Some of our favourite moments from this year’s festival.
The London sun has finally fucked off and, in that classic British way, we already kinda miss it. But thinking back over offices with no aircon and the Central Line at rush hour (read: one of the Circles of Hell that Dante missed out), we’re reminiscing about more enjoyable sunny places. Mainly Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival.
Taking place earlier this month, we were lucky enough to snatch a ticket (and a tan) and had, probably, one of the best weekends ever. Here’s a quick look back at some of our fave memories from this year’s festival…
Oh, Alex Turner, how we love you. Taking to the stage for a headline slot on the Saturday, Arctic Monkeys certainly didn’t disappoint (as if you ever thought they would). Whipping through hits from all of their six albums, including their latest Mercury Prize shortlisted masterpiece Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, we blame the 20 song setlist for all of our dance-related injuries the next day.
Mad Cool Stage/Madrid Te Abraza Stage
Where else can you watch Arctic Monkeys and then do a 180 and see Franz Ferdinand? With their two main stages placed within 10 second walking distance, Mad Cool alternated acts between the stages meaning no huge waiting time and no worries about having to leave a set early to catch the next band. Take note Glasto.
Based in Madrid, Mad Cool had loads of local bands playing to really showcase what Spain has to offer. By far our fave was Núria Graham who wowed the Mondo Sonoro Stage with her alt-pop gems.
When everyone was having a boogie to Pearl Jam, we pushed through the crowd to go see Post Malone and the annoyed glances from accidentally knocking over beer pushing our way through was worth it. Performing mega-hits including “White Iverson”, “Congratulations” and “rockstar”, we’re fully calling Post-y as our fave act of the first night. Soz Eddie.
Like with all young festivals, growth can sometimes be a slightly difficult process. With capacity rising from 30,000 to 80,000 this year, Mad Cool encountered a few bumps in the road on the first day and a quick check on Twitter will give you a rundown of the slight chaos that ensued. However, they made amends the next day and all went a lot smoother. Onwards and upwards.
Dua Lipa is the pop princess we all need. When she busted onto the stage in full glittery glory, there wasn’t one person in the huge crowd not dancing along. If you need and new rules, here’s our number one: SEE DUA LIPA LIVE AND REJOICE. You’re welcome.
Speaks for itself, doesn’t it?