Azkena Rock Festival 2026 - 3-Day Pass - Alice Cooper, Social Distortion and

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About the Event

Prepare for an electrifying three days as the legendary Azkena Rock Festival returns to Vitoria-Gasteiz in 2026, promising an unforgettable celebration of rock and roll heritage. This isn’t just another festival; it’s a pilgrimage for true rock aficionados, a gathering where iconic sounds echo through the Basque Country and new anthems are forged. The Azkena Rock Festival has long been revered for its curated lineup, consistently delivering a potent blend of established titans and emerging talents that resonate with the authentic spirit of rock. For 2026, the festival is pulling out all the stops, with a 3-Day Pass granting you access to an extraordinary roster, headlined by the inimitable Alice Cooper, the enduring power of Social Distortion, and a host of other phenomenal artists ready to ignite the stage. Set against the stunning backdrop of Vitoria-Gasteiz, this is your opportunity to experience three days of raw energy, blistering guitar solos, and anthemic singalongs that will linger long after the final chord fades.

About Azkena Rock Festival 2026 - 3-Day Pass - Alice Cooper, Social Distortion and

This 3-Day Pass grants you entry to an unparalleled rock experience, featuring two of the genre’s most enduring and influential acts: Alice Cooper and Social Distortion.

Alice Cooper, the original shock rock impresario, is a true icon who has spent decades redefining the boundaries of rock music. Born Vincent Furnier, Alice Cooper emerged from the late 1960s Detroit scene, initially as a band, before Furnier adopted the moniker for his solo career. His theatrical stage shows, incorporating macabre imagery, elaborate props, and a healthy dose of dark humour, revolutionised live rock performance. Beyond the spectacle, Cooper is a master songwriter with a discography that boasts an impressive array of timeless hits. Classics like the chillingly delivered “School’s Out,” the hauntingly anthemic “Poison,” the driving “Billion Dollar Babies,” and the universally recognised “Welcome to My Nightmare” have cemented his place in rock royalty. His ability to blend hard rock grit with catchy melodies and narrative storytelling has ensured his relevance and appeal across generations. At Azkena Rock Festival 2026, expect a performance that is as much a theatrical masterpiece as it is a blistering rock concert, showcasing his enduring charisma and a catalogue of songs that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Social Distortion, led by the inimitable Mike Ness, represents the raw, unfiltered heart of punk rock fused with country and blues influences. Hailing from Southern California, Social Distortion emerged in the late 1970s, quickly establishing themselves as pioneers of the punk rock scene. However, their sound evolved, incorporating a more melodic and narrative-driven approach that distinguished them from their contemporaries. Ness’s distinctive gravelly vocals, coupled with his introspective and often socially conscious lyrics, have made them a band that resonates deeply with their devoted fanbase. Their hits are anthems for the disenfranchised and the hopeful alike. Tracks such as the blistering “Story of My Life,” the introspective “Ball and Chain,” the powerful “I Was Wrong,” and the enduring “Ring of Fire” (a Johnny Cash cover that they made their own) are just a taste of their extensive and beloved catalogue. Social Distortion’s live performances are renowned for their raw energy, passionate delivery, and the palpable connection they forge with their audience. Prepare for a set that is both a cathartic release and an uplifting experience, delivered with the unwavering integrity that has defined their career.

Venue Information

Recinto Mendizabala in Vitoria-Gasteiz stands as a premier destination for live music, offering a versatile and expansive space that has played host to numerous high-profile events. This renowned venue is well-equipped to accommodate the dynamic energy of the Azkena Rock Festival, providing ample space for stages, audience engagement, and the creation of a vibrant festival atmosphere. Its strategic location within Vitoria-Gasteiz ensures accessibility for both local and international festival-goers, making it a central hub for the rock pilgrimage. The layout is designed to maximise the live music experience, with sound and lighting capabilities that cater to the demands of world-class performers. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

At Azkena Rock Festival 2026, the 3-Day Pass promises an immersive rock experience, with a particular focus on the electrifying performances of Alice Cooper and Social Distortion.

For Alice Cooper, audiences can anticipate a spectacle that transcends mere musical performance. His sets are renowned for their theatricality, featuring dramatic costume changes, chilling props like guillotines and snakes, and a narrative arc that unfolds throughout the show. Expect a journey through his iconic hits, meticulously crafted to evoke the dark, whimsical, and rebellious spirit of his career. Key setlist highlights will undoubtedly include the primal scream of “School’s Out,” the anthemic power of “Poison,” the grandeur of “Billion Dollar Babies,” and the immersive descent into madness that is “Welcome to My Nightmare.” Cooper’s performance style is one of theatrical storytelling married with hard rock prowess. He commands the stage with an ageless charisma, engaging the audience directly, often through his signature persona. His band, comprised of highly skilled musicians, delivers tight, driving renditions of his classic material, ensuring every note hits with impact. The duration of his set is typically around 90 minutes, packed with hits and a visual feast that leaves no doubt as to why he is the undisputed king of shock rock.

Social Distortion’s performance will be a testament to their enduring power and raw authenticity. Mike Ness and his band are celebrated for their no-frills, high-energy sets that connect directly with the soul of the music. Their setlists are a carefully curated blend of their most beloved tracks, often weaving in newer material with their undeniable classics. Expect the crowd to erupt during anthems like the defiant “Story of My Life,” the introspective and powerful “Ball and Chain,” the raw honesty of “I Was Wrong,” and the universally recognised Social Distortion take on “Ring of Fire.” The band’s performance style is one of unadulterated passion. Ness’s distinctive growl and his honest, often poignant lyrics are delivered with an intensity that is captivating. The band’s musicianship is tight and driving, with a sound that seamlessly blends punk’s urgency with country’s storytelling and blues’ soul. They have a reputation for leaving it all on the stage, creating an atmosphere that is both cathartic and exhilarating. Their sets typically run for around 75-90 minutes, leaving the audience breathless and utterly satisfied by their unwavering dedication to rock and roll.

Across the entire festival, you can expect a relentless onslaught of top-tier rock performances, with stages offering a diverse range of sounds within the rock spectrum. The Azkena Rock Festival prides itself on delivering a consistent level of high-quality sound and production, ensuring that every artist shines. The overall duration of each headline set, including stage changeovers and audience engagement, is designed to maximise the festival experience, with headline performances typically concluding late into the evening.

FAQs

Q1: Will Alice Cooper be performing songs from his entire career, including his early work with the original Alice Cooper band? A1: Alice Cooper is celebrated for his extensive and iconic discography. While his solo material forms the backbone of his setlists, he frequently includes beloved tracks from the original Alice Cooper band era, such as “I’m Eighteen” and “School’s Out,” which are fan favourites and integral to his legacy. Expect a comprehensive journey through his most impactful work.

Q2: How long is a typical Alice Cooper set, and what is the overall tone of his live shows? A2: Alice Cooper’s sets usually run for approximately 90 minutes. The tone is a unique blend of theatrical spectacle and hard rock performance. His shows are renowned for their elaborate stage production, incorporating elements of shock rock, dark humour, and narrative storytelling, all delivered with his trademark charisma and powerful vocals.

Q3: Does Social Distortion typically play their well-known hits during their sets, or do they focus more on newer material? A3: Social Distortion has a deep catalogue of highly popular songs, and their live sets are a deliberate celebration of this. While they may incorporate some newer material, they are renowned for playing their most beloved hits that have resonated with fans for decades, including tracks like “Story of My Life,” “Ball and Chain,” and “I Was Wrong.”

Q4: What can I expect in terms of the performance style of Social Distortion? Is it a high-energy show? A4: Absolutely. Social Distortion’s live performances are known for their raw energy, passion, and an intimate connection with the audience. Mike Ness and the band deliver their songs with a distinctive urgency and heartfelt sincerity, making for a powerful and engaging experience. Expect a set filled with driving rhythms, gritty vocals, and anthemic singalongs.

Q5: Are there any specific interactions or elements I should anticipate during Alice Cooper’s performance that make it a unique spectacle? A5: Alice Cooper’s performances are synonymous with visual spectacle. Fans can anticipate elaborate stage props, dramatic costume changes, and often theatrical elements like guillotines, snakes, and other iconic imagery that have become part of his signature shock rock persona. His stage presence is commanding, and he actively engages the audience throughout his set, making it a truly immersive experience.

Q6: How does Mike Ness typically engage with the crowd during a Social Distortion set? A6: Mike Ness is known for his direct and authentic connection with the audience. While his performance is energetic and passionate, there’s also a sense of sincerity and vulnerability. He often shares personal anecdotes or reflections between songs, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and shared experience with the fans, making each Social Distortion show feel both personal and powerful.