We live in a strange musical moment, with algorithms deciding on consumption habits (and not the other way around) and new Artificial Intelligence languages that sneak into playlists as if they were flesh and blood artists. What a dystopian present. But in this dystopia, phenomena arise in the least expected places and in the most natural and simple way. It is resistance; it is the power of live music, which no machine can replicate.
The concert agenda of Madrid is proof of this: Sanguijuelas del Guadiana have managed to put on the map their village of Siberia Extremeña, Casas de Don Pedro, and mark three sold outs in a row this May at La Riviera. Exhausted, as they say. But full, full of pride in the heart. Artists such as Eric Clapton or Fito y los Fitipaldis also have the “sold out” sign. The rest of the dates with tickets still available, here:
Geometric Splendor (May 2)
Are there any Industrial bands in Spain? There is only one correct answer: Esplendor Geométrico. Pioneers of synth pop in the country, they have been exploring distorted, robotic, unique territories for four decades. History of the genre, history of the country, history of music. You should always go to listen to them.
Cecilio G (May 9)
Cecilio G. is worthy of study. The number of falls he has had (and relapses) that have become massive concerts. We know that in May the return will be epic, since the 9th will be the first concert after his release from prison. He will do it in the context of the Sound Isidro cycle.
They say from Primavera Tours that Joshua Idehen’s voice “meandered through the instrumentation awakening a curious double sensation in the listener: Idehen’s recitation sounded healing but also threatening”. The British-Nigerian poet and musician will land in Madrid to open a window to Afrofuturism in rhapsodic key.
Fuet! (May 16)
Fuet! last year can be defined as meteoric: they hit the stages (very good hardcore, very good screaming, very, very good distorted guitars more in shoegaze mode – and very good videoclip and hair-) and appeared in all the lists of favorite albums of those music lovers and content creators who control the Madrid scene like nobody else. It must be for a reason.
They are back: La Pegatina spent a year in fallow, after the intensity of not stopping touring and composing in twenty years. Now, they are back with two dates at La Riviera and the promise of a new album that has yet to see the light of day.
Pablo Alborán (May 21 and 22)
We can no longer see Pablo Alborán in the same way. At least not since his appearance in the series Respira (something like the patriotic Grey’s Anatomy ) and the tremendous role he plays. Needless to say that his acting skills are only eclipsed by his musical talents. One of the voices of our country that this May will present, with two full stadiums, his new album: KM0.
El Último de la Fila (May 23)
Manolo García and Quimi Portet are back. The last of the line was born in the early 80’s to revolutionize the scene with a peculiar rock, full of quarters, quejíos and flamenco twists. Today they join hands again almost 30 years since their last live performance.
The salsa is tremendous, that’s just the way it is: La Oreja de Van Gogh made a splash (almost literally, since they presented their first single at RTVE’s year-end gala) in 2025 with the announcement of the return of the original line-up. Well, almost: Amaia Montero returned to the band and Pablo Benegas (guitarist and one of the founders of the band) announced his departure from the group. This 2026, an intense tour, a new album and a voice that is home. As was Leire Martinez‘s.
Born in the Gothenburg of the 90’s, the psychedelic rock of The Sountrack of Our Lives sounds melancholic, revealing, not at all cold like the Sweden where they were born. The band hasn’t been in Spain for a few years and now they do it with 5 select dates in the peninsula.
Maruja (May 29)
Maruja are pure revelation. A mix of jazz with post-punk… that likes breakbeat. Suddenly a saxophone, suddenly a descent that promises an interstellar ascent. It’s incredible and unclassifiable. We were really looking forward to seeing them at the Canela Party festival in August 2025 (a live show they had to cancel) and we are even more looking forward to seeing them this May. By the way, if you were wondering yes, we have the answer: the name Maruja has Spanish roots, as it was inspired by a store sign that Harry Wilkinson (vocals and guitar) saw during a family vacation in Spain.
PiL, Public Image Limited (May 30)
The historic British post-punk band led by John Lydon will return to Madrid as part of their European tour This Is Not The Last Tour and will offer a concert at the BUT venue reviewing almost five decades of career (with songs from their latest album, End of World, from 2023).
Bad Bunny: May 30 and 31
Last time we checked, there was a single low tier ticket left for May 31. By the time you read this, it may have already flown. And not only will he be there for these two days, but the DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour adventure will continue until June 15. Blessed Benito. What a gush of energy. In every show: a little house, lots of great songs and all the Puerto Rican flavor (without leaving aside the social reflections).
This double concert is the prelude to the rock festival par excellence, ARF. DeWolff is the headliner of the evening with Israel Nash as guest artist.
From Canada to Madrid, with his guitar and a suitcase full of folk. Ryan Harris surfs, sings like angels and composes like that wave of artists(Ocie Elliott, Hollow Coves, Amistat…) who touch hearts in every composition.