PUKKELPOP REVIEW DAY 2: Sun-Soaked Sounds

Saturday at Pukkelpop was again sold out, with fans filling the grounds in anticipation of a full day of music. Across multiple stages, performers delivered dynamic sets while the crowd danced, sang along, and soaked up the festival atmosphere. From rising
artists to established headliners, the day combined energy, creativity, and unforgettable moments that perfectly captured the spirit of Pukkelpop.

The Last Dinner Party

During their very first appearance at Pukkelpop, the English indie band The Last Dinner Party enchanted the audience with a performance that felt both confident and captivating. The five women shone not only individually but especially together: their chemistry gave every song real power. Their harmonious vocals sounded crystal clear, effortlessly reaching high notes with full conviction. On stage, they claimed their space without hesitation, radiating a natural presence that was as charismatic as it was inspiring. The result was a show driven by collective energy and a strong musical identity, instantly marking them as a band to watch.

DITZ

The English rock band DITZ brought a dark, intense sound to Pukkelpop, driven by razor-sharp riffs and pounding guitars that cut straight to the bone. The frontman constantly tested the boundaries between stage and audience: he disappeared into the crowd and even climbed up a speaker tower, to the great delight of the audience. The pit became a mirror of the stage, with the crowd headbanging in sync, carried away by the same energy that connected them to the band.

Joost

Joost set Pukkelpop on fire, with a field of jumping fans perfectly mirroring his chaotic energy. This festival is close to his heart: it’s where his journey started, and now, on his fourth visit, it felt like a full-circle moment. With his signature “hakken” dancing, quirky interludes and unpredictable moves, he kept the crowd fully engaged. Footage from his cameraman on stage perfectly captured the wild and humorous energy of his performance. With hits like Europapa and Luchtballon, Joost also brought a healthy dose of Dutch pride to the festival grounds. While yesterday Pukkelpop celebrated Belgian pride with Pommelien Thijs, today it was all about the Netherlands. With humor, energy, and a good amount of absurdity, Joost put on an entertaining performance that left everyone walking away with a smile on their faces.

The Get Up Kids

On their fourth appearance at Pukkelpop, The Get Up Kids proved that, despite their beginnings in the ’90s, they are still very much thriving. The singer’s distinctive voice lent each song a rich and recognizable tone, while their occasional switch to acoustic guitar added a surprising layer of intimacy, highlighting the band’s versatility. The atmosphere was cheerful yet restrained: the audience listened attentively and calmly, clearly appreciating the band’s remarkable musicianship, enduring quality, and long-standing legacy.

IDLES

IDLES brought unstoppable energy and intensity to Pukkelpop, delivering a performance that was as powerful as it was unpredictable. Guitarist Mark Bowen appeared in a dress, while guitarist Lee Kiernan dove into the mosh pit and even crowd-surfed with his guitar, drawing the crowd fully into the experience. Their message-driven songs were raw and powerful, fueled by pounding guitars and relentless riffs, carrying messages of resistance, unity and defiance. Every note and movement conveyed the band’s uncompromising energy, making their performance as thought-provoking as it was electrifying.

Macklemore

Macklemore closed out Pukkelpop in style as the headliner of the Main Stage. From the very first second, he set the tone with a euphoric opening, accompanied by a brass section and backup singers that added extra punch. Describing his show as a musical journey,
Macklemore invited the crowd to fully join in the experience – singing, dancing, and celebrating together.

During his hit Thrift Shop, he wore his iconic leopard-print jacket and danced across the stage alongside his backup dancers. Between songs, he took time for inspiring speeches, introducing each new chapter of the set. Even a dance-off between two festivalgoers
on stage added a playful and entertaining touch.

This night carried extra meaning for Macklemore: it was his final European festival show of the summer. Fittingly, he had arrived a day early to experience the festival as a visitor, since Pukkelpop is one of his favorites. The feeling was clearly mutual: a
celebratory finale that left a lasting impression long after the music stopped.

Stefanie Voncken Santana

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