Five days and nights of music – Primavera Sound 2012

Activities, Events and Music, Fiestas on April 6, 2012 1:22 pm

At the end of May Barcelona hosts one of the top festivals in Europe – Primavera Sound 2012. Back for its 11^th year, the festival continues to focus on independent music and is already gearing up to put a spring in Barcelona’s step once again.

With a long line-up of indie heroes this open-air festival is a rare treat for those with an ear for alternative pop – Primavera Sound has been graced by more musical legends than you could start a record label with. In previous years it has attracted headliners such as Lou Reed, Neil Young, Pulp, the Pet Shop Boys and Arcade Fire to Barcelona.

The event’s main stage is situated in the vast Parc del Fòrum, with the Mediterranean sea for a backdrop. If you don’t feel like forking out 70€ for a day ticket, the festival will include two free concerts near the Arc de Triompf called ‘Primavera a la Ciutat’ on the opening and last days of the festival.

Like lots of other top festivals in Barcelona, unofficial events and a feel-good atmosphere are all part of the experience. It’s a great time to come to Barcelona, even if you aren’t a dedicated muso with some cash to spare.

Cut to the chase – who’s playing?

The Cure
Perhaps the first truly alternative band to enjoy widespread chart success, the legacy of the Cure, who formed in the 1970s, is hard to overestimate. With a hit-heavy show that’s largely retrospective, seeing The Cure live is a must for fans of post punk and new wave music.



Björk
Iceland’s queen of alternative pop is one of those very rare acts who have multi-million album sales and critical acclaim in equal measure. Never afraid to push the boundaries, her latest album ’Biophilia’ was released as an iPhone app and she’s just as innovative as a live artist.

Rufus Wainwright
This singer-songwriter is yet another genre-defining act at this festival. His introverted and confessional work also has a decadent strain that makes him stand out from his traditional roots. Wainwright, influenced by both opera and the gutsy songs of his famous dad, puts on a solo show that promises to be a marked contrast to more raucous headliners.


Franz Ferdinand
Scottish hit-making machine Franz Ferdinand is one of the most successful bands of the past decade. Bristling with a quirky energy and an arsenal of catchy and unique material, they remain in high demand even if they’ve left their chart-topping heyday behind them. They also have a substantial Spanish following, with their last single reaching number two in the Spanish charts.


Wilco
Over the past 20 years Wilco have become known as an indie band who draw on country music and the 60s and 70s for inspiration. It’s been a successful formula. They’ve been applauded by the music press for their rootsy sound and diverse array of influences and are one of the most acclaimed and influential indie bands of recent times.

Practicalities

The official festival website is a great source of info and has managed to cover virtually every question you could think of, from where to leave your jacket to where the toilets are. Although it’s open-air, Primavera Sound isn’t a camping festival. Due to the popularity of this event, which takes place at the outset of the main tourist season in Barcelona, it’s a good idea to start booking tickets and accommodation now. Hostels are likely to be packed out at this time, but booking yourself a holiday apartment could work out well, especially if you’re travelling as a group.

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