A total of 47,500 people attended Mendizabala over the three days of Azkena Rock Festival 2025, reaffirming a unique way of experiencing music. An edition that became a gathering, a ritual, and a sonic communion, where legends, new voices, and an intergenerational audience shared the stage in perfect harmony.
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: 10 UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS
1. Manic Street Preachers: electricity and unforgettable choruses
The legendary Manic Street Preachers, in an exclusive appearance at ARF, captivated the Azkena crowd with their emotional intensity and sonic precision, once again proving why they remain a cornerstone of British rock. With timeless hits like If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next, their set became one of the most passionately sung-along performances of this edition.
2. The Flaming Lips: a psychedelic and emotional odyssey
The brilliant and outsider band from Oklahoma, The Flaming Lips, were one of the day’s most anticipated acts — and they exceeded all expectations. Performing their iconic album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots live more than 20 years after its release, they brought its classics to the Mendizabala stage in the most powerful way, delivering a sensory experience that blurred the line between concert and performance.
3. Kitty, Daisy & Lewis bring a swing party to Plaza de la Virgen Blanca
With a set full of swing, rockabilly, and vintage elegance, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis wrapped up the concerts at Plaza de la Virgen Blanca until next year — the perfect warm-up to hit Mendizabala full of energy.
4. Eusko Label talent: EZEZEZ and Eh, Mertxe!
From Bilbao BBK Live to Mendizabala, EZEZEZ has been steadily building their case as one of the freshest and boldest acts in Basque punk rock. Today’s set was an explosive blend of ’90s grunge, ’70s psychedelia, and raw, unapologetic attitude. Earlier, Eh, Mertxe! kicked things off with a sharp and energetic performance, reaffirming that local talent belongs naturally on the big stages.
5. Margo Price: truth, roots, and resilience on stage
With a voice that cuts deep and a presence that disarms, Margo Price delivered one of the most heartfelt performances of the day. Stripped of gimmicks, her raw blend of country, folk, and defiant spirit made it clear she’s not here to please — she’s here to speak truths. Each song carried the weight of the battles she’s embraced: the double standards of the industry, gender inequality, the struggles of rural America. Price sings from the wound, but also from hope — with a clarity that cements her as one of the great voices of her generation.
6. Richard Hawley: a display of musical class
After his time with Pulp, the British singer returned to Vitoria-Gasteiz as the frontman of his own project, presenting his tenth album, In This City They Call You Love, released last year. Hailed as one of the finest songwriters of his generation, this British troubadour delivered a true musical masterclass. With his warm, tormented crooner voice, he transported the audience to the gritty, industrial Sheffield of his youth, while showcasing a virtuosity woven into ballads that told raw, visceral, and deeply heartfelt stories. A true privilege to witness him live at this edition.
7. The Sex Organs: hedonism and electricity in Trashville, where fun is the only rule
If raw, no-holds-barred rock ‘n’ roll is the ultimate rule for winning over the Trashville crowd — the wildest corner of the festival — then The Sex Organs were the perfect example. Reaching the climax is always easier with a little distortion, and this duo proved it with nothing more than a guitar, a percussion kit, and some unmistakable costumes that made the messages in their songs crystal clear. They drove the crowd wild, reminding everyone that we’re here to have fun, embracing hedonism and, above all, spreading it in the most infectious way possible.
8. Today, on World ALS Awareness Day, Azkena Rock Festival joins thousands in lighting the flame of hope
The main stage lit up in green on International ALS Awareness Day — for those who fight, for those who care, and for those who never give up. Azkena Rock stands in green alongside ADELA Araba — the ALS Association of Álava.
9. Eskerrik asko! Thank you so much!
Once again, the festival extends its heartfelt thanks to all its partners for their support — with special mention to the City Council of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Provincial Council of Álava, La Salve as the official beer partner, and Kutxabank and Petronor as official sponsors. Without their involvement, the development and growth achieved in this edition of Azkena Rock Festival would not have been possible.
We also want to thank the festival’s exemplary audience, with the event once again coming to a close without a single incident.
10. See you next year
Over these three days, rock in all its forms has once again triumphed at Azkena Rock Festival, showcasing the eclectic spirit of its lineup. The festival will return next year on June 18, 19, and 20, 2026.
