Primavera Sound 2026 faced a stormy start, but Spain's biggest festival roared back with unforgettable performances from The Cure, The XX, and a surprise set by Olivia Rodrigo. Here's our full review.
Rain Ruins Opening Night
When it rains at Primavera, it pours. But when it shines, it shines brightly. One moment, festivalgoers were battered by torrential rain and fierce winds of up to 80 km/h. The next, they were blasted by walls of fire as Skrillex sent drum and bass thundering through the crowd. It was a raucous meeting of the elements at Barcelona's Parc del Fòrum.
Sadly, the first night was a washout. On Thursday, June 4, a storm forced the cancellation of many main-stage acts, including Mac DeMarco, Alex G, Massive Attack, Bad Gyal, and Doja Cat, due to safety risks. While the weather wasn't the festival's fault, communication was chaotic, leaving fans scrambling for shelter and uncertain about schedules.
Doja Cat tearfully announced her cancellation on Instagram before the festival confirmed it. Massive Attack's set was delayed and then canceled. Many complained about the confusion, and it was clear the festival wasn't fully prepared for such conditions. Primavera released a statement saying they understood the frustration and prioritized safety.
Your reviewer and fellow drowned rats found refuge in a giant beer hall, crowded with other flushed festivalgoers, drowning sorrows in sangria before calling it a night.
Friday: Love and Light
Friday brought a change of fortune. Addison Rae delivered a scorching pop set on the Revolut stage, dressed in white lingerie, commanding the crowd with ease and diving into the fans. She had everyone screaming to hits like Diet Pepsi and Aquamarine, with a nod to Charli XCX's Von Dutch remix.
Then came The Cure. Robert Smith and his band took the Estrella Damm stage just after 10 pm, dazzling with a sparkling set of enchanting pop hits and deep cuts. It was their first live performance in two years, and they sounded as fresh as a gothic daisy. They played titan tracks like Pictures of You, Inbetween Days, and Just Like Heaven, alongside rare gems like 2 Late and Mint Car. The encore stacked hits like Close to Me, Friday I'm in Love, and Boys Don't Cry, delighting the crowd.
What struck me most was how youthful Smith's voice remains. The dream pop wizard must have found the fountain of youth. Seeing The Cure live was a dream come true—though footage of me bellowing Boys Don't Cry exists, I'll spare you.
Later, Skrillex sent heat-seeking dubstep missiles into the crowd after midnight, while PinkPantheress drew a massive crowd on the Cupra stage. My companions reported JADE was ace, but I stayed for The Cure. The night ended rowdily with Viagra Boys.
Saturday: Surprises and Spectacles
Saturday began with Little Simz lighting up Primavera. Then, a surprise set from pop-rock princess Olivia Rodrigo on the Occident stage was a triumph. She gave everything, making her 11-song set feel like a full headline show, from the emotional depths of Driver's License to the angsty pop-punk of Good 4 U.
She even brought out Robert Smith for a debut performance of their new song, What's Wrong With Me?. She told the crowd, 'I just can't believe this song exists with the person it exists with,' before Smith stepped out to a roaring reception. It was a truly special moment, possibly the festival's highlight.
The XX were outstanding, coating the Estrella Damm stage in their trademark black regalia and blending atmospheric indie rock with electronic pop. Their dramatic rendition of Intro was transcendental, and Romy's Enjoy Your Life got a huge pop.
Gorillaz delivered great moments, including an emotional tribute to collaborator Asha Bhosle and a collaboration with Little Simz. They thrilled with favorites like Melancholy Hill and Feel Good Inc, but something felt flat—Damon seemed a bit off. Still, a good time.
Walking around Primavera is cool. The site stretches along the coast with a charming mix of concrete, astroturf, and sea views. There's even a Disney island nearby, where Spanish pop maestro Rusowski had the Cupra stage bouncing.
Things got off to a rocky start, but once the sun came out, Primavera delivered unforgettable moments. I'd definitely go back—hopefully they bring Robert Smith every year now.
