London could gain valuable insights from Madrid. Beyond the delightful cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and vibrant nightlife (who's up for a siesta?), the Spanish capital has mastered the art of summer festivals. While the British summer typically involves dealing with mild heatstroke, unfortunate tan lines, and hastily consuming an unappealing serving of chips between performances, Mad Cool—now in its eighth year—seems to anticipate attendees' needs before they even realize them. Need to reapply sunblock? Check. A designated, seated food area? Check. A massive water-spewing fan for cooling off? Check.
At 6pm, when the initial acts of the day grace their stages, the temperature is still a scorching 37°C. What better way to spend it than dancing in a black tent to high-energy West Coast punk? Twelve years after their debut album, FIDLAR still embodies the essence of rebellious skater boys, renowned for their energetic songs about youthful discontent and partying. However, their tracks remain as impactful as ever. Amid flying drinks, crowd surfing, and a “chicas only” mosh pit, the audience at this cozy stage is constantly moving. Frontman and guitarist Zac Carper, while undeniably rough around the edges, commands the crowd’s attention, whether it's during the nursery rhyme-inspired chorus of ‘40Oz. On Repeat’ or springing up from the ground during the raucous finale ‘Cocaine.’ Even amidst the chaos, there's a moment for a cheeky snippet of ‘Wonderwall,’ with Carper jokingly asking, “donde es la biblioteca?”
In the sunshine, a refreshing break comes from Conor Oberst’s Bright Eyes, who makes an effort to bridge cultural gaps with some light stage banter (“This one’s called ‘The Wheels On The Bus Go Round and Round’,” he jokes, eliciting curious but confused looks from the crowd). Despite the cultural references not resonating with everyone, they deliver a rich, engaging set showcasing their melodic folk-rock at its best, with the banjo-driven singalong of ‘First Day Of My Life’ standing out as one of the day’s most heartwarming moments.
Meanwhile, on the festival's second stage, rock legend Iggy Pop infuses dramatic flair into the evening; though his set is momentarily interrupted by technical issues—something pop favorite Gracie Abrams also adeptly managed earlier—he seems unfazed, prowling the stage and energetically celebrating the moment. The gathered audience can feel they are in the presence of a true icon, especially as The Stooges' frontman, at 78, still has the energy to perform passionately, with the punchy one-two of ‘The Passenger’ and ‘Lust For Life’ solidifying his legendary status.
Regardless of opinions about Muse, one thing is irrefutable: Matt Bellamy and his band know how to deliver an impressive show. Familiar with Mad Cool from their 2022 performance, the Devonshire rockers step in as headliners in place of Kings Of Leon—who had to cancel their summer 2025 tour due to injury. Under a canopy of large, lantern-like structures that rise and fall while lights and lasers play off them, Muse presents a set filled with anthemic tracks that are perfectly suited for such grand stages. Amidst the headbanging and crowd excitement, Bellamy channels his inner Freddie Mercury for a piano segment reminiscent of Queen before charging back into action with the explosive opening riff of ‘Supermassive Black Hole.’ While Bellamy's illuminated jacket may flirt with cliché, Muse excels in the art of captivating festival performances.
The wonderfully late-start, late-finish schedule of Mad Cool means that even after the headliners, the festival remains lively. For those with enough energy to keep dancing until ‘90s stalwarts Weezer take the stage at 00:40, the finale may prove to be the highlight: comfortably engaging with the audience and sounding excellent, the band—led by the adorably unassuming Rivers Cuomo—appear to be riding high after a successful Glastonbury performance. They seamlessly mix tracks from their extensive catalog (with an emphasis on their 1996 album ‘Pinkerton’ and 2001’s self-titled work) alongside playful Spanish quips and clever references to the location (with their outro of fan favorite ‘Beverly Hills’ aptly modified), delivering a set that not only reinforces but broadens their legacy. This crowd is not just filled with devoted fans who have loved them for years; it also includes a surprising number of younger attendees—dressed in teal and green—who may not have been alive when some of these songs were released yet can still enthusiastically jump along to the euphoric closing track ‘Buddy Holly.’
From impactful cult figures to today's pop stars, Friday's schedule presents an impressive variety of musical offerings.
The duo from the Black Country shares insights into the “strangely isolating” experiences that influenced their impactful second album, ‘NATIONAL AVERAGE.’
Mahalia is back with her latest single 'Instructions'. The UK R&B artist marked the beginning of her 'Luvergirl' era with the release of her track 'Different Type Of'.
After his impactful performance at Glastonbury and the release of his uplifting new album ‘Self-Titled’, Kae Tempest is experiencing a mix of reflection, excitement, and gratitude. Above all, he is in tune with himself.
Larry June and Cardo have released a new full-length collaboration titled 'Until Night Comes'. The duo has dropped a series of singles, including tracks like 'Ya Feel.
Emerging Dutch producer Sim Fane has secured the top spot with his reinterpretation of Nicole Bus’ 'Freeline', transforming the sultry RnB original into a
The temperature might be rising, but that won't stop Muse, Weezer, Iggy Pop, and others from delivering an electrifying performance on Thursday.