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Somewhere in Sydney, somebody had the terrible idea of mixing garage punk, Devo, The Saints, cheap synthesisers and far too much caffeine. Against all odds, that experiment became Gee Tee. On 30 July, that glorious racket crashes into 16 Toneladas, with Valencia's own Filete opening proceedings. If your idea of live music involves polished solos and carefully rehearsed stage banter, you've wandered into the wrong room. Gee Tee don't write epics. Most of their songs are over before you've finished your beer. They arrive at full speed, throw hooks, riffs and synth squeals in every direction, then disappear before your brain has caught up. It's punk stripped of pretence, powered by instinct rather than perfection. That's exactly why people keep coming back. Over the last few years, the Australians have quietly built one of the strongest cult followings on the underground circuit. They've sold out shows at home, packed out tours across Europe and the US, earned headline slots at Gonerfest and picked up praise from Pitchfork for Goodnight Neanderthal. None of it seems to have changed the band's approach. They're still gloriously rough around the edges, still writing songs that sound like they're one bad decision away from collapsing into complete madness. If you know Valencia's underground scene, you'll know this isn't a support band that's going to politely warm up the room. Built from musicians who've done time in some of the city's best alternative bands, Filete throw punk, electronics and controlled noise into a blender and somehow make it danceable. They're weird in all the right ways and exactly the sort of band that belongs on this bill. There's something fitting about this show landing at 16 Toneladas. In a city that's steadily adding bigger venues and shinier stages, Toneladas remains one of the few places where gigs still feel unpredictable. You don't come here for luxury. You come because there's always the chance you'll discover your new favourite band or leave wondering what the hell just happened. That's where Gee Tee thrive. No oversized LED screens. No carefully choreographed moments designed for TikTok. Just battered amplifiers, wiry guitars, buzzing synths and forty or fifty minutes of beautifully unhinged rock'n'roll. For tickets and more information: 16 Toneladas

Tomorrow night, Pet Shop Boys finally return to Valencia, bringing their acclaimed Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live tour to Roig Arena for what promises to be one of the biggest concerts of the summer. It has been 19 years since Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe last played the city, and they're not coming back quietly. Instead, expect a two-hour celebration of one of the greatest catalogues ever written. West End Girls, It's A Sin, Suburbia, Domino Dancing, Always On My Mind, Go West and plenty more are all expected to feature in a show that packs four decades of chart-topping hits into one spectacular evening. The Dreamworld tour has been earning rave reviews around the world for its dazzling visuals, stunning staging and reminder that nobody has ever blended electronic music, pop hooks and high art quite like the Pet Shop Boys. Whether you've followed them since the '80s or discovered them through streaming playlists, tomorrow is one of those rare opportunities to see genuine pop pioneers still performing at the very top of their game. The concert also marks the duo's only Spanish arena show before they head north for a festival appearance in Santander, making Valencia a must-stop on their 2026 European run. Roig Arena has quickly established itself as Valencia's premier live venue, and it's difficult to imagine a more fitting act to fill it. Pet Shop Boys have always understood that a concert should be more than a greatest hits package—it's theatre, it's art, it's dance music, it's social commentary and, above all, it's packed with songs that refuse to age. If you've somehow never experienced them live, prepare to understand why they're regarded as the most successful duo in British music history. If you've seen them before, you already know what's coming. Tomorrow night, Valencia belongs to the Pet Shop Boys. More information and remaining tickets: Roig Arena

Some bands make music. Others create a mood. Gipsy Kings have spent more than three decades doing exactly that — turning every stage they step onto into a celebration of rhythm, guitar and pure Mediterranean spirit. On 30 July, the legendary French-Spanish flamenco fusion group arrive at FAR Festival in Valencia for what promises to be one of the most colourful nights of this year’s event. Few bands have managed to take traditional sounds and push them onto a global stage quite like Gipsy Kings. Their unmistakable blend of flamenco guitar, rumba catalana, Latin rhythms and infectious melodies has made them one of the most successful world music acts of all time, with songs that have become part of the soundtrack to summer everywhere. Expect a set packed with classics including “Bamboleo”, “Volare” and “Djobi Djoba” — songs that have filled dancefloors, beach bars and festival fields across the planet for decades. But this isn’t a nostalgia trip. The reason Gipsy Kings continue to connect with audiences is simple: the music still feels alive. The guitars still cut through, the rhythms still move people and the chemistry between the musicians remains at the heart of the show. FAR Festival has built a reputation for bringing major international artists to Valencia in a unique setting, and Marina Norte provides the perfect backdrop for a band whose sound has always belonged under open skies, surrounded by people ready to dance. Expect a crowd made up of generations — lifelong fans who discovered them in the 80s and 90s, alongside younger audiences discovering the magic for the first time. No gimmicks. No complicated formula. Just great musicians, unforgettable songs and a night where standing still probably won’t be an option. For tickets and more information: FAR Festival

Judas Priest, one of the most important and influential bands in the history of heavy metal, are bringing their legendary live show to Roig Arena for a night that promises volume, attitude and more than five decades of metal heritage. This isn't just another date on the calendar. This is a meeting with metal royalty. Since forming in Birmingham over 50 years ago, Judas Priest have helped define the sound, style and spirit of heavy metal. From the thunder of British Steel and Screaming For Vengeance to the unstoppable force of Painkiller, their catalogue is packed with songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of metal fans. And with Rob Halford still commanding the stage, leather, studs and that unmistakable voice intact, Judas Priest remain a band that refuses to simply live off nostalgia. Their latest album, Invincible Shield, proved that the Metal Gods still have plenty of fire left in the furnace, with recent tours showing they remain a formidable live force. The evening will kick off with Airbourne, Australia's answer to pure, unfiltered rock'n'roll chaos. Expect flying guitars, huge riffs and the kind of no-nonsense energy that has made them one of the most exciting hard rock bands of the modern era. Also joining the bill is Udo Dirkschneider, the legendary voice behind Accept, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the classic Balls To The Wall. A pioneer of German heavy metal, Dirkschneider brings decades of experience and one of the most recognisable voices in the genre. The result? A triple bill built for the faithful. Three generations of metal coming together under one roof. Roig Arena has quickly become Valencia's new home for major international concerts, but this one feels particularly special. Metal has always been about community—the old-school fans who were there from the beginning, the younger generation discovering the classics, and everyone in between united by the same roar when that first riff kicks in. Expect a sea of black T-shirts, raised fists, flying hair and thousands of voices joining together for a night that celebrates everything heavy metal was, is and continues to be. Valencia, get ready. The Metal Gods are coming! For tickets and more information: Roig Arena

There are festival headliners, and then there are bands that make an entire evening feel like it was built around them. At FAR Festival, Belle & Sebastian turned Valencia's Marina Norte into their own postcard-perfect playground, delivering a set that was warm, witty, effortlessly stylish and packed with the kind of songs that have soundtracked lives for nearly three decades. With the Mediterranean shimmering behind the stage and the skyline slowly giving way to darkness, it was difficult to imagine a more fitting setting. This wasn't about oversized production or arena theatrics. It was about timeless songwriting, understated brilliance and a band completely at ease with who they are. Before the Scots took to the stage, Xoel López delivered the perfect opening chapter. His beautifully crafted songs drifted across the harbour as fans poured into the venue, creating an atmosphere that felt more like friends gathering for a summer celebration than another festival support slot. His mix of indie-folk and heartfelt storytelling won over plenty of new admirers, and by the end of his set the crowd was more than ready for what was to come. Walking on to huge applause, Stuart Murdoch greeted the Valencia crowd like old friends before leading the band into a set that balanced beloved classics with newer material. It quickly became obvious this wasn't simply another stop on a European tour—it felt like a band genuinely enjoying every second of the evening, feeding off an audience who knew every lyric and every subtle twist in the arrangements. Murdoch remains one of indie music's most engaging frontmen. Never needing to shout for attention, his charm comes naturally. One minute he's dancing across the stage with infectious enthusiasm, the next he's delivering thoughtful introductions that make a crowd of thousands feel strangely intimate. Few performers can command such a large audience with such gentle confidence. The band themselves were flawless. Every lush string arrangement, shimmering keyboard line and jangling guitar part slotted perfectly into place, reminding everyone why Belle & Sebastian remain one of Britain's most treasured live acts. Songs from If You're Feeling Sinister, The Boy With The Arab Strap and beyond were greeted like old friends returning home, with huge singalongs echoing across the marina. What made the night special wasn't simply hearing the hits. It was watching thousands of people completely lose themselves in music that has never chased trends or demanded attention. Teenagers stood beside fans who had followed the band since the '90s. Couples danced, friends sang arm in arm and strangers smiled at one another as chorus after chorus floated into the warm Valencian night. FAR Festival deserves enormous credit for programming a bill that trusted great songwriting over hype. In a festival landscape increasingly obsessed with viral moments, booking Belle & Sebastian alongside Xoel López felt like a reminder that substance will always outlast fashion. As the final songs rang out across Marina Norte, there was no rush for the exits. People lingered, soaking up the atmosphere and trying to squeeze a few more moments out of a genuinely magical evening. That's the sign of a great concert—not the volume of the applause, but the reluctance for it to end. Belle & Sebastian didn't need fireworks, giant screens or gimmicks. They simply arrived with a catalogue of exceptional songs, played them beautifully and reminded everyone why they've remained one of indie music's most quietly brilliant bands. Words and photos: Rhyan Paul

With the Mediterranean stretching out behind the stage and a warm July evening settling over Marina Norte, FAR València welcomed OMD for a performance that felt perfectly suited to its surroundings. Thousands drifted into the waterfront venue long before the headline set, creating an atmosphere that was relaxed, expectant and unmistakably summery. French electronic outfit RINÔÇÉRÔSE had the job of getting the evening moving, and they did it with style. Their blend of dance beats, rock guitars and infectious grooves rippled across the site, drawing more and more people towards the stage as the sun dipped below the horizon. It was an inspired choice of support act, bridging electronic music with live performance and setting the tone for everything that followed. When Andy McCluskey bounded onto the stage with his trademark energy, Marina Norte erupted. From the opening songs it was clear this wasn't an audience content to stand and watch. Every familiar keyboard line triggered another wave of cheers, while McCluskey's unmistakable dance moves drew smiles across the crowd. His enthusiasm remains completely genuine, feeding off every reaction from the audience and giving every song the same commitment you'd expect from a band half their age. OMD's catalogue is remarkably deep, and the set flowed effortlessly between favourites including Electricity, Souvenir, Joan of Arc, Tesla Girls, So In Love, Sailing on the Seven Seas and the inevitable roar that greeted Enola Gay. By the closing moments, thousands of voices had merged into one, with Maid of Orleans providing a fitting finale beneath the Valencia night sky. What stood out most wasn't simply the music, but the mix of people enjoying it. Fans who grew up with OMD shared the evening with younger concertgoers discovering these songs in a live setting for the first time. Throughout the night there was constant movement—friends dancing together, strangers singing the same choruses and countless phones briefly raised before disappearing again as people chose to stay in the moment. Marina Norte continues to establish itself as one of Spain's finest outdoor concert settings, and this performance showed exactly why. The sea breeze, the city lights and a band whose songs have aged with remarkable grace combined to create an evening that felt effortlessly natural rather than overly polished. OMD have spent more than forty years writing songs that continue to resonate far beyond the decade in which they were recorded. In Valencia, they didn't lean on reputation—they simply played one great song after another, and the crowd responded in kind. It was one of those festival sets where everything clicked: the location, the weather, the audience and a band still enjoying every minute of being on stage. Sometimes that's all a great concert needs. Words and photos: Rhyan Paul

Rick Astley could have coasted through a set of 80s nostalgia, collected the applause and called it a night. Instead, he delivered one of the biggest crowd-pleasers of FAR València. Performing at Marina Norte on Thursday night, the British pop legend reminded thousands that great songs never go out of fashion when they're sung by someone who still believes every word. At 60, Astley remains a phenomenal live performer – his voice is powerful, his stage presence effortless and his enthusiasm completely infectious. From the opening moments, the audience was his. Hit after hit rolled across the Valencia waterfront, with fans singing every lyric back at him. The inevitable explosion that greeted Never Gonna Give You Up was one of the loudest moments of the evening, but this was never a one-song show. Astley has spent the last decade quietly rebuilding his reputation as a genuine musician, songwriter and frontman, and it showed. Backed by a razor-sharp band, he mixed timeless classics with newer material that sat comfortably alongside the songs that made him famous. There were no gimmicks, no oversized production tricks and no need for them. Just a performer who knows exactly how to command a stage. What makes Astley such an enduring figure isn't simply the catalogue – it's the personality. Warm, self-aware and genuinely funny, he chatted with the crowd like an old friend, laughing at himself one minute before delivering another flawless vocal the next. It's a combination that's impossible not to like. In an era when so many heritage acts lean heavily on memories, Rick Astley continues to earn his place on festival stages. Valencia didn't just witness a trip back to the 80s; it saw an artist who still performs with the hunger of someone determined to prove he belongs. Mission accomplished!

Fresh from sharing stages with The Libertines and riding a wave of momentum that's gathering serious pace, the Kent trio return with Roll Up Your Sleeves – three-and-a-half minutes of swagger, sweat and guitar-driven euphoria that refuses to sit still. From the opening riff, the track grabs you by the collar. The guitars bite, the rhythm section drives like it's late for the last train home, and frontman Wez King's vocal carries just the right balance of grit and melody. It's loud without becoming messy, catchy without feeling manufactured and packed with the kind of chorus that's destined to become a live favourite. There's a touch of early Arctic Monkeys attitude, hints of Libertines chaos and the widescreen ambition of bands like Catfish and The Bottlemen, but Tres Kings avoid becoming a tribute to their influences. They've developed a sound that feels unmistakably their own—raw, energetic and completely built for packed venues with pints flying through the air. Lyrically, Roll Up Your Sleeves carries a surprisingly reflective heart beneath all the noise. It's about owning your mistakes, picking yourself up and getting on with life, but thankfully it never disappears into self-indulgence. Instead, it delivers its message with clenched fists, big hooks and enough energy to power a festival stage. Recorded at The Albion Rooms under the watchful ears of Jason Stafford, the production strikes the perfect balance between polish and grit. Every instrument punches through the mix without sanding away the band's live-wire chemistry. After a run of standout singles, festival appearances, sold-out shows and support slots that continue to get bigger, Tres Kings no longer feel like a band knocking on the door. They're already halfway through it. Roll Up Your Sleeves isn't just another indie anthem; it's a statement of intent from a band playing with confidence, momentum and absolutely no intention of slowing down. If this is the calibre of what's still to come from their forthcoming EP, Tres Kings could be one of the most exciting British guitar bands to watch over the next 12 months. For more information: Tres Kings

For nearly three decades, Belle and Sebastian have occupied a world entirely of their own, crafting songs full of wit, vulnerability and beautifully observed stories that have inspired generations of musicians without ever demanding the spotlight. On Saturday 18 July, they arrive at FAR València for what could be one of the standout gigs of the summer—not because of fireworks or giant video screens, but because great songs never go out of fashion. Set against the backdrop of Marina Norte, the Glasgow band will perform their landmark 1996 album If You're Feeling Sinister in its entirety before returning for a second set drawn from one of indie music's richest catalogues. It's a rare chance to hear an album that helped define a generation, played from beginning to end, exactly as it was written. For many fans, it's the musical equivalent of revisiting an old friend. Others will be discovering why this record continues to appear on lists of the greatest indie albums ever made. While nostalgia may bring people through the gates, Belle and Sebastian have never been a band content to live in the past. Their live shows have a warmth and spontaneity that keeps every performance feeling alive, balancing quiet introspection with moments of genuine joy. Stuart Murdoch remains one of Britain's finest storytellers, proving that songs about ordinary people often leave the biggest impression. Opening the evening is Xoel López, whose reputation as one of Spain's most gifted songwriters has only grown stronger with time. Touring behind his latest album, Caldo Espíritu, López has mastered the art of writing songs that feel deeply personal while connecting with audiences on a universal level. His blend of folk, rock and Latin influences makes him the perfect artist to ease the crowd into what promises to be a memorable evening. There's something fitting about this pairing. Neither artist relies on gimmicks. Neither needs spectacle. They simply write exceptional songs and trust them to do the heavy lifting—a refreshing approach in an era where bigger often tries to pass for better. FAR València has built its reputation by bringing world-class artists to the city's waterfront, and this double bill feels like another inspired booking. It isn't aimed at the casual festival-goer looking for the loudest chorus or the biggest production. It's for people who still believe lyrics matter, melodies linger, and an hour and a half in front of a great band can make the rest of the world disappear. On Saturday night, the Mediterranean provides the backdrop. Belle and Sebastian provide the soundtrack. That's more than enough. For last minute tickets and more information: FAR

Forget polished pop and predictable playlists. 16 Toneladas is turning up the volume on Saturday 18 July with a triple-header that celebrates everything loud, fast, raw and gloriously independent. Featuring Radioactivas, Licor de Fardacho and Valencia's own Ukelele Zombies, this promises to be one of the most explosive nights of the summer for fans of punk, garage and no-nonsense rock 'n' roll. Leading the charge are Radioactivas, a ferocious five-piece whose sound takes its cues from punk royalty including L7, Babes in Toyland, The Cramps, MC5 and The Stooges. Hailing from Barcelona's underground scene, they bring razor-sharp riffs, riot grrrl attitude and enough energy to shake the foundations of the venue. Joining them are Licor de Fardacho, one of the Valencian Community's hardest-working rock bands. Blending classic rock swagger with modern grit, the band have built a loyal following through relentless touring and powerful live performances. Their songs are packed with streetwise lyrics, infectious hooks and the kind of honest rock 'n' roll that refuses to follow trends. Flying the flag for Valencia are Ukelele Zombies, the garage-punk trio who have been tearing through stages since 2011. Their latest album, Desastre, perfectly captures their frantic blend of rock 'n' roll, garage and punk. Fast, funny and gloriously chaotic, they're the sort of band that leaves audiences sweaty, smiling and wanting one more song. It's another reminder of why 16 Toneladas remains one of Valencia's essential live music venues. While bigger arenas chase stadium-sized productions, Ricardo Micó's beloved rock club continues to champion underground artists, homegrown talent and unforgettable nights where the music does all the talking. If your idea of the perfect Saturday night involves crushing guitar riffs, pounding drums, cold beers and a room full of people who still believe rock 'n' roll is best experienced at full volume, then this is where you need to be. Three bands. Three different flavours of punk and rock. One unforgettable night. See you down the front! For tickets and more information: 16 Toneladas

Thousands of fans looking forward to seeing UB40 featuring Ali Campbell at the Conciertos de Viveros on Wednesday night have been left disappointed after organisers were forced to cancel the concert following the declaration of a red weather alert for extreme temperatures in Valencia. The decision came after the Valencia City Council, following recommendations from emergency authorities and weather forecasts from Spain's meteorological agency (AEMET), concluded that public safety had to come first. With temperatures forecast to exceed 40°C, combined with the possibility of strong winds and dangerous heat conditions, organisers had little choice but to pull the plug. In a statement, organisers confirmed that protecting the public, artists, crew and everyone working behind the scenes was the absolute priority. Information regarding ticket refunds will be released in the coming days. It is a frustrating outcome for fans and another reminder that live music, despite all its power, is ultimately at the mercy of nature. Unfortunately, these situations are becoming less unusual. Across Europe, festivals and concerts are increasingly being disrupted by prolonged heatwaves, wildfires, storms and other extreme weather events. Scientists continue to warn that climate change is increasing both the frequency and intensity of these extremes, presenting new challenges for outdoor events and the people who attend them. As disappointing as this cancellation is, it also serves as an important reminder to take the current weather seriously. If you're in Valencia or elsewhere in Spain during this heatwave: Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Check on elderly relatives, neighbours and anyone vulnerable. If possible, stay indoors or seek air-conditioned spaces during peak afternoon temperatures. No concert is worth risking your health. The hope now is that UB40 will be able to return to Valencia soon and give fans the celebration they were eagerly waiting for. Until then, music lovers will simply have to wait for cooler days—and hope that adapting to our changing climate becomes as much a priority as planning the next great concert. For more information: Conciertos De Viveros

In just one month, Aúpa Lumbreiras!! returns to Villena for one of the most anticipated comebacks in Spanish rock history. The excitement has been nothing short of extraordinary—the festival sold out within days of tickets going on sale, proving that the appetite for one of Spain's most beloved rock gatherings has never faded. From 13–15 August, the Polideportivo Municipal will once again become the spiritual home of punk, rock, ska and metal as thousands of fans descend on Villena for three unforgettable days of noise, unity and re For thousands of fans, Aúpa Lumbreiras has always been more than a festival. It's a family reunion for everyone who believes music should have something to say. It's where battered leather jackets, battle vests and raised fists are worn with pride, where generations of fans stand shoulder to shoulder, and where every chorus becomes an anthem. The 2026 return boasts a colossal line-up featuring Evaristo, Soziedad Alkoholika, El Drogas, The Toy Dolls, La Pegatina, Boikot, Def Con Dos, Narco, Reincidentes, Talco, Porretas, Marky Ramone, Los de Marras, Segismundo Toxicómano and more than 50 bands spread across three relentless days of live music. The festival's organisers have stayed true to the spirit that made Lumbreiras legendary. Three stages will keep the music flowing almost continuously, ensuring there is barely a moment to catch your breath between bands. Whether your soundtrack is classic punk, ska, hardcore, metal or street rock, there will always be another reason to charge towards the next stage. Villena itself is preparing for another unforgettable August. The city has become one of Spain's true homes of heavy music, hosting some of the country's biggest rock festivals and attracting fans from across Spain and beyond. For one weekend, its streets, bars and campsites will be filled with the unmistakable soundtrack of distorted guitars, passionate singalongs and lifelong friendships. For many, this year's edition represents something even bigger. It's the rebirth of one of Spain's most iconic festivals—a celebration of resilience, community and the enduring spirit of underground music. Aúpa Lumbreiras isn't chasing trends or reinventing itself. It's returning to remind everyone why it became legendary in the first place. The countdown has begun. Just one month remains until Villena once again becomes the loudest town in Spain. If you were lucky enough to grab a ticket before they disappeared in record time, you're about to be part of a piece of Spanish rock history. Aúpa Lumbreiras is back. Sold out. Loud as ever. And ready to remind everyone why legends never die. For more information: Aúpa Lumbreiras!!