Pearl Jam, Dua Lipa, The Smashing Pumpkins and Avril Lavigne are among the first artists confirmed for the next edition of Mad Cool Madrid, taking place from July 10 to July 13. The festival will feature a smaller capacity and improved facilities compared with 2023, signaling a more streamlined and comfortable experience for attendees.
The lineup was expanded at a press conference held this Monday, with additional acts including Janelle Monáe, Sum 41, Black Pumas, Jessie Ware, Bring Me The Horizon and Arlo Parks joining the festival’s seventh edition.
The schedule now runs an extra day, starting on Wednesday, July 10. On that opening day, fans can look forward to performances by Dua Lipa, The Smashing Pumpkins, Janelle Monáe, Garbage, Rels B, Nothing But Thieves, Tom Odell, James Arthur and Soccer Mommy, among others, setting a loud and diverse tone for the event.
Headlining on Thursday is Pearl Jam, marking a return to Mad Cool since their 2018 appearance. The program also features Greta Van Fleet and Motxila 21, a Spanish project comprising musicians with Down syndrome, highlighting the festival’s commitment to varied and inclusive programming.
Also on the Thursday lineup are Keane, Michael Kiwanuka, Bomb Pés, Mando Diao and Sofi Tukker, showcasing a blend of classic rock, indie and electronic sounds for early evening audiences.
Friday, July 12, keeps guitars loud with Sum 41, Black Pumas and Tom Morello headlining a day that celebrates a range of styles, including Jessie Ware’s versatile artistry, ensuring a broad appeal for attendees across genres.
Closing on Saturday, July 13, will feature headliners Bring Me The Horizon and Avril Lavigne, who has not performed in Spain since Madrid hosted her in 2007. The day also includes Gaslight Anthem, Arlo Parks, Ashnikko and The Blessed Madonna, contributing to a dynamic finale for the festival weekend.
There are still more artists to be announced in the coming weeks. The organizers indicated that several major names will be revealed, with EFE reporting that the festival’s maximum capacity of 70,000 attendees would be reduced, though the final figure has not yet been disclosed. The ongoing announcements are expected to widen the festival’s appeal to a broad audience across North America and beyond.
During a press briefing, Javier Arnaiz, co-director of Mad Cool, addressed concerns about the challenges faced during the previous venue transition and stated that improvements are in place to avoid similar issues this year. He noted that Iberdrola Music marks a new venue concept for the southern part of Madrid and emphasized ongoing enhancements to facilities and operations.
Specific changes include the reduction of performance stages from eight to six, expanded open space and strategic relocation of restroom facilities toward the periphery following a 2023 trial. The adjustments aim to improve crowd flow and overall comfort while minimizing disruption to residents nearby.
The festival team is also working closely with the venue to reduce internal noise and acoustic impact, alongside better management of entry and exit traffic. In response to feedback from local authorities and residents, a new mobility plan is being implemented and the festival’s operating hours are being adapted for smoother daily closures, reflecting a balanced approach to city living and live music enjoyment.