented access. Notable attendees included actors Riccardo Scamarcio, Alessandro Borghi, and Benedetta Porcaroli. While the festival boosted the international profile of Colle di Val d'Elsa, Monteriggioni, and Mensano, it faced criticism on social media for being elitist and described as "cultural turbo-capitalism" disguised as a spiritual experience. The local administration issued a statement thanking residents for their patience and cooperation, acknowledging the disruption to daily life.
Key facts
- Festival of the Sun second edition held on June 21, 2026, in Colle di Val d'Elsa.
- Curated by record producer Rick Rubin, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings.
- Performers included Devendra Banhart, Hatis Noit, Joep Beving, Jovanotti, Jolly Mare, Ganavya, and Yann Tiersen.
- Tickets sold out before the program was announced via DICE platform.
- Age restriction: no one under 18 admitted.
- Notable attendees: Riccardo Scamarcio, Alessandro Borghi, Benedetta Porcaroli.
- Criticized as elitist and 'cultural turbo-capitalism' on social media.
- Local administration thanked residents for patience and cooperation.
Entities
Artists
- Rick Rubin
- Devendra Banhart
- Hatis Noit
- Joep Beving
- Jovanotti
- Jolly Mare
- Ganavya
- Yann Tiersen
- Run-D.M.C.
- LL Cool J
- Beastie Boys
- Public Enemy
- Geto Boys
- Johnny Cash
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Metallica
- Slayer
- System of a Down
- Slipknot
- Tom Petty
- Mick Jagger
- Aerosmith
- AC/DC
- Audioslave
- Linkin Park
- Weezer
- The Strokes
- Adele
- Shakira
- Jay-Z
- Kanye West
- Riccardo Scamarcio
- Alessandro Borghi
- Benedetta Porcaroli
Institutions
- Def Jam Recordings
- American Recordings
- DICE
- Artribune
Locations
- Colle di Val d'Elsa
- Italy
- Casole d'Elsa
- Mensano
- Monteriggioni
- Santa Maria Assunta
- Tuscany
- Lido Beach
- Val d'Elsa