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The 24th edition of Azkena Rock Festival once again brought thousands of music lovers together at Mendizabala, Vitoria-Gasteiz, from June 18 to June 20. Three days dedicated to rock in all its forms, featuring a lineup designed to celebrate one of the most established and beloved festivals on the European circuit.

Organized by Last Tour, the company behind major events such as Bilbao BBK Live and one of the key promoters responsible for bringing international artists to the Basque Country, Azkena Rock Festival has maintained a unique identity throughout the years. Rock, blues, punk, soul, country music and countless other genres of rock music coexist in Mendizabala, where innovative new acts share the stage with legendary artists who helped shape the history of modern music.

Although the festival does not offer an on-site camping area, the organization provides shuttle services from various locations, making transportation relatively easy for those traveling from outside the city. It is a practical solution that helps make the overall experience smoother and more accessible from the very beginning.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear why Azkena Rock Festival continues to be regarded as one of the best-organized events of its kind. The accreditation process was simple, efficient and perfectly managed. Any questions were answered immediately, and all services were clearly signposted throughout the venue.

Despite attracting nearly 48,000 attendees across the three days, the festival remained remarkably comfortable. Parking proved easier than expected, queues were generally short, and moving around the venue never became a problem. The audience itself remains one of Azkena's defining characteristics. Most attendees travel from different parts of the Iberian Peninsula, although international visitors can also be found throughout the weekend. Unlike some of Europe's larger festivals, Azkena retains a distinctly local atmosphere, something many attendees clearly appreciate.

Weather conditions became one of the biggest challenges of the weekend. High temperatures dominated much of the festival, while periods of persistent rain occasionally disrupted the schedule, particularly during the second day. Fortunately, none of it significantly affected the concerts, although additional covered areas would certainly have been welcome during the heavier downpours.

Food and drink prices remained in line with those found at most major European festivals. A small beer cost €5.90, a large beer €11, bottled water €3, and soft drinks around €4.50. While not exactly cheap, the prices were hardly surprising for an event of this size.

The food selection focused on quality rather than quantity. Visitors could choose from award-winning burgers, pizzas, hot dogs, cachopos and various sandwich options, with prices remaining relatively reasonable considering the quality offered. One thing that felt noticeably absent, however, was a dedicated coffee stand or somewhere to grab a sweet snack between concerts.

One of the busiest spots throughout the weekend was the merchandise area where tickets for next year's festival were already on sale. With the 25th anniversary of Azkena Rock Festival approaching, the organization introduced an attractive package that included both a festival pass and an exclusive merchandise bundle. Judging by the constant queues, anticipation for next year's edition is already running extremely high.

Our adventure in Mendizabala officially began on Thursday afternoon. Although parking initially looked like it might become a challenge, we quickly found a space just a short walk from the venue. After collecting our press passes, everything was ready. The festival could finally begin.

One of Azkena's greatest strengths is the atmosphere created by its audience. The average age is noticeably higher than at many modern festivals, resulting in a relaxed, respectful and incredibly comfortable environment. Large crowds are rarely an issue, visibility is excellent from almost every part of the venue, and the overall experience remains enjoyable even during the busiest performances. Sound quality throughout the weekend was consistently strong, while schedules were generally respected with only minor delays.

The opening day took place under warm but manageable temperatures and without the rain that would arrive later in the festival. Artists performing throughout the day included Nhil, Robert Finley, Captain Trasho, DeWolff, Radioactivas, Imelda May, The Concrete Boys, Corrosion of Conformity, The Hives, The Adicts, Les Robots, DJ Joe Meats and Ángel y Cristo, showcasing the remarkable stylistic diversity that has become one of Azkena's trademarks.

One of the most distinctive areas of the festival remained Trashville, the venue's legendary side stage dedicated to underground, garage, punk and rock'n'roll oddities. As always, it provided some of the festival's most unique moments. Its intimate atmosphere makes it one of the most interesting places to discover new artists, although the high temperatures inside the tent occasionally made it difficult to stay for extended periods.

Among the most anticipated performances of the day was undoubtedly Corrosion of Conformity. The American band returned with many fans eager to see them again after a long absence from this part of the world. Following the departure of Mike Dean, the band's only remaining original member, many attendees were curious to see how this new chapter would unfold. Although the other musicians have also been part of the group's history for many years, this was undoubtedly a significant change for a band whose legacy stretches back more than four decades.

Any doubts quickly disappeared once the band took the stage. Corrosion of Conformity delivered a powerful performance full of energy and personality. Classic songs blended naturally with newer material in a set that remained strong from beginning to end. The heavy riffs, unmistakable groove and excellent execution reminded everyone why they continue to be regarded as one of the most respected names in heavy music. It was one of those performances that proves why some bands remain relevant decade after decade.

If one performance generated the most excitement throughout the day, however, it was The Hives. The Swedish rockers once again proved why they are considered one of the finest live bands in the world. Their entrance immediately set the tone, accompanied by giant spheres displaying the letters of the band's name and a stage production that perfectly matched their larger-than-life reputation.

Much of the credit belongs to Pelle Almqvist, one of rock's greatest frontmen. Tireless throughout the entire set, he constantly interacted with the audience, often speaking directly to the crowd in Spanish. His charisma and ability to command attention transformed the concert into a genuinely entertaining experience from beginning to end.

Musically, The Hives simply delivered hit after hit. Whether drawing from their classic material or newer songs, the response from the audience was overwhelming. Their remarkable talent for writing infectious, unforgettable rock songs remains as strong as ever.

Other highlights included Imelda May and DeWolff, both of whom received an exceptionally warm reception from the crowd. The Irish singer once again demonstrated why she remains one of the most captivating performers on the circuit, while the Dutch trio confirmed that their popularity continues to grow rapidly. Everywhere they tour, sold-out shows seem to follow.

One of the most emotional moments of the day arrived with The Adicts. The British punk legends are currently traveling the world on their farewell run, the aptly titled "Adios Amigos Tour," bringing an end to a career that spans nearly five decades. Their performance carried a sense of nostalgia and celebration in equal measure. Although the audience had become noticeably smaller by that point in the evening, those who remained sang along passionately to every anthem, creating a fitting conclusion to a fantastic opening day.

Music continued elsewhere around the festival grounds, but exhaustion and an early start the following morning eventually forced us to call it a night. We left Mendizabala with the feeling that Azkena had already delivered an excellent first day—and with the certainty that the best was still yet to come.

The second day of Azkena Rock Festival arrived with the unmistakable feeling that the weekend had truly begun. One of the festival's greatest strengths is its scheduling. Concerts generally start around five o'clock in the afternoon, making it easy for many attendees to arrive after work. This simple decision undoubtedly contributes to the festival's accessibility and helps attract a diverse audience without forcing people to sacrifice an entire day.

The increase in attendance compared to Thursday was immediately noticeable. The venue felt considerably busier from the moment the gates opened, with larger crowds gathering around the stages, bars and food areas. Even so, Azkena continued to maintain the comfortable atmosphere that defines the event, allowing visitors to move freely and enjoy the performances without feeling overwhelmed.

The family-friendly nature of the festival remained one of its most charming features. The Txiki ARF area once again welcomed younger visitors and their families, creating a space where future generations of music fans could experience the festival atmosphere in their own way. Throughout the day, children, parents and grandparents could be seen enjoying the event together, something that remains increasingly rare at large-scale music festivals.

Friday's lineup offered another diverse selection of artists, including Black Maracas, The Del Fuegos, The Damn Truth, Los Enemigos, Hällas, Old Crow Medicine Show, Circle Jerks, Sugar, The Temperance Movement, Tropical Fuck Storm, Alice Cooper, Voivod, Evaristo, alongside another packed schedule inside Trashville; Cave Girl & The Neandergals, Stompin' Riffraffs, Henge, Dwarves o Restless Ramone..

One of the most anticipated performances among Spanish fans was undoubtedly Los Enemigos. Their influence remains undeniable, and it was impossible to walk around the venue without spotting countless shirts bearing the band's logo. The audience's affection was evident from the very beginning, with fans singing along and celebrating every song with genuine enthusiasm.

Another band generating considerable excitement was Hällas. The Swedish group continues to grow rapidly in popularity, and their appearance at Azkena demonstrated exactly why. Unfortunately, their set coincided with some of the heaviest rainfall of the weekend, forcing many attendees to seek shelter nearby. Despite the weather, the band delivered an impressive performance, combining newer material with fan favorites while showcasing the theatrical visual identity that has become one of their trademarks. Their painted faces, flowing capes and distinctive stage presence were mirrored by some dedicated fans in the audience, creating a memorable atmosphere despite the rain.

For those looking for something completely different, Old Crow Medicine Show provided one of the most joyful performances of the day. The American outfit brought a healthy dose of country and Americana to Mendizabala, with dancing, smiling faces and an audience that seemed determined to enjoy every second. Their set perfectly illustrated Azkena's willingness to embrace musical diversity while staying true to its roots.

Veteran hardcore punk legends Circle Jerks also made their appearance at Azkena.Frontman Keith Morris remains as outspoken as ever, spending a considerable amount of time between songs sharing his opinions, observations and personal reflections with the audience. At times, it felt as though he spoke almost as much as he sang, turning parts of the set into something resembling a running commentary on the world according to Keith Morris. Whether entertaining or exasperating, depending on your point of view, his larger-than-life personality remains an inseparable part of the Circle Jerks live experience. Love it or hate it, Morris continues to command attention whenever he steps behind a microphone.

Meanwhile, Trashville continued offering its usual collection of wonderfully bizarre and fascinating performances. Unfortunately, Friday's schedule was packed with so many attractive options that it became impossible to see everything. Difficult decisions had to be made throughout the evening.

One of the most eagerly awaited moments of the entire festival arrived when Alice Cooper finally took the stage.

At nearly eighty years old, Cooper remains one of the greatest entertainers rock music has ever produced. His performance was nothing short of spectacular. Surrounded by an exceptional band and accompanied at various moments by his wife, the legendary frontman delivered a masterclass in theatrical rock performance.

The sheer number of classic songs in his catalogue means it is impossible to include everything fans might want to hear, yet the setlist still felt like a celebration of one of rock's most extraordinary careers. Every song was greeted like an anthem, every theatrical moment was met with excitement, and the audience responded enthusiastically from beginning to end.

Having not seen Alice Cooper perform for many years, one thing became immediately clear: age has done little to diminish his abilities. His voice, stage presence and charisma remain remarkably intact. It was one of those concerts that reminds you why certain artists become legends.

As the night progressed, festival-goers faced one of the most difficult choices of the weekend. Evaristo and Voivod were scheduled almost simultaneously, forcing many people to decide between two very different but equally compelling experiences.

We initially headed towards Evaristo's stage and caught the opening moments of the performance, including the unmistakable opening of "Salve"(La Polla Records). However, curiosity eventually led us towards the Canadian veterans waiting elsewhere on the site.

And what a decision that turned out to be.

Voivod delivered one of the most impressive performances of the entire festival. More than forty years after their formation, the Canadian pioneers continue to sound utterly unique. Their blend of progressive structures, technical precision and creative fearlessness remains unmatched.

Watching Voivod perform is an experience unlike almost anything else in heavy music. Every musician appears completely immersed in the performance, yet the execution remains effortless. The chemistry between the band members, their obvious enjoyment on stage and the complexity of the material combine to create something genuinely special.

For us, this was one of the standout performances of the entire weekend. A reminder that innovation, talent and passion can remain intact even after four decades of making music.

Eventually, fatigue, rain and two long days of concerts began to take their toll. There was still music echoing across Mendizabala as we made our way out of the venue, but it was time to rest before the final day.

The second day had delivered everything a great festival should: legendary performers, exciting discoveries, unforgettable moments and the sense that Azkena still had one final surprise waiting around the corner.

The third and final day of Azkena Rock Festival 2026 arrived with slightly better weather conditions. The heat remained present throughout most of the afternoon, while the rain that had caused some disruption on Friday appeared only briefly and with far less intensity. With the finish line now in sight, the atmosphere around Mendizabala felt particularly special. There was a clear sense that everyone wanted to make the most of every remaining moment.

The family-friendly spirit that defines Azkena continued throughout the day. Txiki ARF remained busy, families filled the venue from early afternoon, and the relaxed atmosphere once again proved that this is one of the few major festivals where several generations can comfortably enjoy live music together.

The final day featured another remarkably diverse lineup, including Lepora, Rodeo, Vandoliers, Twin Ghosts, Superchunk, Split Dogs, Sleaford Mods, Bridge City Sinners, Starbenders, Social Distortion, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Discharge, Carpenter Brut, Therapy?, Alcalá Norte and Cuir, among others.

The afternoon began with local acts such as Lepora and Rodeo, both proudly representing the Basque scene and demonstrating once again the strength and quality of regional talent. Meanwhile, the smaller stages continued to offer interesting discoveries and alternative performances, maintaining that constant feeling that something worth seeing was always happening somewhere in the festival grounds.

One of the bands generating significant buzz throughout the day was Split Dogs. The British group is currently enjoying a rapid rise in popularity, and their appearance at Azkena showed exactly why. Led by a charismatic and captivating frontwoman, they delivered an energetic performance that was met with an enthusiastic response from the crowd. Their future looks extremely bright.

If one band dominated conversations across the festival site, however, it was undoubtedly Social Distortion. Their presence could be felt everywhere. T-shirts, patches, tattoos and endless conversations about the Californian legends made it clear that many attendees had been waiting years for this moment.

Their performance fully justified the anticipation. Social Distortion delivered exactly what their fans wanted: a set packed with classics, performed with confidence, elegance and authenticity. Their approach may be less explosive than some of the heavier acts on the bill, but their songwriting remains timeless. The crowd sang along passionately throughout the concert, creating one of the most emotionally connected moments of the weekend.

One of the most beautiful performances of the entire festival came courtesy of Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit. His voice sounded absolutely flawless, while the band's musicianship was equally impressive. This was not a concert built around spectacle or theatrics. Instead, it was about songs, emotion and atmosphere.

There was something deeply moving about watching Jason Isbell perform as the evening unfolded. Surrounded by couples, families and longtime fans, it felt like the perfect soundtrack for a summer evening. Elegant, heartfelt and genuinely memorable, it was one of the most emotionally powerful performances of the weekend.

The mood changed dramatically with the arrival of Discharge.

The British hardcore-punk legends delivered what can only be described as an absolute sonic assault. Aggressive, relentless and uncompromising, their performance hit with extraordinary force. The sound was excellent, the energy was overwhelming, and the band reminded everyone why they remain one of the most influential names in hardcore-punk and extreme music. For pure intensity alone, few performances across the entire festival came close.

As soon as Discharge finished, we headed straight towards Carpenter Brut, arriving with plenty of time left to experience one of the festival's most surprising and entertaining sets.

The reaction from the audience was astonishing. Thousands of people danced as if completely possessed by the music. The French artist's fusion of synthwave, electronic music and metal proved irresistible, transforming the festival grounds into a giant dance floor.

The climax came with his closing rendition of "Maniac," the classic hit originally performed by Michael Sembello and immortalized through Flashdance. The response was incredible. The audience sang every word at the top of their lungs, turning the final moments of the concert into one of the most euphoric scenes of the entire weekend.

As the festival approached its final hours, attendees once again faced difficult choices. One of the most talked-about clashes involved Alcalá Norte and Therapy?, two very different bands appealing to equally passionate audiences.

We ultimately chose Therapy?, and the decision proved to be an excellent one. The Northern Irish veterans delivered a performance heavily focused on material from Troublegum, one of the most beloved albums of their career. The band sounded fantastic throughout, while the chemistry between the musicians was evident from start to finish.

Adding to the good atmosphere, the band had been celebrating their drummer's birthday, which only reinforced the sense that they were genuinely enjoying every minute on stage. The audience responded enthusiastically, creating another memorable moment in a weekend already full of them.

Finally, it was time for the last concert of Azkena Rock Festival 2026.

That responsibility fell to French synth-punk outfit Cuir.

What followed was one of the biggest surprises of the entire festival. Their performance was pure chaos in the best possible way. Stage diving, mosh pits, constant movement and an audience that refused to stand still for even a second transformed the closing moments of the festival into an unforgettable celebration.

Before the weekend, we had only heard a few recommendations suggesting that Cuir were worth checking out. By the end of their set, they had become one of our favorite discoveries of the entire event.

Their combination of energy, attitude and sheer unpredictability provided the perfect ending to three remarkable days of music.

As the final notes faded into the night, it was impossible not to reflect on what makes Azkena Rock Festival so special. Yes, the lineup is excellent. Yes, the organization is outstanding. Yes, the venue is comfortable and easy to navigate. Even practical details such as the large number of restrooms and the absence of significant queues for drinks or facilities contribute enormously to the overall experience.

But what truly sets Azkena apart is something much harder to quantify.

It is the emotion.

The excitement of seeing a favorite band. The passion artists bring to the stage. The joy of discovering new music. The smiles shared between strangers during a concert. The sense that both musicians and fans genuinely want to be there.

That feeling could be seen everywhere throughout the weekend. Bands spoke about returning. Fans discussed future editions before the current one had even ended. There is a genuine affection between the festival, its audience and the artists who perform there.

In an era where many festivals often feel interchangeable, Azkena Rock Festival continues to offer something different: personality, authenticity and heart.

Our sincere thanks go to Last Tour for the invitation, their professionalism and their constant support throughout the weekend.

And with the festival's 25th anniversary already on the horizon, one thing seems certain:

We cannot wait to return to Mendizabala next year.