Azkena Rock Festival is all set to celebrate its 24th edition on June 18, 19, and 20 in Mendizabala, Vitoria-Gasteiz. The temple of rock ’n’ roll will once again bring together audiences of all ages around a lineup headlined by names like Alice Cooper, Social Distortion, and The Hives, alongside Imelda May in an exclusive show with Darrel Higham, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Old Crow Medicine Show, Evaristo, Alcalá Norte, and many more. This edition will once again extend into the center of Vitoria-Gasteiz with free concerts in Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and will also feature Txiki ARF.

Virgen Blanca

Once again, Plaza de la Virgen Blanca becomes the spot where the Azkena Rock Festival merges with the city. The free-admission lineup will once again take over the heart of Vitoria-Gasteiz at noon, complementing the vermouth atmosphere and street life with concerts designed to kick off each day before Mendizabala lights up its stages.

Friday will feature Bywater Call, a Canadian band led by the powerful voice of Meghan Parnell and characterized by a blend of soul, blues, roots rock, and raw emotion. On Saturday, the square will welcome The Backyard Casanovas, four rockers from Bonn (Germany) who will perform their explosive repertoire, consisting of original songs and gems from their idols Hound Dog Taylor and Hasil Adkins, true masters of the rawest, garage-style blues.

The highlights of Mendizabala

The first day will welcome the Swedish powerhouse The Hives, who will deliver an adrenaline-fueled show packed with hits like “Hate to Say I Told You So” and “Main Offender.” In an exclusive show, Imelda May will arrive at Mendizabala accompanied by Darrel Highman to perform her most rock ’n’ roll repertoire, and The Adicts will stop by the festival on their farewell tour, bringing an end to nearly five decades of irreverence and punk partying. Rounding out the day will be the unstoppable metal machine of Corrosion of Conformity, the virtuosity combined with youth courtesy of Dewolff, the blues veteran Robert Finley, and the refined pop-soul-funk of the Guipúzcoa-based band Nhil. At Trashville, the instrumental surf rock of Les Robots, the unclassifiable chaos of Ángel y Cristo, the primitive noise of Captain Trasho, the garage rock fun of The Concrete Boys, and the Barcelona-based riot quintet Radioactivas.

The second day will feature the godfather of shock rock, Alice Cooper, in a theatrical horror and hard rock show that has established him as one of the key figures in rock music over the past few decades. Sugar’s reunion tour will make a stop at the festival, marking their first visit to the country since 1993 and one of the most special shows of the event. It will also be the turn of Los Enemigos, one of the most influential bands in the country’s rock scene, who will return to Mendizabala with their unmistakable blend of raw energy, irony, and songs that have already become part of the collective memory of several generations. From California, Circle Jerks will unleash their hardcore punk, brimming with rage and social commentary. Evaristo, for his part, will take the audience on a journey through all his projects and a discography that has earned him the title of the flagship of Basque punk. Old Crow Medicine Show’s American folk will make its debut in Spain, Voivod will unleash their dystopian metal, Black Maracas will unleash their psychedelic fuzz, and The Damn Truth, led by the charismatic Lee-La Baum, will set their rock & roll machine in motion. Experimental punk will also be represented by Tropical Fuck Storm, as will modern hard rock in The Temperance Movement’s set, fantastic adventure rock from Hällas, and brothers Dan and Warren Zanes will take the stage as The Del Fuegos. Attendees at the Trashville tent will witness the punk provocation of The Dwarves, the troglodyte garage of Cavegirl + The Neandergals, the sci-fi rave of HENGE, the sweaty punk of Restless Ramone, and the Japanese rock of Stompin’ Riffraffs to close out a truly heart-stopping day.

On the final day, featuring a particularly diverse lineup, Social Distortion will return following their 2022 visit to present Born To Kill, their first album in fifteen years, and to deliver a masterclass in classic rock & roll, country, and blues courtesy of Mike Ness and the band. Carpenter Brut will arrive at Mendizabala to win over rock fans with their distinctive electronic sound, where synthesizers blend with the heaviest industrial metal, and (former Drive-by-Truckers member) Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will demonstrate why he is considered a key figure in today’s alternative country scene. Alcalá Norte will prove themselves to be much more than just a promising band; Sleaford Mods will examine the uncomfortable truths of our society through irony and post-punk; Superchunk will delight lovers of the most honest power pop; Discharge will sound devastating with their veteran blend of hardcore d-beat; and Therapy? will perform their most acclaimed album, Troublegum, in its entirety. Street-punk will also be present at Mendizabala courtesy of Split Dogs, as will cow-punk from the Vandoliers, and new wave and glam aesthetics will be provided by Starbenders. Lepora’s hard-hitting Basque rock and Rodeo’s stoner rock will represent local talent on this final day. Additionally, the stoner rock of the Zaragoza-based power duo Lady Banana will also be featured on this day thanks to the initiative of the +Músicas Live program, aimed at promoting female representation at festivals. At Trashville, the most hypnotic synth-punk will take center stage thanks to Cuir, and the venue will also feature horror punk and psychobilly from Bloodsucking Zombies from Outer Space, subversive folk-punk from Bridge City Sinners, as well as a bizarre performance led by Capitán Entresijos feat. Garganta Profunda and the otherworldly rock of Twin Ghosts.

Txiki ARF: the family-friendly space at Mendizabala

For the third consecutive year, Azkena Rock Festival will feature a program designed to help younger audiences discover rock culture through fun.

From the second Trashville tent and in collaboration with Rock en Familia, on Friday and Saturday families can attend tribute concerts to rock legends who have performed at the festival starting in the early afternoon, as well as workshops and children’s activities (face painting, air guitar contests, rocker bingo, making custom guitar picks and badges, etc.).

Radio Vitoria live

This year, the Azkena Rock Festival will feature live coverage by Radio Vitoria, part of the EITB group, which will provide special live coverage: on Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with interviews, live broadcasts, and concert highlights that will bring the essence of the ARF to those both inside and outside the venue.

BALORE: Commitment Inside and Outside the Venue

Azkena Rock Festival once again reinforces its commitment to sustainability and a positive impact on the environment through the BALORE Space, a gathering place that reflects the values guiding Last Tour: inclusion, diversity, accessibility, climate justice, and purpose-driven partnerships.

Thanks to collaborations with organizations such as the Alava Alliance for Sustainable Development and the Vitoria-Gasteiz Food Bank, as well as initiatives like the Violet, Rainbow, and Green Points, the festival aims to continue being an agent of social, cultural, and environmental transformation.

This year, it is also joining the Festival Pact, an initiative developed in collaboration with the Association of Women in the Music Industry and the Ministry of Culture, whose goal is to contribute to a more just, safe, and equitable cultural sector. This endorsement means being part of a collective commitment by the festival sector against sexual violence, hate crimes, discrimination, and any form of violence, and it also highlights the active role festivals play in creating safer, more inclusive, and more equitable spaces.

In the same vein, the festival is strengthening its ties with LGBTI+ Points Sarea, the Basque network of safe spaces promoted by Ortzadar LGBTI Elkartea. This partnership enables progress on specific commitments such as respecting the identity of transgender people, addressing potential instances of LGBTIQ+phobic aggression, displaying the safe space emblem, and training staff on LGBTIQ+ issues, integrating this work into the Rainbow Point and the BALORE Space.

In 2026, coinciding with Berakah’s 20th anniversary, a space for collaboration will open with this social organization deeply rooted in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Since 2006, Berakah has supported people in vulnerable situations through a broad network of volunteers and programs focused on food, housing, training, listening, counseling, and community support. Within the framework of Espacio BALORE, the festival will highlight its work and facilitate the participation of several representatives from the organization to inform and raise awareness among the public during the festival. Thirty people will attend for free over the three days of the festival to enjoy the music and culture.

Also this year, the Azkena Rock Festival will be able to announce for the first time its affiliation with Last Tour’s B Corp certification, a certified company that drives its development. This affiliation, validated by B Lab through its brand review process, highlights that the festival is part of Last Tour’s ecosystem of cultural projects and operates under a shared model of management, governance, and positive impact. This approach is reflected in measures such as waste reduction and recycling, the promotion of sustainable mobility, prevention and awareness programs against sexist aggression and in favor of equality, the hiring of local teams, and the promotion of free-access concerts.

The festival also continues to make progress in accessibility, sustainable mobility, waste reduction, material reuse, the elimination of unnecessary plastics, drinking water sources, and environmental awareness, following the Erronka Garbia Sustainable Event methodology. This approach views sustainability as a shared responsibility involving the organization, staff, suppliers, government agencies, partner organizations, and the public.

Azkena Rock Festival thus reaffirms its commitment to being much more than a music festival: a space for gathering, coexistence, and transformation where rock coexists with respect, freedom, care for the environment, and a commitment to a more just, diverse, and sustainable culture.

Day passes and 3-day passes are still available at azkenarockfestival.com. The Gaztea Pass (€100 + fees, for those under 24) is also available, and the option to pay in installments remains, as does free admission for those under 14.

For 2026, the festival has increased the frequency and number of buses to and from the festival, offering organized trips from nearby towns such as Altsasu, Arrasate, Barakaldo, Bilbao, Burgos, Donostia/San Sebastián, Errentería, Getxo, Irún, Miranda de Ebro, Pamplona, Portugalete, Rentería, and Zarautz.

The organizers of the Azkena Rock Festival would like to extend special thanks to the City Council of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Provincial Council of Álava, and Cervezas La Salve, St. Petroni, Kutxabank, and Petronor for their support, which makes this event possible.

Azkena Rock Festival has announced the schedule for its 24th edition, which will take place on June 18, 19, and 20 in Mendizabala, Vitoria-Gasteiz. With Alice Cooper, Social Distortion, and The Hives headlining a lineup that once again explores rock ’n’ roll in all its forms, the festival is beginning to shape the full experience of this new edition: three days of music, community, and memorable live performances that will also extend to the city center with free concerts in Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. In addition, the venue will once again feature Txiki ARF, the space designed so that families can also experience Azkena from the inside.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18
 THE HIVES / IMELDA MAY exclusive rock & roll show feat. Darrel Higham / THE ADICTS Adios Amigos / CORROSION OF CONFORMITY / DEWOLFF / ROBERT FINLEY / NHIL
Trashville: LES ROBOTS / ÁNGEL Y CRISTO / CAPTAIN TRASHO / THE CONCRETE BOYS / RADIOACTIVAS

The first day will welcome the Swedish powerhouse The Hives, who will deliver an adrenaline-fueled show packed with hits like “Hate to Say I Told You So” and “Main Offender.” In an exclusive show, Imelda May will arrive at Mendizabala accompanied by Darrel Highman to perform her most rock ’n’ roll repertoire, and The Adicts will stop by the festival on their farewell tour, bringing an end to nearly five decades of irreverence and punk partying. Rounding out the day will be the unstoppable metal machine of Corrosion of Conformity, the virtuosity combined with youth courtesy of Dewolff, the blues veteran Robert Finley, and the refined pop-soul-funk of the Guipúzcoa-based band Nhil. At Trashville, the instrumental surf rock of Les Robots, the unclassifiable chaos of Ángel y Cristo, the primitive noise of Captain Trasho, the garage rock fun of The Concrete Boys, and the Barcelona-based riot quintet Radioactivas.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19
 ALICE COOPER / SUGAR First show in Spain since 1993 / CIRCLE JERKS / COUNTING CROWS / EVARISTO / OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / VOIVOD / BLACK MARACAS / THE DAMN TRUTH / THE DEL FUEGOS / HÄLLAS / THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT / TROPICAL FUCK STORM
Trashville: THE DWARVES / CAVEGIRL + THE NEANDERGALS / HENGE / RESTLESS RAMONE / STOMPIN’ RIFFRAFFS

Virgen Blanca: Bywater Call

The second day will feature the godfather of shock rock, Alice Cooper, in a theatrical horror and hard rock show that has established him as one of the key figures in rock music over the past few decades. Sugar’s reunion tour will make a stop at the festival, marking their first visit to the country since 1993 and one of the most special shows of the event. From California, Circle Jerks will unleash their hardcore punk, brimming with rage and social commentary, while Counting Crows will revisit their hits led by the unmistakable voice of Adam Duritz. Evaristo, for his part, will take the audience on a journey through all his projects and a discography that has earned him the title of the flagship of Basque punk. Old Crow Medicine Show’s American folk will make its debut in Spain, Voivod will unleash their dystopian metal, Black Maracas will unleash their psychedelic fuzz, and The Damn Truth, led by the charismatic Lee-La Baum, will set their rock & roll machine in motion. Experimental punk will also be represented by Tropical Fuck Storm, as will modern hard rock in The Temperance Movement’s set, fantastic adventure rock from Hällas, and brothers Dan and Warren Zanes will take the stage as The Del Fuegos. Attendees at the Trashville tent will witness the punk provocation of The Dwarves, the troglodyte garage of Cavegirl + The Neandergals, the sci-fi rave of HENGE, the sweaty punk of Restless Ramone, and the Japanese rock of Stompin’ Riffraffs to close out a truly heart-stopping day.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20
 SOCIAL DISTORTION / CARPENTER BRUT / JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT / ALCALÁ NORTE / SLEAFORD MODS / SUPERCHUNK / THERAPY? Plays ‘Troublegum’ / DISCHARGE / LEPORA / RODEO / SPLIT DOGS / STARBENDERS / VANDOLIERS / LADY BANANA
Trashville: CUIR / BLOODSUCKING ZOMBIES FROM OUTER SPACE / BRIDGE CITY SINNERS / CAPITÁN ENTRESIJOS feat. Garganta Profunda / TWIN GHOSTS

Virgen Blanca: The Backyard Casanovas

On the final day, featuring a particularly diverse lineup, Social Distortion will return following their 2022 visit to present *Born To Kill*, their first album in fifteen years, and to deliver a masterclass in classic rock & roll, country, and blues courtesy of Mike Ness and the band. Carpenter Brut will arrive at Mendizabala to win over rock fans with their distinctive electronic sound, where synthesizers blend with the heaviest industrial metal, and (former Drive-by-Truckers member) Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will demonstrate why he is considered a key figure in today’s alternative country scene. Alcalá Norte will prove themselves to be much more than just a promising band; Sleaford Mods will examine the uncomfortable truths of our society through irony and post-punk; Superchunk will delight lovers of the most honest power pop; Discharge will sound devastating with their veteran blend of hardcore d-beat; and Therapy? will perform their most acclaimed album, Troublegum, in its entirety. Street-punk will also be present at Mendizabala courtesy of Split Dogs, as will cow-punk from the Vandoliers, and new wave and glam aesthetics will be provided by Starbenders. Lepora’s hard-hitting Basque rock and Rodeo’s stoner rock will represent local talent on this final day. Additionally, the stoner rock of the Zaragoza-based power duo Lady Banana will also be featured on this day thanks to the initiative of the +Músicas Live program, aimed at promoting female representation at festivals. At Trashville, the most hypnotic synth-punk will take center stage thanks to Cuir, and the venue will also feature horror punk and psychobilly from Bloodsucking Zombies from Outer Space, subversive folk-punk from Bridge City Sinners, as well as a bizarre performance led by Capitán Entresijos feat. Garganta Profunda and the otherworldly rock of Twin Ghosts.

As usual, downtown Vitoria-Gasteiz will kick off the festivities on Friday and Saturday, transforming Plaza de la Virgen Blanca into a hub where live music, cuisine, and a great atmosphere will converge—an energy that will later spill over to Mendizabala.

On Friday, Bywater Call will kick off the day. Having become one of the strongest acts in contemporary soul-blues, and backed by a sound that draws from classic rhythm & blues, southern rock, and gospel, the Toronto-based band will showcase their vibrant horn sections in the city center, always led by the commanding voice of Meghan Parnellen.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, The Backyard Casanovas will deliver a performance of swampy blues and rock ’n’ roll intensity, infused with the spirit of the 1950s. Formed in 2018, these four rockers from Bonn (Germany) will perform their explosive repertoire during happy hour, featuring original songs and gems from their idols Hound Dog Taylor and Hasil Adkins, true masters of raw, garage-style blues.

Txiki ARF: the family-friendly space at Mendizabala

For the third consecutive year, Azkena Rock Festival will feature a program designed to introduce younger audiences to rock culture through fun.

From the second Trashville tent and in collaboration with Rock en Familia, on Friday and Saturday families can attend tribute concerts to rock legends who have performed at the festival starting in the early afternoon, as well as workshops and children’s activities (face painting, air guitar contests, rocker bingo, making custom guitar picks and badges, etc.).

Day passes and 3-day passes are still available at azkenarockfestival.com. The Gaztea Pass (€100 + fees, for those under 24) is also available, and the option to pay in installments remains, as does free admission for children under 14.

For 2026, the festival has increased the frequency and number of buses to and from the festival, offering organized trips from nearby towns such as Altsasu, Arrasate, Barakaldo, Bilbao, Burgos, Donostia/San Sebastián, Errentería, Getxo, Irún, Miranda de Ebro, Pamplona, Portugalete and Zarautz.

The organizers of the Azkena Rock Festival would like to extend special thanks to the City Council of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Provincial Council of Álava, and Cervezas La Salve, St. Petroni, Kutxabank, and Petronor for their support, which makes this event possible.

Azkena Rock Festival today reveals the latest names for its 24th edition, which will be held in Mendizabala (Vitoria-Gasteiz) on June 18, 19, and 20, and also announces the distribution of the lineup by day.

The lineup is completed with the confirmation of French musician Carpenter Brut, master of synthwave mixed with industrial metal, presenting his latest and newly released album, Leather Temple. Also visiting Mendizabala will be Robert Finley, the veteran bluesman from Louisiana, mentored by Dan Auerbach, who will stop off at the festival before opening for the Black Keys on their European tour, and Black Maracas, representing the most electrifying psychedelic garage rock in Spain. With these additions, the 24th edition of the Azkena Rock Festival will bring together nearly 50 artists, in a lineup headed by Alice Cooper, Social Distortion, and The Hives, in which rock is represented in all its forms, combining established names with new acts.

The flame of Azkena Rock Festival remains burning bright despite the low temperatures, and the year couldn’t end without adding one last barrel of gasoline to its already impressive lineup.  The festival, which will take place on June 18, 19, and 20, 2026, in Mendizabala (Vitoria-Gasteiz), today adds a new batch of confirmations for its 24th edition, in a new unmissable event for all lovers of rock in its many forms and facets.

The Hives will return to the festival after their visit in 2010 with a show that is guaranteed to be full of adrenaline and boundless energy from start to finish. Masters at generating noisy, controlled chaos courtesy of their leader, Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist, their live performances are always synonymous with boundless stage presence, and in Mendizabala they will once again demonstrate their unique ability to connect with the audience, built on punk attitude, irresistible melodies, and an aesthetic that is as precise as it is wild.

In a new demonstration of the festival’s trademark stylistic versatility, American alternative rock from the 1990s and early 2000s will be represented by Counting Crows, thanks to the unmistakable voice of Adam Duritz and the performance of timeless classics such as Mr. Jones and Accidentally in Love. For their part, Alcalá Norte will prove on stage why they have been the fastest-growing Spanish band in recent times and will offer a sing-along setlist from start to finish, which will include hits such as La Vida Cañón and Calle Elfo. Superchunk, now a cult band, will arrive in Vitoria-Gasteiz with a new album, more polished than ever thanks to their new drummer and always standard-bearers of the DIY spirit and the most authentic indie rock. 

Honest, British-rooted blues rock will arrive at Mendizabala courtesy of The Temperance Movement, while Sweden’s Hällas will bring a progressive, 70s psychedelic and classic heavy metal vibe with their “adventure rock” full of legends and fantasy. Vandoliers will bring their “cow rock” from Texas in a genuine mix of punk urgency and country heart. From the Netherlands, DeWolff will exude youth and virtuosity with their explosive mix of electrified southern blues-rock with nods to soul and psychedelia, and closing this new batch of names, Lepora will play at home, ready to prove themselves as one of the most personal and powerful acts in Basque rock in recent years.

All these additions join the more than thirty names already revealed, in a lineup headed by Alice Cooper and Social Distortion, with which Vitoria-Gasteiz will become the capital of rock next June. The lineup continues with Imelda May in a 100% RnR show alongside Darrel Highman, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Old Crow Medicine Show, Sleaford Mods, SUGAR, The Adicts, Evaristo, Circle Jerks, Corrosion of Conformity, Therapy?, The Damn Truth, The Del Fuegos, Discharge, Split Dogs, Starbenders, Tropical Fuck Storm, Voivod, Rodeo, and Nhil… and there are still more artists to be confirmed. In addition, the complete lineup for the Trashville tent has also been revealed, including The Dwarves, Bridge City Sinners, Cuir, and Henge, who will be responsible for representing the most visceral side of the festival.

General tickets are still on sale at azkenarockfestival.com, and will remain at the promotional price until Tuesday, February 3 at 10.00am. The Gaztea Ticket (for those under 24) and the Cuadrilla Ticket (a pack of five tickets for groups of friends with a sixth free) are still available. As in previous editions, admission will be free for children under 14. 

The organizers of Azkena Rock Festival would like to express their special gratitude to the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council, the Álava Provincial Council, and to La Salve, Kutxabank and Petronor, who make this event possible.

This year, the festival will increase the frequency and number of buses to and from the festival, offering organized trips from nearby cities such as Altsasu, Arrasate, Barakaldo, Bilbao, Burgos, Donostia, Errentería, Getxo, Irún, Miranda de Ebro,  Pamplona, Portugalete and Zarautz.

If the Azkena Rock Festival is a temple of rock & roll, Trashville is its deranged engine room about to explode. A tent immersed in permanent, frenetic chaos where distortion reigns, logic breaks down, and the winged creatures of chaos take control. Here, crows don’t caw: they scream with the overdrive turned up to the max. They fly straight into the amp, their feathers bristling with electricity and their beaks sharp as a riff. Trashville is not a stage. It is a mutation. A wild habitat where every chord can blow the fuses and generate a short circuit that reverberates throughout Vitoria-Gasteiz.

In Trashville, there is no rest. Every night, the tent burns with impossible riffs, lively double basses, and performances as visceral as they are theatrical. Here, guitars are pounded, but so is any device capable of emitting sound, and what matters is not virtuosity, but dedication. The goal: to get pulses racing and bodies infected with the electric spasm of rock & roll. People don’t come here to watch, they come to give themselves over completely. What happens in Trashville stays in Trashville. Or not.

In 2026, the festival will once again open its doors to the underworld: an illegal club with walls that exude the dirtiest garage, the most frenetic surf, the greasiest psychobilly, and the most shameless punk to complete a lineup designed to make all creatures dance as if the earth were shaking beneath their feet.

Scoundrels by nature, The Dwarves are synonymous with provocation and depravity in the form of trash made flesh. Led since 1983 by Blag Dahlia, they will bring their machine gun of relentless punk hits to Mendizabala to teach all the kids how to worship Satan, with no guarantee that attendees will emerge from their concert unscathed. The Bridge City Sinners will deploy their blue glass and gothic folk in a mix of vintage sound that pairs perfectly with the badass attitude of their frontwoman Libby Lux, and hooded individuals will also find their natural habitat in Trashville. This will be demonstrated by Cuir, a pink neon synthpunk whirlwind that will land straight from Lyon to explore the boundaries between dark synthesizers, sadomasochism, and futuristic Oi! Henge will infect us with rave spirit and psychedelia through its members, a group of kraut and progressive rock-loving aliens from different planets, and from the depths of Galicia, the equally enigmatic Captain Trasho will take on the role of one-man band and draw on authenticity through his unbridled garage-punk and one-against-all attitude. Also mysterious will be the appearance of Twin Ghosts, a joint project between two ghosts and a medium, who will add us to their ritual show to connect with the invisible through their dark instrumental punk.

Inside the tent, we will be transported to other eras: English band Cavegirl + The Neandergals will evoke prehistoric times with their garage-punk, untameable energy, and riotous attitude worthy of true troglodytes, while the future will also be present courtesy of Les Robots, a trio dressed as authentic automatons who will unleash their mechanical, spatial universe and nods to vintage instrumental surf music on stage.

If there’s one thing Azkena Rock Festival doesn’t understand, it’s labels… or borders, and that’s why, after exploring Tokyo’s most underground scene, it will feature the golden rock of the 1950s and the rawness of 1960s garage punk courtesy of Stompin’ Riffraffs, who will leave Mendizabala with an uncontrolled explosion of energy accompanied by a sweaty, no-frills show. From Denmark, The Concrete Boys promise a good dose of mutant rock, with members of Powersolo and a unique proposal that combines funk and punk with catchy melodies. Intense and as if someone had transported us to the set of a B movie, the Germans Restless Ramones, four individuals brimming with personality and dressed in masks, animal print and dubious intentions, will give their all (oozing beer) on stage. Straight out of another movie, but in this case a horror film, the Austrians Bloodsucking Zombies from Outer Space will arrive ready to spread the most spine-chilling vibes with their mix of horrorbilly and theatrical psychobilly in the purest Misfits style. And if we’re talking about shamelessness, Ángel y Cristo will prove they have plenty of nerve in their tremendous impossible cross between Parchís and Sonic Youth, Radioactivas will give it their all with their rebellious and festive punk made in Terrassa, and the duo formed by Capitán Entresijos feat. Garganta Profunda will ensure a performance that is as irreverent and trashy as it is hypnotic.

In addition to Trashville, Azkena Rock Festival already has a packed lineup full of top-level confirmations for its 24th edition, headlined by Alice Cooper and Social Distortion, which will turn Vitoria-Gasteiz into the capital of rock next June. Twenty artists make up the first preview of its diverse lineup, which includes a wide variety of the most distorted sounds and is rounded out by Imelda May in a 100% RnR show alongside Darrel Highman, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Old Crow Medicine Show, Sleaford Mods, SUGAR, The Adicts, Evaristo, Circle Jerks, Corrosion of Conformity, Therapy?, The Damn Truth, The Del Fuegos, Discharge, Split Dogs, Starbenders, Tropical Fuck Storm, Voivod, Rodeo, and Nhil… and there are still artists to be confirmed.

Responsible for designing the festival’s overall poster, The Zuzenders from Vitoria-Gasteiz have also been tasked with devising Trashville’s artistic proposal and reflecting the intensity that emanates from its walls, capable of trapping even the most cunning crows in its electric shocks.

General admission tickets are on sale at azkenarockfestival.com, maintaining their initial starting price until December 11 at 10 am. The Bono Gaztea (for under-24s) and Bono Cuadrilla (for groups of friends loyal to the event – buy five tickets and get the sixth free) options are also still available. As in previous editions, admission will be free for children under 14. 

This year, the festival will increase the frequency and number of buses to and from the festival, offering organized trips from nearby cities such as Altsasu, Arrasate, Bilbao, Donostia, Iruña, and Zarautz.

Azkena Rock Festival today unveils the first headliners for its next  edition, which will be held on June 18, 19, and 20, 2026, in Vitoria Gasteiz. This first batch of confirmations is led by the incombustible  legend Alice Cooper, who will turn Mendizabala into a veritable rock  horror theater, and Social Distortion, pioneers of Californian punk rock  who return to the city five years after their last visit to the festival in 2021,  both with exclusive dates in Spain. The first preview of artists who will  turn Mendizabala into the capital of rock also includes Imelda May,  Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Old Crow Medicine Show, Sleaford Mods,  SUGAR, The Adicts, Evaristo, Circle Jerks, Corrosion of Conformity,  Therapy?, The Damn Truth, The Del Fuegos, Discharge, Split Dogs,  Starbenders, Tropical Fuck Storm, Voivod, Rodeo and Nhil. 

Coinciding with its 24th edition, this first preview of the program once  again reflects the festival’s commitment to what makes it unique: a 

first-rate artistic program and a wide-ranging and diverse lineup. Once  again, Vitoria-Gasteiz will welcome big names linked to rock and roll  in all its forms, offering the public a genuine three-day experience  marked by eclecticism, quality, and a stylistic plurality that embraces  both the classics and the most groundbreaking proposals. 

Alice Cooper will return to Mendizabala in 2026, seventeen years after  his last visit, with a theatrical show marked by horror, burlesque, and  vaudeville. The godfather of shock rock and an essential figure in rock  since the 1970s, he will offer a performance full of provocation, charisma,  and immortal songs. This summer he released The Revenge of Alice  Cooper, an album that reunites his original band more than five  decades later and whose songs will be added to a repertoire that will  also revisit many of his classics, on his only date in Spain. 

Four years after their last visit, Social Distortion will return to Vitoria Gasteiz with an exclusive stop to offer an authentic masterclass in punk  rock & roll. Emerging from Californian punk more than four decades  ago, Mike Ness’s band has earned the respect of several generations  thanks to its evolution towards classic rock & roll, country, and blues.  Their live show will feature anthems about loss, addiction, and  redemption, turned into songs with the emotion and class that only  they know how to convey. 

The festival will offer unrepeatable moments, with exclusive concerts  and performances that are out of the ordinary. Imelda May will offer a  unique show alongside Darrel Highman, showcasing their chemistry on  stage as they recapture the purest essence of classic rock & roll, relying  on their vocal strength and electrifying stage presence. The audience  will also witness the reunion of SUGAR, who will make a unique stop on  the peninsula thirty years after their breakup and having made history  with albums such as Copper Blue. For their part, Therapy? will perform  Troublegum in its entirety, one of the key albums of 90s noise rock,  whose virtues managed to bring together punks, metalheads, hardcore  fans, and other lovers of the most distorted sounds. 

Straight from Nashville, the multi-award-winning Jason Isbell & The  400 Unit will arrive in Mendizabala to give a masterclass in alternative  country, southern rock, and roots folk, with songs that honestly address  the complexity of human relationships, performed by the former Drive-

By Truckers member and his band with the mastery that has earned  them several Grammys. From the same city and sharing that narrative  spirit and storytelling, Old Crow Medicine Show will also be landing at  the festival, celebrating their 25-year career with a new album and a  review of classics such as Wagon Wheel and Remedy in what will be  their first ever performance in Spain. 

Punk will be well represented in this first preview of the lineup thanks  to bands that have left their mark on the genre from different parts of  the map. The flagship of Alava punk, Evaristo will offer a complete show  in which he will perform the great anthems of La Polla Records along  with songs from his other projects – Gatillazo and Tropa do Carallo – reaffirming his inexhaustible energy and his commitment to the most  rebellious and combative message. From the United Kingdom,  Discharge will arrive with their renowned forcefulness, considered the  fathers of D-Beat and an essential reference for the most extreme forms  of metal such as thrash, grind, and black. Also from the British Isles,  specifically Nottingham, Sleaford Mods will highlight the  uncomfortable truths of the present: unemployment, precariousness,  consumerist culture, and social crises, in an electronic post-punk  proposal that is as uncomfortable as it is necessary. Crossing the  Atlantic, from Hermosa Beach (California), Circle Jerks will review four  decades of history with Keith Morris at the helm, in a live show loaded  with short, fierce songs and social satire that is still relevant today. From  the same Californian scene, The Adicts will arrive in Mendizabala with  their farewell tour Adios Amigos after five decades of irreverence, in a  great melodic and delirious punk party where anthems such as Viva La  Revolution! will be sung in unison. From Australia, Tropical Fuck Storm  will present Fairyland Codex, their new work: an incursion into digital  chaos, contemporary conspiracies, and human fragility, in the key of  experimental punk.  

American heavy metal icons Corrosion of Conformity will arrive at the  festival as a prelude to their new double album of covers of great  classics, the Riffissippi Studio Jam Sessions, from which they have  already released a cover of Free’s Fire And Water. Rounding out the  representation of the most extreme sounds, Voivod will forcefully  defend their position as a cult band of the genre and their unique blend  of thrash, progressive metal, and dystopian science fiction.

The lineup is completed by more recent bands that bring a breath of  fresh air to the current rock & roll scene. These are projects with their  own identity, brimming with attitude and looking to leave their mark  on Mendizabala. From the direct street punk and fast-paced riffs of Split  Dogs to the references to 70s and 80s rock of Starbenders, close to new  wave and glam. Canada’s The Damn Truth will arrive like a veritable  rock & roll machine, fronted by Lee-La Baum—vocals and guitar— overflowing with power and stage presence, and from Gipuzkoa, Nhil 

will deploy their elegant fusion of pop, soul, and funk, presenting songs  from their third album, Etxea. while Rodeo will perform songs from  their latest album, X, to demonstrate why they are considered one of  the benchmark bands of Basque stoner. 

Finally, The Del Fuegos join these first confirmations after their reunion  last year, fronted by brothers Dan and Warren Zanes, the latter being  the author of the official biography of Tom Petty and the essay that  inspired the recent biopic of The Boss, Springsteen: Deliver Me From  Nowhere. 

The fan waiting list to get festival passes opens today and will remain  open until Friday, October 31, at 12 noon. Those who have attended  previous editions of the festival will have access to an exclusive presale  starting tomorrow, Wednesday, October 29, at a special price. Fan sales  will begin on Monday, November 3, at 10 a.m., and general sales will be  available from Tuesday, November 4, at the same time at  azkenarockfestival.com at a promotional price. In addition to passes for  the three days of the festival, those under 24 can purchase the Gaztea  Pass (€100 + fees) and, following its success last year, the Cuadrilla Pass will be available again, a treat for all groups of friends who mark their  ARF date on the calendar every year and for which they will receive 6  passes for the purchase of 5. As in previous editions, installment  payments will be available for both presale and general sale, and  admission will be free for children under 14. The festival will once  again offer organized bus trips with stops adjacent to the entrance to  the venue and from nearby towns such as Bilbao, Pamplona,  Donostia/San Sebastián, Zarautz, Arrasate, and Alsasua. 

The image design for this edition is by The Zuzenders, an artistic  collective from Vitoria-Gasteiz that has already collaborated on previous  editions of the festival, creating postcards, stamps, and animated  audiovisual pieces. For 2026, this drawing-music action group wanted  to pay tribute to the iconography of Vitoria-Gasteiz, placing a raven  in the center of the image: present on the city’s coat of arms and  undoubtedly one of the most enigmatic animals linked to the imagery  of rock & roll. 

The Azkena Rock Festival is much more than a musical event: it is an  authentic celebration of rock in all its forms and, year after year, offers  an unforgettable experience. Its loyal and passionate audience returns  year after year to Mendizabala, a comfortable venue surrounded by  green areas, just a few steps from the heart of Vitoria-Gasteiz. The city,  recognized as a Green Capital and an emblem of Basque gastronomy,  adds value to a festival that combines music, environment, and  community. Behind it all is Last Tour, an independent cultural promoter  certified as a BCorp company, committed to a responsible model with  values.