The Spanish heat made it one to remember.

Day One:

The first day of Madrid’s famed Mad Cool Festival was packed with about just as much talent from Britain as it was Spain, Europe and overseas. Following a successful first year at a new location in the Villaverde area, the Summer festival returned to the same site for four days of music in the glorious July heat.

First up, I ventured on over to see Julieta. Regrettably, my Spanish is a little rusty so the lyrics of each song didn’t quite hit the same as I know they would if I did speak the language. Regardless of language barriers, it’s easy to recognise a good performance and Julieta put on an incredible show at her early slot on day one of the Madrid festival. She and her dancers used every single bit of stage to perform and the crowd sang along to each song as if it were the last. 

The English lads Nothing But Thieves’ golden hour set was one to remember. It seems like the five-piece have played at almost every European festival over the last year and they show no sign of slowing down soon. It’s just as well that their fans are definitely not ready for them to do any such thing. Today the crowd sang along word for word to every song, as those near the front jumped up and down with unrelenting ferocity. Vocalist Conor Mason was his usual energetic self and danced all around the stage with each of his bandmates. He always seems to be enjoying his music just as much as the crowd. 

Despite a Dua Lipa set clash the Edinburgh trio Swim School packed the indoor tent out with fans and rock lovers alike. It was their first time playing in Madrid and it was clear that some in the crowd had waited a long time for this day. The Spanish capital wasn’t home to everyone though as cries of “No Scotland, No Party” prompted vocalist and guitarist Alice to ask if there were “Any Scots in the audience?”. She was met with loud cheers and countered “are you actually from Scotland?” before deciding she believed them. She and guitarist Lewis Bunting strutted around every bit of the stage while drummer Billy McMahon kept the rhythm from his raised perch. 

Crawlers rounded out the British talent on day one in style. Vocalist Holly Minto is an incredible frontperson and, along with bandmates guitarist Amy Woodall, bassist Olivia Kettle and drummer Harry Breen, could get even a mild-mannered crowd going crazy. Tonight’s set was nothing of the such though and they were jumping around from the get-go. They played old and new tracks alike, and Holly got rowdier with the crowd as they held their mic stand high, kicked a leg in the air, and even dropped to the ground in front of Amy. It’s easy to see why this band has had so much success recently; they are the real deal and I can’t wait to see them grow even more in the years to come.

If you read my previous review (read here) of The Smashing Pumpkins’ OVO Hydro show back in June then you know exactly how I feel about this band. Tonight was no different as they squeezed some new, some old and some classics into their set. The crowd was massive as new and old fans flocked to see what is the closest to the band’s original line-up since their heyday. We were all treated with an equally haunting performance. 

Day 2:

Pearl Jam merchandise was galore on the second day of Madrid’s Mad Cool festival. The 90’s heroes closed out the day from The Mad Cool stage itself but it wasn’t just about your dad’s (and my) favourite band from Washington on Thursday night.

As I rounded the corner to the Mahou Estrellas stage I was instantly struck by the massive queue of people waiting outside for the doors of the covered tunnel tent to open, waiting in anticipation for Brighton rock unit Black Honey. Any doubt of Black Honey’s British stardom translating over the water was squashed and it became clear that this was a band whose well-established image set them up for success anywhere. The cabaret-style tent, fitted with mirrors along the side and even a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, was the perfect setting for their glitz and glam set. 

Vocalist and guitarist Izzy Phillips took to the stage in a red outfit with a matching hat and launched into All My Pride from the band’s debut album. The Brighton four-piece played hit after hit and, upon finishing OK, Izzy shared with the crowd, “We’ve just been told there’s a queue of people outside” and “We would like to encourage everyone to take three steps forward”. Everyone obliged, and more fans piled in as the newer hit Lemonade began. 

Izzy then asked if there were any “Women or non-binary people in the room?”. Scattered cheers responded and the band invited any who were to “take a step forward”, adding that “creating a safe space for women at rock shows” was a priority for them. Making such a supportive atmosphere while putting on a show that seems award-worthy is no mean feat but Black Honey do that and more. They truly are some of the modern greats.

Only a couple of  weeks after their highly praised Glastonbury set, the Irish trio Kneecap came to show Madrid what they were all about. 

If I thought the queue for Black Honey on the same stage earlier in the day had been big, then this one was enormous. Hundreds of fans waited outside in a line that stretched across the festival grounds. Some bore Irish flags and others with handmade or newly purchased balaclavas in the style of DJ Próvaí. The group has recently begun selling the latter at “times and places to be decided” so only a select few have managed to grab their own so far.

Once the lucky 800 were allowed into the covered stage, the madness began. Irish chants echoed around the room as the Belfast locals took to the stage. Everyone in there believed in Kneecap and the message they are spreading; it was incredible to witness. Fans of all ages got behind the lads as Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap paced about the stage, rapping towards the crowd and each other. DJ Próvaí maintained his position behind the decks for almost the entire set and, of course, didn’t remove his balaclava for one second despite the Madrid heat. The trio certainly proved themselves today and it felt like they had done so long ago to this crowd of adoring fans.

English DJ Nia Archives has been making more and more of a name for herself recently and will soon be playing London’s own O2 Brixton Academy. Her set began just after sunset and she carried the crowd into the night. Nia bounced onto stage, packed with all the right moves and wasted no time getting started. The audience grew and grew as the sound of her set had jungle lovers running towards the Orange Stage from wherever they had been before. Her energy is infectious and by the time her set reached an end everybody was renewed for the night to come. 

Madrid locals LUCY feel like a breath of fresh air in a world of punk that is heavily dominated by men. The quartet’s set was powerful and full of meaning. Lead vocalist Neli wore badges of the Palestinian and New Progress Pride flags as well as one with the words ‘Eat the Rich’ all around her Anarchy ‘A’ tagged corset. 

They paced around the stage as they sang their statement songs in Spanish. Just over a year into their journey, they have already amassed a cult following of fans who were all head banging and hair-swishing as close to the stage as they could get. Definitely one to keep an eye on.

And now, for the iconic Pearl Jam. Gone are the days of Eddie Vedder causing a raucous on stage and climbing anything in sight. He now opts for connection with fans in another form as he reads from pages filled with what he wishes to say to them, in Spanish. His effort is noted as some giggle at his pronunciation of certain words but the general feeling is one of admiration for his effort.

The band is as good as ever as Mike McCready jumps around while playing guitar and Eddie hits every note perfectly. They play a mix of their classic tracks and new material from their latest release Dark Matter.

Even Flow and Black received the expected squeal of delight as they begin and participation from the crowd is amplified. It’s safe to say the Washington band have still got it and, while their show may have evolved from what it once was, it is still nothing short of legendary. 

Another incredible day at Mad Cool over as everyone headed home, full of glee; having witnessed a day of emerging and established talent. Seeing bands like Pearl Jam live will never get old for me and it’s great to see such an incredible variety of up and coming musicians too. There really is something for everyone at Mad Cool and all are welcome.

Day 3:

The penultimate day of Mad Cool was a hot one. Many topped up at the onsite sunblock stands and water was sprayed onto unsuspecting festival goers from backpacks worn by the designated ‘cooler downers’. 

One of the biggest bands to come out of Honduras, Atomic Rose, are proud of their heritage as they take to the Mahou Estrellas stage with their countries flag draped over the drum kit. They switched lead vocals throughout their set as every member’s stage presence was undeniable. They are definitely a band to keep an eye on, this is just the very beginning for the indie rock quartet.

Duo Sleaford Mods are on the bill for an impressive number of festivals this year and it’s easy to see why. While understated in dress and visuals, they use every bit of the stage and are all the more effective due to the lack of distraction. 

Vocalist Jason Williamson does his custom mic swallow and places his water bottle on top of his head at multiple times through their set while Andrew Fearn spends so much time dancing around the stage you forget he’s in control of the sound.

Jason checked up on the crowd, “You alright — fucking hot, isn’t it?”. No matter how hot or cold it is, though, you will always find these two in their classic t-shirt and shorts combo. 

When as such legends surrounds you as does the Rage Against The Machine guitarist, Tom Morello, you’re guaranteed to pack a space no matter the occasion and packed the Orange stage was. Tom and his band took to the stage with his young thirteen year old son, Roman. The first track was Soldier In The Army Of Love which the father and child pair wrote together, and even features a guitar solo to put to shame other ‘masters of the craft’ from the teenager. Having proved himself, Roman exits the stage leaving the rest of the set to his elders. 

Tom knows what the crowd wants and plays a mash-up of the guitar elements from some of Rage Against The Machine’s biggest hits. We all go wild as the air becomes many own’s air guitar and we bounce around excitedly. The Godfather of guitar soon returns to vocals and plays a varied catalogue of his own work. Tom’s reputation is well founded. He is a pioneer and puts on a show, and he brought everything to this set. 

Trio Stay Homas — that became roommates in Barcelona just a few months before the Covid-19 pandemic — exploded onto the scene in 2020. The first track they released was about the outbreak itself and since then the Spanish group have amassed an impressive pack of adoring fans. 

Their musical talent is impressive and their set features instruments that normally wouldn’t grace the stage at a concert or festival. I am left wondering why I don’t see more trombones and trumpets on stage when their addition is so warmly welcomed by this evening’s crowd. 

The end is in sight and it feels all too soon. With a monumental day behind us and a stacked Saturday line-up on the horizon, Mad Cool seems to just get better and better as the days go on. 

Day 4:

On its final day, Mad Cool made sure nobody left feeling short changed as an endless amount of adored bands and artists graced the six stages of the festival. I caught as many as I could and was seriously impressed with all of their unique and memorable performances.

London lads Sea Girls pulled out all the stops for their first time in Madrid, which Henry himself commented was “A long time coming”. 

Hits like Violet and Call Me Out were accompanied by new tracks from their last month release Midnight Butterflies. The crowd danced and sang along with all their might as guitarist Rory jumped around the stage. Henry teased of the following days England vs Spain Euros final football match, “It’s coming home boys” (note: it did not come home). From the mix of boos and cheers that came from the crowd it was evident that the audience were made up of fans from back home as well as Spain.

They will surely be back soon if the queue of fans waiting outside to get into the tent is anything to go by.

Following them was another English band, this time the Northern Picture Parlour. Still very fresh to the scene, they have already garnered attention for hits like Norwegian Wood and Judgement Day, both of which feature on quite a few of my playlists. The latter was an instant hit today to what was an impressively sized crowd. 

If there was any doubt of Avril Lavigne’s two decade spanning legend then she squashed it permanently on the last day at Mad Cool. No time for hanging around, she kicked off with Girlfriend and, before it could finish, pink streamers blasted across the festival grounds. Hands were raised to grab onto a keepsake from the pop punk princess’s set. The hits didn’t stop there with Complicated, Here’s to Never Growing Up and My Happy Ending following — much to the delight of fans.

Finishing with Sk8r Boi, Avril proved that twenty-two years after its worldwide success on 2002 album Let Go, it still packs a punch and she puts on a show like no other. 

The Australian-Ghanaian artist Genesis Owusu is truly sensational live. A totally empty stage allows him to move around frantically as he sings and raps with unrelenting ferocity. Dressed in black trousers and a white shirt with the words ‘I feel alone a lot, but I think we’re all alone together’ accompanied by his own knight-like armour with red tape covering his teeth, he makes quite the image.

Equal parts visionary and sheer musical talent Genesis (real name Kofi) is easily one of the most exciting emerging artists out there. 

Ashnikko, need I say more? If you’ve been to a European festival in the last few years you will have undoubtedly witnessed what an Ashnikko show has to offer. This was my third time seeing the pop sensation do their thing alongside dancers Lexee and Summer who feel integral to the performance. I can safely say they are one of the most headline worthy artists out there. 

Despite the late start time of 1am, Ashnikko’s Demidevils are out in force. They know every lyric to every song and dance as if auditioning for a part in Ashnikko’s touring ensemble. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect end to the week. Ashnikko truly is the real deal and I personally can't wait to see them make their mark on the UK as well as overseas.

The best really was saved until last. As weary bodies headed back home, exhaustion paled when weighed against the legend witnessed at Mad Cool 2024. I’m sure many of the same faces will be back again next year and, until then, I will wait in anticipation to see how the team of the Madrid festival are able to top this year’s all star line-up. 

Watch this space for incoming Mad Cool Festival 2025 news.

All photos by Isla Kerr. To book Isla for all of your photography needs, contact her here.