The first day of Mad Cool drew about 70,000 fans to the Madrid festival, turning what could have been a rough weather forecast into a celebration of live music. After a two-year pause caused by the pandemic, the event returned with energy intact and a lineup designed to kick off a weekend-long run across seven stages.
Even with storm clouds looming hours before the gates opened at five in the afternoon, the scene remained upbeat and orderly. The night finally caught fire with a two-hour set from a California metal act that drew a diverse crowd spanning generations. A notable number of attendees arrived wearing band tees and carrying the unmistakable air of devoted fans, filling the arena with a potent mix of anticipation and guitar-heavy energy.
The evening spotlight landed on one of metal music’s most enduring names. The band opened with a thunderous rush, a track from their early catalog that still defines their sound. As the performance unfolded, the crowd echoed iconic choruses like Seek and Destroy and Nothing Else Matters, celebrating a legacy that began in Los Angeles in the early 1980s. The show was a visual and sonic spectacle, punctuated by torches, fireworks, and cinematic footage reminiscent of classic Westerns, along with a few film-inspired moments that intensified the drama. The set culminated in Master of Puppets, a signal moment that underscored the group’s enduring influence. The frontman paused to acknowledge the vast Metallica family in attendance, inviting newcomers to raise their hands and join the shared experience.
Following the main act, the festival kept momentum with a slate of named performers, including Twenty One Pilots, Chvrches, and Placebo. Each brought their own distinct flavor to the evening: the former with a charismatic blend of pop hooks and live energy, the latter with sharp, melodic rock and frontman Brian Molko’s unmistakable voice, and another act delivering a mix of indie and electronic textures that resonated with the crowd. Critics and fans alike noted the night’s balanced mix of sounds, from raw guitar storms to more atmospheric, synth-driven moments. A sense of discovery lingered as newer acts shared the stage with veterans, reflecting Mad Cool’s broad appeal across listeners with varied tastes.
On the international side, the lineup leaned into acts known for boundary-pushing soundscapes and live prowess. The festival’s programming highlighted both established stadium favorites and emerging artists, each contributing to a sense of urban renewal after a long pause in large-scale touring. The audience’s enthusiasm remained high as songs from recent albums mingled with enduring classics, creating a continuous thread of energy that carried the night forward.
As the schedule moved toward later sets, anticipation built for Thursday’s slate of performances. The program promised more alternative rock experiences on the main stages, with headline acts and smaller stage discoveries alike expected to deliver memorable moments. Attendees looked forward to another night of immersive sound, light, and live performance that has become synonymous with Mad Cool’s growing reputation as a premier European festival destination.