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Neil Fallon and company closed their Spanish run with another unforgettable night at Santana 27, proving that authenticity never goes out of style.

Bilbao once again became a mandatory stop for authentic rock music with the arrival of Clutch at Santana 27. The show marked the final Spanish date of this leg of the band's tour, following performances in Madrid and Barcelona. Another opportunity to witness one of the most respected and beloved bands in contemporary American rock.

The evening was organized by Last Tour, one of Spain's most important promoters and the company behind some of the country's most prestigious music events, including Azkena Rock Festival and Bilbao BBK Live. Once again, they demonstrated their commitment to bringing world-class international artists to the Basque Country and reinforcing Bilbao's position as one of the country's key concert destinations.

Attendance during the opening of the doors was surprisingly relaxed for a Saturday night. There were no huge queues or overwhelming crowds, and people gradually made their way into the venue, enjoying a calm atmosphere before the action began. That sense of tranquility would slowly disappear as the night progressed.

Opening the evening were Bokassa. Formed in Trondheim, Norway, in 2013, the trio has built a solid reputation through a unique blend of stoner rock, punk rock and heavy metal. Their international profile grew significantly after being selected by Metallica to join part of their European tour alongside Ghost, an opportunity that introduced their music to thousands of new listeners and helped establish a rapidly growing fanbase.

When Bokassa took the stage, Santana 27 still had plenty of empty spaces, but that did not prevent them from delivering a performance packed with energy and attitude. As the set progressed, more people entered the venue and it quickly became apparent that a significant portion of the audience was already familiar with the Norwegian band's material.

Charismatic frontman Jørn Kaarstad once again proved why he is the focal point of the band's live performance. With a friendly attitude and constant interaction with the audience, he connected with the crowd almost immediately. There was even time for a few words in Basque, a gesture that was warmly received by those in attendance.

Musically, Bokassa delivered exactly what fans have come to expect: powerful riffs, memorable choruses and relentless energy. The only downside was a sound mix that occasionally failed to fully capture the band's intensity, with some details getting lost along the way. Nevertheless, their commitment and enthusiasm easily overcame any technical shortcomings.

The audience response was overwhelmingly positive throughout the set. It was clear that many dedicated fans were scattered throughout the venue, singing along and reacting enthusiastically to everything happening on stage. It is easy to understand why Bokassa continue to gain momentum year after year: they possess a strong identity, a recognizable sound and an innate ability to transform any performance into a genuine burst of energy.

A band that continues to accumulate experience, miles and followers wherever they go. After witnessing a performance like the one in Bilbao, it is easy to imagine them headlining larger tours in the near future. One thing is certain: seeing them again would be more than welcome.

Formed in Germantown, Maryland, in 1991, Clutch are one of those rare bands that have managed to create a truly unique identity within the world of heavy rock. More than three decades after their formation, the band still retains its original core lineup, featuring Neil Fallon on vocals, Tim Sult on guitar, Dan Maines on bass and Jean-Paul Gaster on drums. A level of stability that is almost unheard of today and one that has allowed them to develop a musical personality that is instantly recognizable from the very first note. With a catalogue filled with classics and a flawless reputation as a live act, Clutch have built a career free from trends and fashions, always following their own path.

It did not take long for them to remind everyone why they remain one of the most respected bands in American rock. With Santana 27 now largely full, although not sold out, Clutch took the stage and delivered a masterclass in how to hold an audience's attention for nearly ninety minutes without relying on elaborate productions or unnecessary gimmicks.

And if one name stands above all others, it is Neil Fallon. Few frontmen today possess such commanding stage presence. From the very first minute, Fallon owned the stage completely, once again demonstrating why he is regarded by many as one of the finest vocalists and performers in modern rock. His unmistakable movements, his unique way of delivering every lyric and, above all, a voice that seems untouched by time kept the audience captivated throughout the entire performance.

The band chose a setlist that explored a large portion of their extensive catalogue, mixing beloved classics with newer material. From the opening pairing of "Impetus" and "Outland Special Clearance" to celebrated tracks such as "The Mob Goes Wild", "Earth Rocker", "A Quick Death in Texas" and "Slaughter Beach", the concert moved forward with barely a moment to breathe. Every song was met with an enthusiastic response from a crowd that clearly knew the material inside and out.

One of the most admirable aspects of Clutch is the consistency with which they have built their career over the past three decades. Without chasing trends or reinventing themselves for the sake of relevance, they have developed a musical language where hard rock, stoner rock, blues and funk coexist naturally under a clearly defined identity. That authenticity is precisely why they continue to attract new generations of fans while retaining the loyalty of longtime followers.

The interaction with the audience remained constant throughout the night, creating the feeling that everyone present was part of a shared celebration. The average Clutch fan may no longer be particularly young, but few audiences display such loyalty. From beginning to end, the crowd sang along, danced and celebrated every moment with genuine enthusiasm.

After a performance that seemed to fly by and once again confirmed the band's outstanding live form, Clutch returned to the stage for an encore consisting of "Electric Worry" and a brilliant rendition of "Fortunate Son", the timeless classic by Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was during "Electric Worry", arguably the band's most iconic song, that Santana 27 reached one of its most energetic moments. The entire venue sang every word while a sizeable mosh pit opened in the middle of the crowd. Naturally, it was not the kind of pit one would expect at a grindcore or thrash metal show, but it perfectly reflected the excitement and passion with which the audience embraced one of Clutch's greatest anthems. The subsequent performance of "Fortunate Son" provided the perfect ending to an outstanding concert, with the entire venue accompanying the band until the final note.

Seeing Clutch live remains one of the safest bets in rock music. Whether you have followed them for decades or only know a handful of songs, their quality, personality and ability to connect with an audience make every concert a thoroughly enjoyable experience. A unique band that continues to prove why it occupies such a special place within the international rock scene.

Special thanks to Stefan Koster for making it possible for us to cover the show. It was a pleasure to be there and experience another memorable night of live music in Bilbao.