“This is the coolest festival in the world,” declared CMAT as she drew a massive early evening crowd to the Orange Stage at Mad Cool. The roar from her audience—a vibrant mix of holidaying Irish fans and enthusiastic locals—confirmed that this sentiment was widely shared. It was a fitting start to a landmark tenth anniversary for the festival, which once again proved its ability to cater to every musical taste.
The lineup was nothing short of spectacular. From pop powerhouses like Zara Larsson, Lorde, and Florence + the Machine to seasoned rock legends like Kings of Leon and Foo Fighters, the festival offered something for everyone. Alt-rock enthusiasts were treated to sets from Pulp and Pixies, while electronic fans enjoyed the sounds of Moby and Richie Hawtin.
The Foo Fighters proved why they remain the ultimate festival band, delivering a hit-packed set on the first night. A highlight included a special medley of songs from the members’ previous projects, such as Sunny Day Real Estate’s ‘Seven’ and tracks reflecting Pat Smear’s punk roots.
Day two was a celebration of female power, featuring Florence + the Machine, JENNIE, CMAT, and Lorde. Rising star Sadie Jean also made a significant impression, commanding a large crowd with her emotive pop. Florence’s performance stood out as a career-spanning celebration, featuring a welcome return of her cover of ‘You’ve Got the Love’ and a powerful rendition of ‘Buckle’.
On day three, the Pixies provided the perfect soundtrack to a Madrid sunset, with their performance of ‘Where Is My Mind?’ serving as a festival highlight. They were followed by the rising alt-rock band Cliffords, whose growing fanbase and energetic performance solidified their status as ones to watch.
The festival concluded with a masterclass from Nick Cave, who delivered what was arguably the most powerful set of the weekend. His performance felt like a communal love-in, moving from the euphoria of ‘Joy’ to the heartbreaking intimacy of ‘Into My Arms’. As Mad Cool celebrates its first decade, it remains an essential destination for music lovers worldwide. Feliz Cumpleaños, Mad Cool.