{"id":2040594,"date":"2026-07-12T13:30:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T10:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2040594"},"modified":"2026-07-12T13:30:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T10:30:15","slug":"idles-and-lily-allen-bring-bilbao-bbk-live-2026-to-a-cathartic-close","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2040594","title":{"rendered":"IDLES and Lily Allen bring Bilbao BBK Live 2026 to a cathartic close"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/BBL26-lillyallen-@sara.irazabal-04-2.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"template-id-2749694\" class=\"post-2749694 tdb_templates type-tdb_templates status-publish post\">\n<div id=\"tdi_65\" class=\"tdc-zone\">\n<div class=\"tdc_zone tdi_66  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div id=\"tdi_67\" class=\"tdc-row stretch_row_1400 td-stretch-content\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_68  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_70  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_breadcrumbs tdi_71 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-breadcrumbs \" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_71\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span>Features<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_title tdi_72 tdb-single-title td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_72\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">IDLES and Lily Allen bring Bilbao BBK Live 2026 to a cathartic close<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_subtitle tdi_73 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_73\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>HorsegiirL, Interpol and Mind Enterprises were among the other artists seeing out the festival\u2019s third and final day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_author tdi_75 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-post-meta\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_75\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-author-name-wrap\"><span class=\"tdb-author-by\">By<\/span> NME<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_date tdi_76 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-post-meta\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_76\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><time class=\"entry-date updated td-module-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-12T14:30:15+01:00\">12th July 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- .\/block --><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"tdi_77\" class=\"tdc-row stretch_row_1400 td-stretch-content\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_78  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_80  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span8\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_featured_image tdi_81 tdb-content-horiz-left td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_81\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<figure>\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"696\" height=\"442\" class=\"entry-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/BBL26-lillyallen-@sara.irazabal-04-2-696x442.jpg\" alt title=\"BBL26-lillyallen-@sara.irazabal-04-2\"><figcaption class=\"tdb-caption-text\">Lily Allen performs at Bilbao BBK Live 2026. Photo credit: Sara Ir\u00e1zabal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"vc_row_inner tdi_83 article-content-row vc_row vc_inner wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column_inner tdi_85  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-inner-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_content tdi_86 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 td-post-content tagdiv-type\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_86\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p><em>In partnership with Bilbao BBK Live<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Words:<\/strong> Lisa Wright<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad0 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span>  <\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-article-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Celebrating its 20th anniversary year, Bilbao BBK Live was always going to aim high. But over three stacked days of music and magic under the sweltering Basque Country sun, pilgrims who made it up the slope of Mount Cobetas to the festival\u2019s gorgeously scenic site have had their cup well and truly filled.<\/p>\n<p>Over one of the summer weekender\u2019s most eclectic line ups yet, we\u2019ve seen FKA Twigs bring the hedonism of \u2018Eusexua\u2019 to Spain and Robbie Williams turn the main stage into a one-man cabaret. CMAT \u2013 yet again \u2013 cemented her place at the absolute peak of the entertainment pack, while David Byrne gave Friday night a heartwarmingly feel-good send off.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3956539\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3956539\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3956539\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/BBL26_AMBIENTE_@m.aitane-102-2.jpg\" alt width=\"2000\" height=\"1270\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3956539\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bilbao BBK Live 2026. Photo credit: Maitane Campos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There have been raves in the woods and secret sets on the hill, inter-artist love-ins (we\u2019re looking at you CMAT and Robbie) and a bubbling undercurrent of World Cup mania amidst all the on-stage fun. So, as we say goodbye to a landmark year for the region\u2019s biggest and best fest, all that\u2019s left is to look back on the action during its final, cathartic Saturday night.<\/p>\n<p>Happy anniversary Bilbao BBK Live, and here\u2019s to the next 20 years\u2026<\/p>\n<h3><b>IDLES were the perfect balance between love and rage<\/b><\/h3>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad1 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"taboola-mid-article-title\">Recommended<\/h5>\n<div id=\"taboola-mid-article\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>If aliens descended and wanted to know why us humans were so obsessed with festivals, we\u2019d show them a video of IDLES\u2019 mustachioed guitarist Mark Bowen, crowdsurfing in a bright pink dress\/ hospital gown, white y-fronts on full show, yelling the chorus to immigration-positive unity anthem \u2018Danny Nedelko\u2019. The mid-set moment was de rigeur for the Bristol band, who\u2019ve spent the last decade decimating festival stages of increasing size with unrelenting energy. But even now, almost 10 years on since debut \u2018Brutalism\u2019 introduced the quintet to the world, it\u2019s impossible not to be winded by the sheer ferocity and power that the group can whip up live.<\/p>\n<p>Taking to the main stage at 11pm, they began with new song \u2018Levitator\u2019, its direct and visceral guitars backed by call to arms lyrics from frontman Joe Talbot: \u201cViolence is majestic coming from a righteous rage\/ Violence is majestic when you\u2019re coming of age.\u201d From there, it was straight down to the crowd for Bowen during \u2018Never Fight A Man With A Perm\u2019, while \u2018Mother\u2019 saw Talbot change its line from \u201cthe best way to scare a Tory is to read and get rich\u201d to \u201cthe best way to scare a fascist\u201d, presumably catering for the festival\u2019s European audience.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3956501\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3956501\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3956501\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/BBL26_Idles-@sergioalbert_-06-2.jpg\" alt width=\"2000\" height=\"1270\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3956501\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">IDLES play Bilbao BBK Live 2026. Photo credit: Sergio Albert<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Playing after New York titans Interpol\u2019s main stage set earlier in the evening, Talbot shouted out the band as a major influence. \u201cIt\u2019s a dream to share a stage with one of the main reasons I\u2019m in a band, Interpol and [touring member] Matt from The Walkmen,\u201d he declared. \u201cIt\u2019s a huge privilege and a fucking dream.\u201d Meanwhile, the aforementioned \u2018Danny Nedelko\u2019 came preceded by a dedication to \u201call the immigrants that make our countries a better place, for the Basque people, and for three members of IDLES\u201d.<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad2 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span>  <\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-article-2\" class=\"lazy-ad\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A blistering set that provided the weekend\u2019s gnarliest sonic moments and a true, life-affirming gut punch of noise, IDLES are clearly entering the run-up to LP6 match fit and on peak form.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Lily Allen relaxed into the theatrical spectacle of \u2018West End Girl\u2019<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>When Lily Allen first began debuting her \u2018West End Girl\u2019 show \u2013 less a traditional pop extravaganza and more a considered theatre piece, replete with precisely zero old hits \u2013 the reaction was mixed. In a three star review of her London Palladium opening night, NME stated that \u201cat points, it is clear that these are her first shows back after seven years and there are still some kinks to be ironed out\u201d. However, coming on slightly late for her 12.15am set on the San Miguel stage, Allen seemed to have loosened up and eased into her reprised role at the front of British pop.<\/p>\n<p>Having toured the \u2018West End Girl\u2019 show around UK arenas and a handful of festivals, the precise, staged concept naturally remained but Allen herself appeared confident and more playful than in those first shows. There was still no audience interaction, but \u2018Ruminating\u2019 was delivered like a proper pop hit, while \u2018Nonmonogamummy\u2019\u2019s TikTok-style dance was performed in full tongue-in-cheek (or rather tongue cheekily sticking out) mode, complete with a \u201850s apron emblazoned with the word \u2018CUCK\u2019.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DarQOl-o8Vs\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Allen\u2019s costume designer has clearly been having a blast on this tour, and her outfits have been getting more extravagant by the show. As well as the risqu\u00e9 apron, Bilbao saw Allen sporting a pair of vajazzled baby blue shorts for \u2018Pussy Palace\u2019, and a pin-up style body suit that she playfully gyrated in during \u2018Sleepwalking\u2019. Add the already-iconic receipts dress, Duane Reade bag and Madonna-nodding cone bra dress, and Allen looked like the pop icon she is \u2013 even whilst performing a more considered, theatrical show piece. Ending by receiving a bunch of flowers and then throwing them into the crowd, it was by no means a classic midnight festival set, but the power of Allen\u2019s break-up masterstroke won through.<\/p>\n<h3><b>The best of the rest\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>It may have been a scorching 35 degrees in Bilbao, but try telling Interpol that. Perfecting the \u2018goths in a heatwave\u2019 aesthetic, the New York City outfit cut a dapper silhouette in classic all-black \u2013 with singer Paul Banks sporting a platinum blonde slicked back \u2018do as they powered through a career-spanning early evening set. With a low-hanging disco ball and flickering, subtle lights dancing around them, the band leaned heavily on their early two LPs, 2002\u2019s \u2018Turn On The Bright Lights\u2019 and 2004\u2019s \u2018Antics\u2019, serving up a mid-set one-two of \u2018Evil\u2019 and \u2018Obstacle 1\u2019 and getting the mosh pit started with \u2018Slow Hands\u2019.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3956536\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3956536\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3956536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/BBL26_Interpol-@sergioalbert_-16-2.jpg\" alt width=\"2000\" height=\"1270\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3956536\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Interpol perform at Bilbao BBK Live 2026. Photo credit: Sergio Albert<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Over on the Johnnie Walker stage, viral Turin duo Mind Enterprises drew one of the most packed sets of the weekend, with the crowd spilling way out of the tent and into the field for their quirky Italo-disco bangers. Formed of duo Andrea Tirone and Roberto Conigliaro \u2013 one in business casual shirt and trousers; the other in a tiny pair of blue shorts \u2013 their vibe was like Italy\u2019s answer to Getdown Services: knowingly odd and all sorts of fun, but with undeniably crowd-uniting genuine musical chops too.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve never seen a woman, dressed as a horse, playing panpipes then you clearly didn\u2019t do the final night of Bilbao BBK Live 2026 right. That was the trippy visual that beamed out from the screen behind Stella Stallion \u2013 aka HorsegiirL \u2013 as the half human\/ half equine DJ took to the Repsol stage for a late night set to close out the festival. Manning the decks in front of a circular video montage ranging from the blissed out (aquatic scenes for \u2018That\u2019s My Beach!\u2019) to the ridiculous (did we mention the panpipes?), HorsegiirL\u2019s club-heavy set was a fittingly equal mix of brilliance and madness. That meant that, as well as cuts from recent debut LP \u2018Nature is Healing\u2019 \u2013 a record that NME described in a four-star review as \u201cbalancing sincerity with HorsegiirL\u2019s whimsy for an album of stone-cold bangers\u201d \u2013 we got a barnstorming Pitbull remix and Reel 2 Real\u2019s \u2018I Like To Move It\u2019. Happily, the up-for-it party crowd obliged.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_tags tdi_87 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_87\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<ul class=\"tdb-tags\">\n<li><span>Related Topics<\/span><\/li>\n<li>horsegiirL<\/li>\n<li>IDLES<\/li>\n<li>Interpol<\/li>\n<li>Lily Allen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper td_block_wrap vc_raw_html tdi_89 \">\n<div class=\"td-fix-index\">\n<h3>You May Also Like<\/h3>\n<div id=\"taboola-below-article\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_91  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span4 td-is-sticky\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td-a-rec td-a-rec-id-sidebar  tdi_92 td_block_template_2\">\n<p><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-sidebar-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap 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Stories<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap td_flex_block_1 tdi_105 td-pb-border-top td_module_flex_1--card td_module_flex_1--card--highlight td_block_template_2 tdc-no-posts td_flex_block\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_105\">\n<div class=\"td-block-title-wrap\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"tdi_105\" class=\"td_block_inner td-mc1-wrap\">\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/MCR_LDN_JesseDeFlorio-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/MCR_LDN_JesseDeFlorio-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Gaming News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Gerard Way pauses My Chemical Romance\u2019s Wembley Stadium show to talk about \u2018Baldur\u2019s Gate\u2019<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/andy-burnham@2000x1270-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/andy-burnham@2000x1270-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Watch Andy Burnham blind-rank his favourite bands \u2013 including Oasis, The Smiths, Wolf Alice and more<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Wai-Ching-Ho-2019-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Wai-Ching-Ho-2019-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Film News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">\u2018Daredevil\u2019 and \u2018Iron Fist\u2019 actor Wai Ching Ho dies, aged 82<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/God-Of-War-Laufey-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/God-Of-War-Laufey-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Gaming News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">\u2018God Of War: Laufey\u2019 studio confirms 2027 release date<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/live-garbage-pic-1-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/live-garbage-pic-1-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Garbage don kilts as Nicola Sturgeon pays tribute to the band at their last ever Scottish gig<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/david-bowie-brian-molko@2000x1270-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/david-bowie-brian-molko@2000x1270-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Watch Placebo\u2019s Brian Molko, Peaches and Nadine Shah cover David Bowie classics at London Southbank Centre \u2018Ziggy Stardust\u2019 celebration<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>                    <span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span>                <\/article>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_content tdi_86 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 td-post-content tagdiv-type\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_86\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p><em>In partnership with Bilbao BBK Live<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Words:<\/strong> Lisa Wright<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad0 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span>  <\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-article-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Celebrating its 20th anniversary year, Bilbao BBK Live was always going to aim high. But over three stacked days of music and magic under the sweltering Basque Country sun, pilgrims who made it up the slope of Mount Cobetas to the festival\u2019s gorgeously scenic site have had their cup well and truly filled.<\/p>\n<p>Over one of the summer weekender\u2019s most eclectic line ups yet, we\u2019ve seen FKA Twigs bring the hedonism of \u2018Eusexua\u2019 to Spain and Robbie Williams turn the main stage into a one-man cabaret. CMAT \u2013 yet again \u2013 cemented her place at the absolute peak of the entertainment pack, while David Byrne gave Friday night a heartwarmingly feel-good send off.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3956539\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3956539\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3956539\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/BBL26_AMBIENTE_@m.aitane-102-2.jpg\" alt width=\"2000\" height=\"1270\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3956539\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bilbao BBK Live 2026. Photo credit: Maitane Campos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There have been raves in the woods and secret sets on the hill, inter-artist love-ins (we\u2019re looking at you CMAT and Robbie) and a bubbling undercurrent of World Cup mania amidst all the on-stage fun. So, as we say goodbye to a landmark year for the region\u2019s biggest and best fest, all that\u2019s left is to look back on the action during its final, cathartic Saturday night.<\/p>\n<p>Happy anniversary Bilbao BBK Live, and here\u2019s to the next 20 years\u2026<\/p>\n<h3><b>IDLES were the perfect balance between love and rage<\/b><\/h3>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad1 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"taboola-mid-article-title\">Recommended<\/h5>\n<div id=\"taboola-mid-article\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>If aliens descended and wanted to know why us humans were so obsessed with festivals, we\u2019d show them a video of IDLES\u2019 mustachioed guitarist Mark Bowen, crowdsurfing in a bright pink dress\/ hospital gown, white y-fronts on full show, yelling the chorus to immigration-positive unity anthem \u2018Danny Nedelko\u2019. The mid-set moment was de rigeur for the Bristol band, who\u2019ve spent the last decade decimating festival stages of increasing size with unrelenting energy. But even now, almost 10 years on since debut \u2018Brutalism\u2019 introduced the quintet to the world, it\u2019s impossible not to be winded by the sheer ferocity and power that the group can whip up live.<\/p>\n<p>Taking to the main stage at 11pm, they began with new song \u2018Levitator\u2019, its direct and visceral guitars backed by call to arms lyrics from frontman Joe Talbot: \u201cViolence is majestic coming from a righteous rage\/ Violence is majestic when you\u2019re coming of age.\u201d From there, it was straight down to the crowd for Bowen during \u2018Never Fight A Man With A Perm\u2019, while \u2018Mother\u2019 saw Talbot change its line from \u201cthe best way to scare a Tory is to read and get rich\u201d to \u201cthe best way to scare a fascist\u201d, presumably catering for the festival\u2019s European audience.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3956501\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3956501\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3956501\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/BBL26_Idles-@sergioalbert_-06-2.jpg\" alt width=\"2000\" height=\"1270\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3956501\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">IDLES play Bilbao BBK Live 2026. Photo credit: Sergio Albert<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Playing after New York titans Interpol\u2019s main stage set earlier in the evening, Talbot shouted out the band as a major influence. \u201cIt\u2019s a dream to share a stage with one of the main reasons I\u2019m in a band, Interpol and [touring member] Matt from The Walkmen,\u201d he declared. \u201cIt\u2019s a huge privilege and a fucking dream.\u201d Meanwhile, the aforementioned \u2018Danny Nedelko\u2019 came preceded by a dedication to \u201call the immigrants that make our countries a better place, for the Basque people, and for three members of IDLES\u201d.<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad2 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span>  <\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-article-2\" class=\"lazy-ad\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A blistering set that provided the weekend\u2019s gnarliest sonic moments and a true, life-affirming gut punch of noise, IDLES are clearly entering the run-up to LP6 match fit and on peak form.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Lily Allen relaxed into the theatrical spectacle of \u2018West End Girl\u2019<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>When Lily Allen first began debuting her \u2018West End Girl\u2019 show \u2013 less a traditional pop extravaganza and more a considered theatre piece, replete with precisely zero old hits \u2013 the reaction was mixed. In a three star review of her London Palladium opening night, NME stated that \u201cat points, it is clear that these are her first shows back after seven years and there are still some kinks to be ironed out\u201d. However, coming on slightly late for her 12.15am set on the San Miguel stage, Allen seemed to have loosened up and eased into her reprised role at the front of British pop.<\/p>\n<p>Having toured the \u2018West End Girl\u2019 show around UK arenas and a handful of festivals, the precise, staged concept naturally remained but Allen herself appeared confident and more playful than in those first shows. There was still no audience interaction, but \u2018Ruminating\u2019 was delivered like a proper pop hit, while \u2018Nonmonogamummy\u2019\u2019s TikTok-style dance was performed in full tongue-in-cheek (or rather tongue cheekily sticking out) mode, complete with a \u201850s apron emblazoned with the word \u2018CUCK\u2019.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DarQOl-o8Vs\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Allen\u2019s costume designer has clearly been having a blast on this tour, and her outfits have been getting more extravagant by the show. As well as the risqu\u00e9 apron, Bilbao saw Allen sporting a pair of vajazzled baby blue shorts for \u2018Pussy Palace\u2019, and a pin-up style body suit that she playfully gyrated in during \u2018Sleepwalking\u2019. Add the already-iconic receipts dress, Duane Reade bag and Madonna-nodding cone bra dress, and Allen looked like the pop icon she is \u2013 even whilst performing a more considered, theatrical show piece. Ending by receiving a bunch of flowers and then throwing them into the crowd, it was by no means a classic midnight festival set, but the power of Allen\u2019s break-up masterstroke won through.<\/p>\n<h3><b>The best of the rest\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>It may have been a scorching 35 degrees in Bilbao, but try telling Interpol that. Perfecting the \u2018goths in a heatwave\u2019 aesthetic, the New York City outfit cut a dapper silhouette in classic all-black \u2013 with singer Paul Banks sporting a platinum blonde slicked back \u2018do as they powered through a career-spanning early evening set. With a low-hanging disco ball and flickering, subtle lights dancing around them, the band leaned heavily on their early two LPs, 2002\u2019s \u2018Turn On The Bright Lights\u2019 and 2004\u2019s \u2018Antics\u2019, serving up a mid-set one-two of \u2018Evil\u2019 and \u2018Obstacle 1\u2019 and getting the mosh pit started with \u2018Slow Hands\u2019.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3956536\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3956536\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3956536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/BBL26_Interpol-@sergioalbert_-16-2.jpg\" alt width=\"2000\" height=\"1270\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3956536\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Interpol perform at Bilbao BBK Live 2026. Photo credit: Sergio Albert<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Over on the Johnnie Walker stage, viral Turin duo Mind Enterprises drew one of the most packed sets of the weekend, with the crowd spilling way out of the tent and into the field for their quirky Italo-disco bangers. Formed of duo Andrea Tirone and Roberto Conigliaro \u2013 one in business casual shirt and trousers; the other in a tiny pair of blue shorts \u2013 their vibe was like Italy\u2019s answer to Getdown Services: knowingly odd and all sorts of fun, but with undeniably crowd-uniting genuine musical chops too.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve never seen a woman, dressed as a horse, playing panpipes then you clearly didn\u2019t do the final night of Bilbao BBK Live 2026 right. That was the trippy visual that beamed out from the screen behind Stella Stallion \u2013 aka HorsegiirL \u2013 as the half human\/ half equine DJ took to the Repsol stage for a late night set to close out the festival. Manning the decks in front of a circular video montage ranging from the blissed out (aquatic scenes for \u2018That\u2019s My Beach!\u2019) to the ridiculous (did we mention the panpipes?), HorsegiirL\u2019s club-heavy set was a fittingly equal mix of brilliance and madness. That meant that, as well as cuts from recent debut LP \u2018Nature is Healing\u2019 \u2013 a record that NME described in a four-star review as \u201cbalancing sincerity with HorsegiirL\u2019s whimsy for an album of stone-cold bangers\u201d \u2013 we got a barnstorming Pitbull remix and Reel 2 Real\u2019s \u2018I Like To Move It\u2019. Happily, the up-for-it party crowd obliged.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/features\/idles-lily-allen-day-three-bilbao-bbk-live-2026-3956508&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/BBL26-lillyallen-@sara.irazabal-04-2.jpg&#8221;] Features IDLES and Lily Allen bring Bilbao BBK Live 2026 to a cathartic close HorsegiirL, Interpol and Mind Enterprises were among the other artists seeing out the festival\u2019s third and final day By NME 12th July 2026 Lily Allen performs at Bilbao BBK Live 2026. Photo credit: Sara Ir\u00e1zabal In partnership with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,78],"class_list":["post-2040594","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-nme-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2040594","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2040594"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2040594\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2040594"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2040594"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2040594"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}