Alice Cooper wows the crowd on the second night of the Azkena Rock Festival with a setlist full of classics

FECHA

19 June, 2026

10 moments that defined the second day of the 2026 edition

The second day of the Azkena Rock Festival once again demonstrated the festival’s ability to bring together different generations, cultures, and ways of experiencing rock music. From the early hours in downtown Vitoria-Gasteiz to the final chords at Mendizabala, live music set the tone for a day built on shared excitement, craftsmanship, and the enduring power of a legacy that continues to grow.

TODAY’S DAY IN 10 GREAT MOMENTS

1. Bywater Call Brings Soul to the Heart of Vitoria-Gasteiz

The day began in the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca with Bywater Call, one of the most exciting soul and rock bands to emerge in recent years. Led by the powerful voice of Meghan Parnell, the group drew a large crowd to the city center with a performance brimming with intensity, elegance, and emotion.

2. Alice Cooper Shows Why He’s a Legend

The most anticipated performance of the day came from Alice Cooper. The pioneer of shock rock transformed Mendizabala into a grand theater of nightmares, flawlessly executing a show that featured the immortal classics he has built over a career spanning more than five decades. It was a masterclass in craftsmanship and showmanship that once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most influential figures in rock history.

3. Los Enemigos: An Essential Chapter in Rock History

Los Enemigos delivered one of the most celebrated concerts of the day. The Madrid-based band revisited much of a repertoire that is part of the collective memory of several generations, combining the irony, raw energy, and personality that have always characterized Josele Santiago and his bandmates.

4. Txiki ARF Brings Together Rock-Loving Families Once Again

For the third consecutive year, Txiki ARF once again filled the venue with activity, featuring concerts, workshops, and activities designed to bring rock culture to younger audiences. This increasingly established space within the festival demonstrates that a passion for music can be shared across generations and that the Azkenero spirit is also passed down through families.

5. The Del Fuegos Announce Tour Following Their Set at Mendizabala

The Del Fuegos’ performance was one of the day’s most special moments. The legendary band used their set at the Azkena Rock Festival to announce an upcoming tour that will stop in Bilbao on November 10 at Kafe Antzokia and in Madrid on November 11 at Sala El Sol. Tickets on sale now at lasttour.org.

6. Hällas showcase their world live and confirm their return

The Swedish band Hällas unleashed their full “Adventure Rock” vision at Mendizabala—a unique blend of hard rock, progressive rock, vintage synthesizers, and fantasy storytelling. Their appearance at the festival also served to announce a new national tour that will take them this fall to Barcelona (October 16 at Upload), Madrid (October 17 at Sala Nazca), and Bilbao (October 18 at Kafe Antzokia). Tickets on sale now at lasttour.org.

7. Evaristo, a One-of-a-Kind Figure

Evaristo reconnected with the Azkena Rock Festival audience in a performance marked by camaraderie and collective celebration. The singer from Álava performed songs from different stages of his career, from La Polla Records to his most recent projects, reaffirming the bond he shares with several generations of fans and demonstrating that his message remains as relevant as ever.

8. Sugar and Old Crow Medicine Show: Two Highlights of a Memorable Day

The second day also provided moments to remember with the highly anticipated return of Sugar, one of the most influential bands in ’90s alternative rock. Bob Mould and his bandmates delivered a performance brimming with energy and melody that alone made the reunion worthwhile. In a different vein, Old Crow Medicine Show brought the tradition of American folk and country music to Mendizabala with a collective celebration of roots, harmonies, and songs that immediately connected with the audience.

9. Trashville: The Wildest Side

The Dwarves have once again proven why they’re synonymous with provocation and depravity in the form of trash incarnate. Loaded with relentless punk firepower, they taught the entire audience how to worship Satan at a concert where attendees couldn’t be sure they’d walk away unscathed. In addition, today this unique tent hosted memorable performances by bands such as Cavegirl + The Neandergals, Henge, Restless Ramone, and Stompin’ Riffraffs.

10. Send your postcards with the official Azkena Rock Festival stamp

During the festival, attendees can get the official festival stamp to send their personalized postcards, which they can acquire for free at one of the stands at the venue.

Tomorrow, the festival continues with a performance by The Backyard Casanovas at 1:30 p.m. in the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, with free admission. Back at the festival grounds, at 5:30 p.m., Lepora will kick off the final day, featuring a lineup of bands and acts such as Split Dogs, Carpenter Brut, Starbenders, the legendary Social Distortion, and the group of the moment, Alcalá Norte.