Meo Kalorama shifts dates due to ‘artist availability’
Portugal’s Meo Kalorama has been brought forward by two months due to the “reduced availability of artists” at the end of August, when the festival has typically taken place.
The Last Tour-promoted event will now take between 19–21 June at its usual location of Parque da Bela Vista in Lisbon, per yesterday’s approval from the city council.
“It was found that holding the festival at the end of August 2025 poses constraints regarding the reduced availability of artists, thus reducing the possibility of choosing the best options, with potential for quality and diversity of the offer that is intended to be provided to the target audience,” read the proposal from Last Tour.
“It was found that holding the festival at the end of August 2025 poses constraints regarding the reduced availability of artists”
It is unclear whether Meo Kalorama’s Spanish counterpart, Kalorama Madrid, will also be moved forward from August. After the debut edition last year, the festival has not announced a return in 2025.
The twin festivals took place between 29–31 August 2024, with acts including Massive Attack, LCD Soundsystem, Death Cab For Cutie, The Postal Service, Sam Smith and The Smile.
Meo Kalorama was founded in 2022 by Last Tour and House of Fun, which is no longer involved in the festival. The likes of Arctic Monkeys, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Chemical Brothers, Kraftwerk, Róisín Murphy, Years & Years, Disclosure, Jessie Ware and Bonobo have performed at the event.
Kalorama Madrid was launched after Last Tour axed its Spanish festival Cala Mijas, following a dispute with the local municipality.
Last Tour is also behind events such as Bilbao BBK Live, Azkena Rock Festival, Cala Mijas and BIME Live.
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Madrid’s WiZink Center renamed in new deal
Madrid’s WiZink Center will rebrand as the Movistar Arena in 2025 as part of a new sponsorship deal with telecommunications company Telefónica.
Telefónica, the parent company of Movistar, agreed the deal with Impulsa Eventos e Instalaciones, the company that manages the arena. Movistar also sponsors arenas in Buenos Aires, Bogotá and Santiago.
Spanish online bank WiZink has sponsored the 17,400-capacity arena since 2016. In 2020, the company agreed a new six-year deal that had been due to run until 2026, but it has now been replaced by Movistar.
In a statement, WiZink Center said that WiZink expressed a willingness to end its sponsorship early, motivated by the launch of its new strategic plan which will run from 2024 to 2028.
WiZink Center serves as the home of basketball teams Real Madrid and Movistar Estudiantes. It has also hosted EuroLeague, EuroBasket and FIBA events, as well as regular concerts.
Parc del Fòrum has made available nine days of programming across the year for both large and small night-time music festivals
The Comunidad de Madrid-owned venue is one of the busiest arenas in the world, attracting more than two million visitors and staging more than 200 events annually.
Elsewhere in Spain, Barcelona’s Parc del Fòrum (home to Primavera Sound and Cruïlla) is going out to tender for new live music events between 2026 and 2028.
The park has made available nine days of programming across the year for both large and small night-time music festivals.
Events will be awarded by tender, with all bidders required to meet a new set of obligations regarding acoustic impact, mobility, safety and sustainability.
These measures are aimed at improving “good coexistence and the positive impact of their activity in the nearest neighbourhoods”.
“The new award formula also responds to the music sector’s demand to be able to work in the medium term, improving logistics services and artist recruitment,” reads a statement from the park.
Parc del Fòrum is permitted to host 15 days of musical activity during cultural hours and 15 concert days.
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2024: A Milestone Year for Passline Spain
2024 has been a pivotal year for Passline Spain, defined by strategic partnerships and a significant impact on the live field.
Since entering the Spanish market in 2021, we have become a trusted partner for exclusive ticket sales at venues such as Café La Palma, Sala Fulanita, Teatro Barceló, Sala Bao Bao, and Sala Insomnio—iconic players in Madrid’s vibrant cultural and nightlife scene.
These alliances strengthen our presence in the field and underscore promoters’ confidence in Passline as an effective ticketing solution.
Meeting Industry Challenges with Comprehensive Solutions
One of the biggest challenges in the industry, where Passline excels, is customer service. This encompasses fans purchasing tickets and the promoters relying on us daily. While we are a self-service platform, our clients highly value the personalized support we provide daily. We guide them through using our platform and advise them on best practices for ticket sales to ensure their success.
At Passline Spain, we ensure that no client is left unsupported. Every promoter has the ongoing support of a dedicated remote account executive, who is always available to answer questions and provide assistance.
Passline is committed to delivering outstanding business opportunities to our clients through a platform with exceptional global service
Balancing Technology with Human Connection
Another growing challenge is the complete digitalization of ticketing. This shift has led to the assumption that everyone understands how concert ticket sales work—but that’s not always the case. For this reason, even as a tech-driven company that embraces automation, Passline prioritizes maintaining close, human connections with our clients, ensuring they have the support they need at every step.
We have also proven our ability to handle large-scale, high-demand venues. From managing ticketing for iconic locations like La Riviera in Madrid, Razzmatazz 1, and Sant Jordi Club in Barcelona to the renowned WiZink Center, we’ve facilitated experiences that have created unforgettable moments for thousands of attendees. This growth shows our commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation.
Our Mission: Driving Success for Our Clients
This year, we’ve reinforced our mission: Passline is committed to delivering outstanding business opportunities to our clients through a platform with exceptional global service. By continuously improving our tools and solutions, we’ve established ourselves as a trusted partner for artists and promoters, ensuring their success.
At Passline Spain, we are dedicated to excellence and to reshaping the future of the live entertainment industry.
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Charity gig raises €775k for Spanish flood victims
A charity concert held in Barcelona has raised €775,000 for victims of the Spanish flooding disaster.
Barcelona amb València took place at Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi on 29 November, with tickets priced between €38-80, and attracted almost 15,000 people.
The event, which was coordinated by Barcelona-based promoter TheProject, featured acts such as Joan Manuel Serrat, Estopa, Andrea Motis, Judit Neddermann and Lucia Fumero.
The concert was co-organised by Barcelona City Council and the Generalitat with the support of ARC (Professional Association of Representatives, Promoters and Managers of Catalonia), ASACC (Association of Concert Halls of Catalonia) and APM (Association of Music Promoters). Donations can still be made here until 5 December.
The Spanish sector also united for the sold out Music from the Heart benefit gig at Madrid’s WiZink Center (cap. 17,456) on 24 November. Performers included Amaral, Arde Bogotá, Dani Fernández, David Bisbal, Hijos de la Ruina (Natos, Waor & Recycled J), Malú, Manuel Carrasco, Pablo Alborán, Raphael, Rozalén, Sole Giménez, Vanesa Martín and Viva Suecia.
Promoter Pino Sagliocco is teaming with Teatro Pereyra Ibiza to present a further charity gig on 14 December
Collaborators included Valencia-based promoter The Music Republic, as well as other Spanish event organisers, record labels, artist managers and music associations. The amount raised from the show is yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, Live Nation Spain president Pino Sagliocco is teaming with Teatro Pereyra Ibiza to present a further charity gig: Ainhoa Arteta and Ramón Vargas together for the DANA. The show will be held at the theatre on 14 December.
The fundraisers come in the wake of the weather phenomenon known as DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), which caused the deadliest flooding catastrophe to hit Europe in 50 years and led scores of events to be cancelled.
Valencia was the hardest-hit region, with the death toll exceeding 200, with fatalities also reported in the Castilla La Mancha region and Andalusia. Valencia’s live music industry reported material losses exceeding €5 million and the cancellation of 300 concerts and festivals.
The Valencian Federation of the Music Industry, which represents 60 companies including venues, promoters, artistic agencies and festivals, has requested the creation of a short, medium and long-term recovery plan that includes financial aid, logistical support and fiscal measures that allow the reactivation of the sector.
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WiZink Center to host Spanish flooding benefit
The Spanish music sector is uniting for a benefit gig in aid of those affected by the worst natural disaster in the country’s modern history.
Music from the Heart will take place at Madrid’s WiZink Center on 24 November, featuring artists Amaral, Arde Bogotá, Dani Fernández, David Bisbal, Hijos de la Ruina, Malú, Manuel Carrasco, Pablo Alborán, Raphael, Rozalén, Sole Giménez, Vanesa Martín and Viva Suecia.
It follows the weather phenomenon known as DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), which caused the deadliest flooding catastrophe to hit Europe in 50 years and led scores of events to be cancelled.
Valencia was the hardest-hit region, with the death toll exceeding 200, with fatalities also reported in the Castilla La Mancha region and Andalusia.
Collaborators include Valencia-based promoter The Music Republic
The charity concert has the support of the Generalitat Valenciana and the Community of Madrid, which owns the 17,456-cap WiZink Center. Collaborators include Valencia-based promoter The Music Republic, as well as other Spanish event organisers, record labels, artist managers and music associations.
Tickets go on sale today (8 November), with prices starting at €30. All profits raised, plus any additional income from the show, will go to the Som Solidaritat platform of the Generalitat Valenciana, which will channel aid to flooding victims. A phone line will also be set up for further donations.
Operator Baila.fm will not charge a commission and will “assume the transaction costs to ensure that 100% of the proceeds reach their destination”.
Elsewhere, a sold-out fundraising concert in Austria on 26 October, organised by Barracuda Music, held at Arena Nova in Wiener Neustadt, raised €250,000 for victims of the recent Austrian floods resulting from Storm Boris.
And in the US, Luke Combs’ Concert for Carolina at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium raised $24.5 million for the Hurricane Helene relief effort.
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Latin star smashes WiZink Center attendance record
Mexican music star Carin León has broken the attendance record at WiZink Center in Madrid with his debut performance in Europe.
The Latin Grammy-award-winner drew 17,426 people to his 31 October concert, achieving the highest attendance of more than 1,200 concerts held at the iconic venue.
The record sees 35-year-old León unseat American heavy metal band Metallica, who held the previous record for 17,267 attendees at their 2018 concert at WiZink Center.
León’s concert in Madrid was the first stop on the European leg of his Boca Chueca Tour, which also visited London (UK) and Amsterdam (NL) and concludes tonight in Paris (FR).
The record sees 35-year-old León unseat American heavy metal band Metallica
The AEG Presents-promoted trek also visited 23 cities in North America between July and October, and included a stop at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The tour came on the heels of the star’s historic achievement as the first Latin artist to perform at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival in the same year. In addition, León was honoured with the keys to the City of Coachella, California.
The Música Mexicana star is due to return to North America in April 2025 for two arena shows in Florida and another in North Carolina.
Carin León is represented by UTA worldwide, except in Latin America.
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Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium postpones all concerts
Real Madrid has announced it is rescheduling all concerts at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium following noise complaints from local residents.
The Spanish football club says the decision is part of a series of measures it has been taking “to ensure strict compliance with current municipal regulations” during gigs.
The world-famous Bernabéu reopened for music bookings last year following a five-year, €900 million renovation. In 2024, it hosted the only Spanish dates of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, as well as a record-breaking four-night stint by Karol G in July and performances by Duki, Manuel Carrasco, Luis Miguel and Aitana.
However, Madrid police reported noise levels as far exceeding the permitted decibel limit, with locals alleging the shows had turned the stadium into a “torturódromo” (torture-drome).
“Despite the soundproofing conditions of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium and the reinforcement measures that have been undertaken, compliance with said regulations by the various organisers and promoters has been affected by the great challenge that it has meant for them to take into account all its precepts,” says a statement from the UEFA Champions League holders.
“Real Madrid will continue to work to ensure that the right conditions for sound production and broadcasting are met during concerts”
Affected dates include headline shows by domestic artists Dellafuente, Aitana and Lola Índigo, plus K-pop’s Music Bank World Tour.
“Real Madrid will continue to work to ensure that the right conditions for sound production and broadcasting are met during concerts to enable concerts to be held in our stadium,” adds the club.
“New dates and details will be announced soon for Dellafuente and Aitana, initially scheduled for November 15 and December 28 and 29, 2024 respectively, and for Lola Índigo, scheduled for March 22, 2025. In the case of Music Bank, which was to take place on October 12, 2024, it is definitively cancelled.”
It continues: “In addition to concerts, the Bernabéu is prepared to host a large number of events and shows, which will continue to take place as part of the stadium’s operation project.
“Real Madrid will continue to collaborate with the Community of Madrid and the Madrid City Council for sustainability and coexistence, and its objective will always be to ensure that the stadium’s activities guarantee its commitment to the city of Madrid and are beneficial to its surroundings.”
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Madrid to host The Experience Economy Meeting 2024
The Experience Economy Meeting (TEM) – an exclusive two-day event designed for the museum, exhibition and experience sector – is returning for the first time in five years.
Scheduled for 6-7 November at ABC Serrano on Madrid’s Golden Mile, TEM 2024 promises to foster a “business lounge atmosphere”, providing an immersive environment to encourage meaningful connections and business opportunities.
The event is hosted by Exhibition Hub, Fever and Semmel Exhibitions, with Imagine Exhibitions as special presenting sponsor. Attendees will have the chance to engage with industry leaders, explore the latest trends and discover advancements in live entertainment.
The programme will also delve into key topics for the leading organisations in the cultural and entertainment sectors through expert-led sessions. Tickets are available here.
From its inception in 2012 until 2019, TEM served as a European hub for professionals in the museum, exhibition and experience sphere
From its inception in 2012 until 2019, TEM served as a European hub for professionals in the museum, exhibition and experience sphere. Past meetings have taken place in Paris, Berlin and Istanbul, among other cities.
This year, TEM reconvenes in Spain, offering an expansive space for networking and collaboration. Sponsors include Alegria Exhibition, JVS Group, Look2Innovate, FKP Scorpio Entertainment (FKPE), Proactiv, and Explorado Group, while media and network partners are TEO, ILMC, TREX and VenuesNow.
Touring Entertainment Live, which launched at this year’s ILMC 36, is also confirmed to return to London for its second edition on Wednesday 26 February 2025.
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Spanish rapper sells out Madrid stadium in presale
Spanish artist Dellafuente has sold out a one-off show at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium just in the presale.
The trap star reportedly shifted all 75,000 tickets within an hour for the 15 November date, organised by promoter and music management company MAAS to celebrate Dellafuente’s decade in the music industry.
Affordable ticket prices of €32-65 have been credited for helping make the Granada-born singer-songwriter the first domestic independent artist to sell out the recently renovated home of the UEFA Champions League holders. The concert will be Dellafuente’s only remaining concert of 2024.
Real name Pablo Enoc Bayo, the 32-year-old previously sold out three shows at Granada Sports Palace in 2022 and two nights at Madrid’s WiZink Center in 2023, where he was joined by fellow Spanish rapper Morad. He also attracted 15,000 people to a secret free gig on Granada’s Explanada del Paseo del Salón last month.
The Bernabéu will also welcome Karol G from 20-23 July, with the Latin superstar becoming the first artist to fully sell out four consecutive nights at the Spanish stadium.
“We have been working discreetly, but continuously, with Real Madrid to reach an agreement that allows us to reduce the noise”
Earlier this summer, it hosted two nights of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, as well as shows by Luis Miguel, Duki, Manuel Carrasco and Vintage Culture.
However, Público reports that all major concerts at the stadium held up to the end of May had exceeded noise limits set by municipal regulations, leaving promoters facing fines of up to €20,000 in the most serious cases.
Following protests by local residents, Real Madrid and the city council reached an agreement in June to install noise barriers and limit the number of concerts at the venue to 20 per year.
“Measures had to be taken to guarantee the residents’ rest and peace of mind,” said Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida. “The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is also important for everything it can contribute to the city of Madrid. We have been working discreetly, but continuously, with Real Madrid to reach an agreement that allows us to reduce the noise.”
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Mad Cool counts down to July festival
Ahead of its July 10-13 return to the Iberdrola Music Venue in Villaverde, Madrid, Mad Cool’s Javier Arnáiz and Cindy Castillo spoke with IQ about the various changes they have implemented to improve the customer experience, as well as the event’s evolution during its first decade.
On the back of recent research, the event’s organisers reveal that last year Mad Cool generated more than €46 million to the Spanish economy: €37m in the municipality of Madrid, and €9.2m in the wider municipalities around the capital. It also created 6,763 jobs for the month around Mad Cool: nearly 5,000 in the city, with the remaining 1,774 in the outskirts of the Community of Madrid.
In response to fan feedback, the festival’s organisers have reduced capacity at the 2024 event, altering the site layout to incorporate six stages (down from eight) to avoid both noise bleed and scheduling clashes, and they have also added a fourth day to further take the pressure off that programming process.
In terms of audience comfort, more bathroom facilities and water supply stations have been integrated, the food options have been increased, along with bar areas, more screens will be in use around the site, and the event’s accessible areas have been increased to cater for guests with disabilities and functional diversity.
With a lineup headlined by Dua Lipa, Pearl Jam, Måneskin and The Killers, among the other sixty acts on the bill are The Smashing Pumpkins, Janelle Monáe, Motxila 21, Sum 41, Jessie Ware, Black Pumas, Tom Morello, Bring Me The Horizon and Avril Lavigne, to name but a few.
“Spain is vibrant and bustling with activity this year”
How is the festival scene in Spain doing this year in general? Have you heard about many cancellations, or, on the other hand, new events? And how do you ensure Mad Cool stands out in a crowded market?
Javier Arnáiz: The festival scene in Spain is vibrant and bustling with activity this year. While there have been a few logistical challenges and economic pressures, we’re also seeing a surge of new events and innovative concepts emerging. I would say the overall energy is very positive, with both organisers and attendees eager to have live music experiences. To ensure Mad Cool stands out, we focus on delivering an exceptional experience from start to finish.
Cindy Castillo: Yes, this includes a diverse lineup that appeals to a broad audience, all-year-round music & art-related projects, and a high-quality festival experience. Our branding, coupled with consistent and engaging art related content & communication, helps us maintain a unique position in a crowded market.
How are ticket sales going for Mad Cool 2024 compared to previous years?
JA: Ticket sales for Mad Cool 2024 are performing well, on par with our expectations and previous years. We’ve seen a robust demand, which reflects the anticipation and excitement surrounding this year’s lineup and the unique experiences we have planned.
What role has your advertising and social media strategy played in driving these sales?
CC: We have focused on creating engaging and shareable content across platforms, showcasing not only our lineup but also the unique experiences and atmosphere that Mad Cool offers. Interactive campaigns with creative content have helped maintain a steady buzz and engagement from our audience.
You made some big changes this year in terms of the number of stages, site layout, capacity, and the extra day. What has the feedback from fans been like, and how do you think it will change the festival experience?
JA: The feedback from fans has been positive regarding the changes for Mad Cool 2024. Adding an extra day and decreasing the number of stages have been particularly well-received. Fans appreciate the lineup & the new site layout has also been designed to enhance the overall experience, making navigation easier and improving accessibility. We believe these changes will make the festival more enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.
CC: We have communicated these changes effectively through a multi-channel approach via our website, social media, and email newsletters. We also use video content. Additionally, our customer service team is always available to answer any questions, ensuring that fans feel informed and excited.
“We are optimising our operations to maintain high standards without significantly raising ticket prices”
Festival organisers around Europe are telling us that it’s proving to be a difficult year with costs continuing to increase, but little room to move on ticket prices because of the general cost of living crisis. Does that sound similar to the Mad Cool situation, and if so, how are your team dealing with that? How do you communicate value to your audience in such a challenging environment?
JA: Yes, we’re facing similar challenges at Mad Cool. The rising costs across the board, coupled with the need to keep ticket prices accessible, have required us to be very strategic in our planning and resource allocation. Our team is focused on finding efficiencies wherever possible without compromising the quality of the festival. To manage this, we are optimising our operations to maintain high standards without significantly raising ticket prices. This includes strategic partnerships and sponsorships that help offset costs, ensuring that we can continue to deliver a top-notch experience for our attendees.
How do you communicate value to your audience in such a challenging environment?
CC: We communicate value to our audience by highlighting the unique aspects of Mad Cool—such as exclusive performances, high-quality production, and the exceptional hospitality of a city like Madrid. Through transparent, creative and engaging communication, we show how their investment translates into a memorable and worthwhile experience, reinforcing the festival’s value proposition despite economic challenges.
Your festival has become a bit of a summer meeting spot for the international business. Was that always the plan, or just a happy coincidence? And do you have any statistics regarding the numbers of professional guests?
JA: It’s a combination of both strategic planning and a fortunate evolution. From the outset, we aimed to create a festival that would not only attract music lovers but also become a hub for industry professionals. Over the years, this vision has come to fruition, and we’re proud that Mad Cool is now seen as a key event in the international festival calendar. While we don’t have exact statistics at hand, we’ve observed a significant increase in professional attendees, including industry executives, media, and artists, contributing to a rich and dynamic networking environment.
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