Mad Cool Festival has unveiled the first round of names slated to perform at its highly anticipated 2025 edition, taking place July 10, 11, and 12 at the Iberdrola Music venue in Madrid. This initial announcement features over 60 national and international acts, ensuring one of the festival’s most diverse and exciting lineups to date. Headliners include Olivia Rodrigo, Iggy Pop, Alanis Morissette, Weezer, Kings of Leon, and Thirty Seconds to Mars, reflecting a broad spectrum of tastes for fans eager to return to the Spanish capital’s premier music event.
Bridging Generations and Genres
One of the most talked-about additions is Olivia Rodrigo, the American pop sensation who has garnered global acclaim for her introspective lyrics and 1990s alt-rock inspirations. Despite having only two albums under her belt, Rodrigo’s rapid rise suggests she’ll draw a massive crowd looking to hear hits like “Drivers License” and “Vampire.” Meanwhile, the legendary Iggy Pop, widely hailed as the Godfather of Punk, will bring a lifetime of influential classics to the main stage. His setlist is sure to feature anthems like “Lust for Life” and “The Passenger,” underscoring his enduring presence as a rock icon.
Alanis Morissette also returns to Madrid, fueling nostalgia with tracks from her groundbreaking 1995 album, Jagged Little Pill. A staple of ‘90s alternative rock, Morissette continues to resonate with younger fans as well, making her performance a highly anticipated highlight. Another major draw is Weezer, returning to the Spanish capital after more than two decades away. Known for their anthemic alt-rock hits like “Buddy Holly” and “Island in the Sun,” the band is poised to deliver a set that captures both the quirkiness and earnestness of their discography.
A Celebration of Rock Continuity
Kings of Leon, who soared to international fame in the mid-2000s with hits like “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody,” will showcase new material from their latest record, Can We Please Have Fun, alongside the classics that cemented their status as modern rock mainstays. Meanwhile, Thirty Seconds to Mars, led by Jared and Shannon Leto, arrives with their newest album, It’s the End of the World but It’s a Beautiful Day, a project that testifies to the band’s constant evolution.
Fans of alternative music will also be excited about the presence of Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, and The Wombats, three British indie darlings who played key roles in shaping the “indiesleaze” era. Bloc Party, in particular, will pay homage to their 2005 debut, Silent Alarm, considered a cornerstone of the mid-2000s indie scene. Glass Animals, the psychedelic indie-pop group from Oxford, are also confirmed and will bring their dreamlike sound to the festival’s main stages.
Emerging Talents and Eclectic Sounds
Mad Cool has consistently made space for newer voices, and 2025 is no exception. Rising singer-songwriters like Gracie Abrams and Noah Kahan have joined the bill, each swiftly garnering large fan bases due to their emotionally resonant tracks and contemporary folk-pop style. Meanwhile, Norwegian alt-pop star Girl In Red and the gifted producer-singer Finneas represent a fresh wave of pop artists pushing musical boundaries.
Electronic music aficionados can look forward to the return of Justice, who have teased a brand-new album that promises to uphold their reputation for blending gritty electro-house with disco flair. Other notable electronic or dance-oriented acts include Benson Boone, Miss Monique, Krystal Klear, and Fakear, ensuring that fans of EDM, techno, and ambient can immerse themselves in late-night sets.
A Snapshot of Global Alternative
Fans of American indie will be pleased by the inclusion of Foster the People, the Los Angeles outfit that broke through with “Pumped Up Kicks” a decade ago. Future Islands will bring their blend of synth-pop and Samuel T. Herring’s unmistakably emotive vocals, while Bright Eyes, fronted by Conor Oberst, is set to deliver a folk-tinged indie performance that touches on poignant social commentary.
In the realm of punk and rock, FIDLAR promises chaotic, surfer-inflected riffs that are bound to induce mosh pits, and Refused—the Swedish hardcore legends—are making one final bow with a farewell tour that aims to leave an indelible mark.
Celebrating Homegrown Talent
Spain’s own music scene will also have a platform, with sets from Arde Bogotá, rising to prominence in the national rock circuit, and Natalia Lacunza, widely respected for her lyrical prowess and fresh pop sensibilities. Another emerging Spanish act, Alcalá Norte, merges elements of post-punk and atmospheric melodies, reflecting a broader shift in the Spanish indie scene toward introspective yet punchy sounds.
The three-day event, set for July 10-12 at Iberdrola Music in Madrid, will host over 60 artists, including rock, pop, and electronic mainstays, as well as up-and-coming talent.