Review: Bilbao BBK Live 2024, an eclectic blend of music and nature in Kobetamendi

It’s Thursday night in the picturesque setting of Bilbao’s Mount Cobetas, known locally as Kobetamendi, and amid the rolling greenery and panoramic city views, some bolder imagery is captivating thousands of eyes. The great trip hop pioneers Massive Attack are headlining the main Nagusia stage of Bilbao BBK Live, pulling off a mesmerising performance with visuals by long-time collaborators United Visual Artists. Sometimes multi-lingual and location-specific, often material is politically heated, topical, thought-provoking, and with a strong social conscience. From net neutrality, censorship, data privacy to corporate greed, the infringement of human rights and the politics of war, a variety of topics that Massive Attack stand up with a firm stance on are weaved into the fabric of their spellbinding audio-visual show.

It sets the tone for the 2024 edition of the Bilbao festival, which brings together a vibrant mix of world-renowned artists and emerging talents to beautiful location. A diverse crowd of 110,000 people from over 50 nations attend the three-day event, ready to experience the special fusion of music, nature, and culture that makes Bilbao BBK Live world-renowned.

Other opening day highlights include the raucous rave of The Prodigy, euphoric clubland sounds of Shygirl, and esteemed French duo Air celebrating the 25th anniversary of their seminal album ‘Moon Safari’, enchanting the crowd with their sophisticated downtempo electronic music. A more in-your-face atmosphere is found at the Lasai stage, curated by Rinse FM, which starred Aletha playing an electrifying set to a bouncy crowd, and locked-in energy from Facta & K-Lone, delivering an hour-long constant groove with the breath-taking view of Bilbao in the background.

The setting of Kobetamendi really elevates the festival and adds to its compelling draw. with Eva Castillo, Director of Communications at promoters Last Tour, labelling it “the main headliner of the festival.”

“It’s a unique spot close to the city centre and forms part of its identity,” she adds.