8 moments that marked the start of the 23rd edition in Mendizabala
The gates of Mendizabala have opened today to welcome the loyal Azkena Rock Festival community. In its twenty-third edition, the festival once again brings us the true essence of rock & roll through the many performances across its different stages. The first day has been all about reunions among old friends, hugs under the Álava sun, and the kind of sounds that remind us why this festival is an annual pilgrimage for so many.
And the next edition already has a date: ARF will return to Vitoria-Gasteiz on June 18, 19 and 20, 2026. The first passes are already on sale at the festival’s Info Point, at a special price available exclusively in Mendizabala.
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: 8 UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS
1. The most anticipated opening of the year
Nothing captures the start of the rock & roll summer quite like that moment when the gates of Azkena swing open. Today, Libe had the honor of kicking off the music on the festival grounds.
2. Dinosaur Jr. flood Mendizabala with nostalgia through timeless classics
Legendary band Dinosaur Jr. was one of the main highlights of the day, performing their iconic 1994 album Without a Sound in its entirety — a one-of-a-kind show in our country. They also treated the crowd to other essential classics from their repertoire, proving once again that distortion and melancholy remain a universal language.
3. The Damned deliver one of the most explosive shows of the day
With their classic lineup, British legends The Damned turned up the volume with one of the day’s most explosive performances. They brought back the raw energy of their most iconic albums, like The Black Album and Strawberries, delivering a tight sound and the kind of attitude that proves these punk pioneers still have plenty of fire left in them.
4. Live radio on site
For the first time ever, the legendary Radio 3 show El Sótano was recorded live and with an audience from within the festival itself. And where better to do it than in Azkena’s very own crypt: the Rat Hole tent in Trashville. Today’s show featured none other than J. Mascis from Dinosaur Jr.
In addition, Radio Vitoria will once again broadcast all three days of the festival live from their studio set up in Mendizabala, reinforcing the vibrant and close-knit spirit of the event.
5. Trashville: the wildest side of the lineup
As is tradition, Trashville has unleashed its own parallel universe — a concert hall atmosphere and a lineup of bands that know no limits. Today’s stage featured Mambo Rambo, Gogoponies, Fléau, and Wau y los Arrrghs!!!, pushing the concept of rock to the edge between frenzy and pure adrenaline. Controlled chaos at its finest.
6. Lee Rocker: a classy closing act
Lee Rocker, double bassist of the legendary Stray Cats, also took the stage today to revisit both the highlights of his solo career and the timeless hits of the Stray Cats. Blending swing, rockabilly, and the unmistakable attitude that made him a rock & roll icon, he delivered a stylish and memorable closing set.
7. Commitment reflected in the Balore Space
Azkena Rock Festival once again strengthened its commitment to sustainability and positive local impact through the BALORE Space — a place that embodies the values that guide Last Tour: inclusion, diversity, accessibility, climate justice, and purposeful partnerships.
Through collaborations with organizations like the Álava Alliance for Sustainable Development, the Vitoria-Gasteiz Food Bank, and the ADELA Araba Association, as well as initiatives such as the Violet, Rainbow, and Green Points, the festival aims to be a driving force for social, cultural, and environmental transformation. Because we believe in the power of music as a universal language to help build a fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable future.
8. Mendizabala to host ARF 2026 on June 18, 19 & 20
Today also brought the official confirmation of next year’s dates: ARF 2026 will take place on June 18, 19 and 20, once again in its beloved home of Mendizabala, Vitoria-Gasteiz. The first passes are now available exclusively at the festival’s Info Point, at a special on-site price.
Tomorrow, the festival continues with a performance by Laurie Wright — praised by the likes of Liam Gallagher and Pete Doherty — at 1:30 PM in Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, with free access. Later, at 5:30 PM, Sarria will open a packed day of music on the main grounds, featuring artists like Reckless Kelly, Lucinda Williams, Turbonegro, and the legendary John Fogerty, who will deliver a set full of classics in what’s bound to be an unforgettable moment for many festivalgoers. The day will also include a tribute to Little Richard by Diamond Dogs and Chris Spedding.
Azkena Rock Festival
June 19, 20 & 21, 2025
Mendizabala, Vitoria-Gasteiz
Friday, June 20
Plaza de la Virgen Blanca
13:30 – LAURIE WRIGHT
MENDIZABALA
17:00 – Gates open
GOD STAGE
17:30 – SARRIA
19:20 – RECKLESS KELLY
21:40 – LUCINDA WILLIAMS
00:25 – JOHN FOGERTY
RESPECT STAGE
18:25 – LA ESTRELLA AZUL Live
20:25 – PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED
23:05 – TURBONEGRO
02:00 – KAOTIKO
LA SALVE STAGE
18:00 – PSILICON FLESH
19:20 – BOBBIE DAZZLE
20:50 – C.O.F.F.I.N
23:20 – ROBERT JON & THE WRECK
01:55 – DIAMOND DOGS & CHRIS SPEDDING play Little Richard
TRASHVILLE – Trash a Go-Go!
18:30 – LAS JENNYS DE ARROYOCULEBRO
20:30 – THEE SCARECROWS AKA
22:30 – ESCAPE-ISM
01:00 – LOS STRAITJACKETS
02:30 – ROCK NIGHTS
04:30 – MISS STRYCHNINE
TRASHVILLE – Rat Hole
17:30–20:30 – TXIKI ARF
02:00 – BORJA NIHIL
04:00 – ALTA TENSIÓN DJs
Saturday, June 21
Plaza de la Virgen Blanca
13:30 – KITTY, DAISY & LEWIS
MENDIZABALA
17:00 – Gates open
GOD STAGE
17:30 – EH, MERTXE!
19:05 – RICHARD HAWLEY
21:30 – THE FLAMING LIPS play Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
00:20 – MANIC STREET PREACHERS
RESPECT STAGE
18:15 – THE PILL
20:20 – THE LEMON TWIGS
22:55 – MARGO PRICE
01:55 – THE HELLACOPTERS – 30th Anniversary Show
LA SALVE STAGE
18:00 – EZEZEZ
19:20 – THE CHESTERFIELD KINGS
21:00 – DEAD KENNEDYS
23:20 – DERBY MOTORETA’S BURRITO CACHIMBA
01:50 – CHERIE CURRIE plays The Runaways
TRASHVILLE – Trash a Go-Go!
18:30 – WALLAROOS
20:30 – THE SEX ORGANS
22:15 – THE DEVILS
00:50 – THE NEANDERTHALS
02:30 – MALANDRA
04:30 – NAT SIMONS JUKEBOX
TRASHVILLE – Rat Hole
17:30–20:30 – TXIKI ARF
02:00 – DJ BONE
04:00 – BILBA GROTBILL
