Mad Cool 2026 opens with strong performances but faces mobility chaos

The first day of Mad Cool 2026 drew 57,000 attendees to the Iberdrola Music venue in Madrid, with Foo Fighters and Moby delivering standout performances Source: elespanol, but the event was overshadowed by severe mobility problems and conflict with the neighboring municipality of Getafe Source: abces.

Performances

The Foo Fighters headlined with a two-hour set of classics including 'All My Life' and 'My Hero', while Moby performed simultaneously on another stage, prompting scheduling overlaps Source: diariolibree. Lorde made her Madrid debut, and Jennie of Blackpink drew massive crowds in a prime slot Source: elcaribedr. The festival reported a sold-out first day Source: infobae.

Mobility crisis

The Ayuntamiento de Getafe imposed 100 fines for illegal parking and closed the Coliseum parking lot to non-residents, citing a "caos de movilidad" Source: abces. Mayor Sara Hernández criticized the Guardia Civil for unilaterally diverting traffic from the M-45 into Getafe Norte, causing gridlock and pedestrian confusion Source: elespanol. Up to 16,000 attendees walked through Getafe, with many "deambulando totalmente desorientada" Source: elespanol. The festival director defended the organization, noting that mobility costs exceed €540,000 and that decisions involve multiple authorities Source: elconfidencial.

Response and outlook

The festival has implemented measures like extended metro and shuttle services Source: elmundoes, but neighbors and local officials demand changes. The director warned that if cities reject events, "nos vamos a otro sitio" Source: elconfidencial.