Mad Cool Festival 2026 Day Three: Halsey, Pixies, Cliffords and Interpol rock Madrid

Twenty-year-old Spanish music festival, Mad Cool, has become a go-to destination for fans of alternative rock, and this year's 10th anniversary celebration was no exception. As day two's pop-leaning bill gave way to a more alternative flavour, Halsey took the stage, demanding the audience jump, get low, and give their all. Her set was evidence of the unapologetic rock revival that has been brewing in the music scene, and Halsey is at the forefront of this movement.

Halsey's performance was a masterclass in unapologetic rock, with the artist wrestling with a chain around her neck during 'Dog Years', breaking free from it like a rock star Houdini. This unbridled energy is what sets Halsey apart from her pop peers, and her Mad Cool set was a perfect reflection of this ethos. With a setlist heavy on her rock-leaning songs like 'Nightmare' and the grinding thrills of 'I Am Not A Woman, I'm A God', Halsey proved that she is more than just a pop artist - she is a rock star in the making.

The Pixies, alt-rock legends, brought their massive 40 World Tour to the Region of Madrid stage, and did exactly what has made them festival favourites over the past four decades: strip things back to basics and rattle out raw, gritty performances of fan favourites. With a crowd full of dedicated fans sporting Pixies t-shirts, it was clear that the band's influence extends far beyond the festival grounds. Their set was evidence of the enduring power of their music, and a reminder that even after four decades, they remain.

One of the most striking moments of the Pixies' set came when they performed a haunting rendition of Peter Ivers & David Lynch's 'In Heaven (Lady in the Radiator Song)'. This unlikely fusion of styles was a reminder that the Pixies' music is not just a product of their own unique sound, but also a reflection of the eclectic influences that have shaped their career. This blending of styles is a hallmark of the Pixies' music, and it's what sets them apart from their contemporaries.

With Twenty One Pilots closing out the day with a set full of death-defying stunts and humongous hooks, it's clear that the rock revival is far from over. Halsey and Pixies have proven that there is still a place for unapologetic rock in the music scene, and that this genre is far from dead. As Mad Cool 2026 comes to a close, one thing is certain: the rock revival is here to stay.

Mad Cool 2026 has cemented its place as one of the premier music festivals in the world, and the rock revival is in full swing. With a stacked lineup and a crowd full of dedicated fans, it's clear that this festival is a must-attend for anyone who loves alternative rock. As the dust settles on this year's 10th anniversary celebration, one thing is certain: the rock revival is here to stay, and Halsey and Pixies are leading the charge.