We live in a strange musical moment, with algorithms deciding consumption habits (and not the other way around) and new Artificial Intelligence languages sneaking into playlists as if they were flesh-and-blood artists. What a dystopian present. But in this dystopia, phenomena arise in the most unexpected places and in the most natural and simple way. It is resistance; it is the power of live music, which no machine can replicate.
Madrid’s concert calendar is proof of this: Sanguijuelas del Guadiana have managed to put their village in Siberia Extremeña, Casas de Don Pedro, on the map and sell out three consecutive shows this May at La Riviera. Sold out, as they say. But full, full of pride in their hearts. Artists such as Eric Clapton and Fito y los Fitipaldis also boast “sold out” signs. The rest of the dates with tickets still available are here:
Esplendor Geométrico (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 and listen to them.
We know that K-pop is not a passing fad: it is culture, it is a craze, and it is an industry that moves millions and brings talent to the Western world that finally puts South Korea on the musical map. Yves was part of this massive movement, having been a member of the band LOONA. But today she goes it alone with a pop project (plain and simple) and a voice of her own.
Her promoters, Primavera Tours, describe her as a “craftswoman” of soul-jazz. Lily adds layers, turning them into a delicious skein of sounds that also embrace her Indian origins.
Cecilio G (May 9)
Cecilio G.’s case is worthy of study. The number of falls (and relapses) he has had that have turned into massive concerts. We know that May will be an epic comeback, as the 9th will be his first concert after his release from prison. He will perform as part of the Sound Isidro series.
From Nashville straight to the Azkena Rock Festival and then on to an ambitious tour of Spain that will, of course, include Madrid. Cordovas present their new and fifth album, Back to Life, a mix of American rock, cosmic harmonies, and community spirit.
Rawayana (May 15 and 16)
The music of the Caracas band Rawayana is pop influenced by reggae and funk, without forgetting its deep Caribbean roots. They are coming with such force that they are about to sell out the first of their two scheduled dates at the Movistar Arena. You have been warned…
Primavera Tours says that Joshua Idehen’s voice “wound its way 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 onto Afrofuturism in the form of a rhapsody.
Fuet! (May 16)
Last year was nothing short of meteoric for Fuet!: they took to the stage (very good at hardcore, very good at screaming, very, very good at distorted guitars in shoegaze mode — and very good at music videos and hair) and appeared on all the favorite album lists of those music lovers and content creators who control the Madrid scene like no one else. There must be a reason for that.
Nerve Agent (May 21)
Nerve Agent are a reflection of our times: anxiety and depression in fast forward. They are the revival of the bakala genre with a punk spirit, resulting in anthems such as Albacete Rural Crew, Reyerta, Ayer vino Messi, and the iconic Putos Vecinos.
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 Spanish Grey’s Anatomy ) and the tremendous role played by the Malaga-born actor. Needless to say, his acting skills are only eclipsed by his musical talents. One of the voices of our country, he will present his new album, KM0, to two sold-out stadiums this May.
They’re back: La Pegatina took a year off after the intensity of twenty years of non-stop touring and composing. Now, they’re back with two dates at La Riviera and the promise of a new album that has yet to see the light of day.
El Último de la Fila (May 23)
Manolo García and Quimi Portet are back. El último de la fila was formed in the early 1980s to revolutionize the scene with a peculiar brand of rock, full of twists, turns, and flamenco influences. Today, they are back together again, almost 30 years since their last live performance.
Molchat Doma (May 27)
We dare to say that any video about brutalist architecture that might appear on your Instagram or TikTok feed features the music of Molchat Doma. Probably Sudno. That’s how it is. Molchat Doma went viral on social media thanks to the TikTok effect. But this band from Minsk has been experimenting with synths and delving into their dark post-punk sound for almost a decade. They draw inspiration from bands like Kinó but are now absolute references in the genre. Essential.
The buzz is tremendous, that’s for sure: La Oreja de Van Gogh made a splash (almost literally, as they presented their first single at RTVE’s New Year’s Eve gala) in 2025 with the announcement of the return of the original lineup. Well, almost: Amaia Montero returned to the band and Pablo Benegas (guitarist and one of the band’s founders) announced his departure from the group. This year, 2026, brings an intense tour, a new album, and a voice that feels like home. Just like Leire Martínez‘s did.
Born in Gothenburg in the 1990s, The Soundtrack of Our Lives’ psychedelic rock sounds melancholic, revealing, and not at all cold like the Sweden that saw them born. The group has not set foot in Spain for a good few years and is now doing so with five select dates across the peninsula.
Maruja (May 29)
Maruja are pure revelation. A mix of jazz and post-punk… with a taste for 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’re even more excited to see 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 shop 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 give a concert at the BUT venue, reviewing almost five decades of their career (with songs from their latest album, End of World, from 2023).
Bad Bunny: May 30 and 31
The last time we checked, there was only one ticket left in the lower stands for May 31. By the time you read this, it may already be sold out. And it won’t just be these two days, but the DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour adventure will continue until June 15. Blessed Benito. What a burst of energy. At every show: a little house, lots of great songs, and all the flavor of Puerto Rico (without neglecting social commentary).
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 music. Ryan Harris surfs , sings like an angel, and composes like that wave of artists (Ocie Elliott, Hollow Coves, Amistat…) who touch hearts with every composition.
They come from Chile and bring good , very good art-rock . With Candelabro , you never know what’s going to happen: a song starts and leaves you with a sense of possibility, because anything is possible in the intricate melody and the expansion of its sounds second by second. They are coming to present their second album, Deseo, Carne y Voluntad, on a tour of Spain that will also take them to Valencia and Donostia.
