PUKKELPOP REVIEW DAY 1: A Sizzling Start To An Unforgettable Festival Weekend

Pukkelpop – a sunny start to a fantastic festival weekend. On Friday, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re into hardcore, pop, indie, or drum ’n’ bass, every genre had its spot on the bill. Despite the scorching 30-degree heat, festivalgoers didn’t let it dampen their spirits. With sunglasses, water bottles in hand, and wearing wide smiles, the crowd kept their energy high. The vibe was electric from the very first performance, and the sun-soaked Friday proved to be the perfect kickoff for a weekend filled with music, fun, and unforgettable moments. 

Palaye Royale

Palaye Royale instantly brought energy to Pukkelpop. Not a second after the first chords, the entire tent was jumping, driven by the unique, husky voice of frontman Remington Leith, which gave every song a raw and captivating edge. For a band playing so early in the lineup, the tent was remarkably full and the atmosphere vibrant. During the performance, Leith pulled out a water gun—an ideal way to cool down in temperatures above thirty degrees Celsius. As if that weren’t enough, he later let himself be carried over the crowd in an inflatable boat. Thousands of flashlights lit up all the way to the back, creating a stunning visual. 

Stone

Stone kicked off their early afternoon set with so much energy that a moshpit grew immediately, making it clear from the start that standing still was not an option. Despite the relentless sun and the scorching heat around half past two, the crowd remained surprisingly large and incredibly active. On stage, the band matched that intensity, jumping and running around as if propelled by the audience itself.  When Stone launched into their brand-new track Never Again, it was met the same enthusiastic reception as their most well-known songs. Frontman Fin Power turned it into a show of its own: between running and jumping, he joked about needing liters of Red Bull to keep up the pace, before promptly diving into the crowd to crowdsurf. Stone proved that heat and midday hours were no barrier to a performance fueled entirely by adrenaline. 

The Haunted Youth

The Haunted Youth filled the tent all the way to the outside, and the audience was swept up from the very first notes. Young and old danced exuberantly to the captivating guitar riffs, while frontman Joachim Liebens, with his striking “boys cry too” tattoo, added a personal and charming touch to the show. The warm, vibrant energy of the Belgian band carried everyone along, turning the performance into a true triumph for the home crowd. 

Pommelien Thijs

Pommelien Thijs once again proved why she is so beloved in Belgium. From the very first notes, it seemed as if everyone knew the lyrics by heart: the crowd sang, clapped, and danced along, from the front rows all the way to the back. Even the bar staff got swept up in the infectious energy of the show. The festival grounds were packed, and the huge turnout only amplified the intensity and excitement of the performance. Her show radiated a warm, personal connection, clearly capturing the audience’s full attention. The set felt like a celebration of Belgian pride, bringing together young and old alike to experience the music together. 

Guilt Trip

Guilt Trip brought Manchester hardcore straight to Pukkelpop, kicking off their set with the command “Open it up,” which immediately sparked a moshpit among the crowd. The heavy guitar riffs and intense screams gave the performance a raw energy that set the entire field in motion. During their track Separate, the audience literally split in two to make room for a moshpit, amplifying the intensity even further. The set was packed with nonstop action: circle pits spun continuously, and an impressive wall of death even emerged. Guilt Trip proved that hardcore is made to come alive at a festival like Pukkelpop.

The Kooks

The Kooks delivered a cheerful and danceable set on the main stage, immediately getting the crowd moving. At the same time, the show radiated a laid-back and enjoyable vibe. Their playful melodies were combined with emotional lyrics, giving the songs a festive yet captivating feel. Along the way, they delighted the Belgian audience with Dutch-Flemish words like “dankjewel” and “amai,” adding a personal touch. The set was packed with impressive guitar solos that gave the songs extra depth. With their mix of sparkling energy and emotional resonance, The Kooks put on a dynamic performance that set the tone for the Friday evening at the festival.  

CMAT

For CMAT, this was already her second show of the day. Earlier, she had performed at Lowlands, but there was no sign of fatigue at Pukkelpop. With a fun and engaging stage performance, she delivered a set bursting with energy and humor. Thanks to her sharp lyrics, generous dose of self-deprecation, and charisma that radiated from the stage, the Irish singer effortlessly proved herself as one of the day’s most entertaining and distinctive acts. 

Oscar And The Wolf

Oscar and the Wolf delivered a stunning visual and musical spectacle. With glittering masks and striking outfits, they performed amid dancers as the audience moved along to the rhythms. The show took place during sunset, enhancing the magical atmosphere. Confetti filled the air, adding an extra festive touch to every song. Between the energetic tracks, emotional stories were shared, creating a perfect balance between danceable moments and intimate, personal passages. It was a performance that impressed both visually and musically, fully captivating the audience. 

Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend brought a summery, almost carefree vibe to the festival grounds with their cheerful melodies. Their unique blend of instruments – from violin and saxophone to harmonica and banjo – gave the songs a distinct sound. Even the keyboard was played creatively, sometimes with an elbow, adding a playful touch to the performance. The audience was fully engaged: the tent was packed to the back with dancing people of all ages, swept up in the energetic rhythms and sunny tunes. With this sparkling mix of instrumentation, enthusiasm, and cheerfulness, Vampire Weekend delivered a set that was both musically surprising and irresistibly festive. 

Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan delivered an enchanting set that perfectly matched the castle-like atmosphere of the stage. From the very first song, it was clear she was completely in her element: her unique and dazzling outfits enhanced the magical aura of the show, while her expressive presence drew everyone in. She radiated genuine engagement with both her band and the audience, making each spectator feel part of an intimate musical moment. Her vocal performance was powerful and versatile. During her well-known track HOT TO GO, she got the crowd actively involved in the choreography, creating a playful highlight. Even those who weren’t dancing were swept up by the energy and charm she exuded. The performance left a lasting impression, both visually and musically – a perfect blend of magic, musicianship, and personal connection. 

I Prevail

After the departure of frontman Brian Burkheiser, I Prevail proved that they can still deliver a powerhouse performance. During their closing set on the Backyard stage, Eric Vanlerberghe effortlessly took the lead while the rest of the band kept the energy on stage at a fever pitch. From the very first notes, the fire literally leapt off the band: heavier and rawer than usual, packed with fire, grunt, and sheer power. The audience devoured it, fully swept along; the circle pit spun relentlessly. Even their cover of Taylor Swift’s Blank Space, which originally catapulted them to fame, was given a gritty twist that ignited the crowd. The set confirmed that I Prevail remains an undeniable festival act, even in this new era. 

Stefanie Voncken Santana

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