PUKKELPOP REVIEW DAY 3: Sunday Energy, Pukkelpop’s Grand Finale

The final day of Pukkelpop arrived with the perfect mix of sunshine, festival vibes, and unforgettable performances. Despite it being the last day, festival-goers were still buzzing with energy, ready to dance, sing, and soak up every moment. Sunday’s lineup
brought together a diverse range of acts, from rock veterans to exciting new talent, turning the closing day into a celebration of music and pure festival spirit.

The Beaches

The Beaches—the sparkling grunge-rock quartet from Toronto—proved on the Main Stage why they are among the most exciting new rock bands of the moment. With danceable, melodic songs carried by Jordan Miller’s powerful voice and an energy that instantly connected
with the crowd, they brought a sense of effortless cool to the stage. Their hit Blame Brett, already an international sing-along, set the tone, and the playful structure of the show—where each band member took a turn introducing a song—gave the set a personal
touch. A highlight was Jocelyn, dedicated not to one person but to the entire audience, transforming it into a collective anthem. With their new album No Hard Feelings set for release in just a couple of days, the band’s performance felt like the prelude to
an even bigger breakthrough—confident, fun, and full of promise.

Viagra Boys

The Viagra Boys—Stockholm’s kings of chaotic post-punk—brought their signature raw edge to Pukkelpop, turning an overpacked tent into pure, pulsing chaos. Frontman Sebastian Murphy, shirtless and covered in tattoos, bounced around the stage like a whirlwind.
Guitars and synths melded into a wall of sound that had the crowd moshing, laughing, and leaning eagerly against the barricades. Explosive, wild, and totally unfiltered, the set proved these guys could easily take over even the main stage.

August Burns Red

August Burns Red unleashed a thunderous performance on the Backyard stage, immediately setting the tone for a relentless wave of metal. Packed with crushing riffs, grunts, screams, and raw vocals, the band delivered pure heaviness. Breakdowns hit like seismic
shocks, while the sight of the vocalist swinging the microphone on its cord added a wild visual edge. When they launched into Bloodletter—which the band themselves call their heaviest song ever—the intensity hit its peak, living up to their motto: “angry music
for happy people.” Fans dove towards the stage as the singer encouraged crowdsurfers to join in—seemingly to give security something to do. By the end of the set, it was clear: August Burns Red brought some of the day’s heaviest energy, leaving the Backyard
stage buzzing with excitement.

The Murder Capital

The Murder Capital took over the Club tent at Pukkelpop, a smaller stage that made their performance feel intimate and connected. Their moody, gritty post-punk sound—driving guitars, pulsating basslines, and intense drums—carried a deeper emotional weight,
drawing the crowd into every note. Frontman James McGovern’s vocals, shifting between raw anguish and urgent shouts, added a sense of vulnerability and urgency, giving each song a powerful meaning. With their intense energy and unmistakable punk edge, The
Murder Capital proved why they are one of Ireland’s most compelling new acts, capable of making even a small festival stage stand out.

Justice

Justice delivered a mesmerizing spectacle at Pukkelpop’s Wave stage, captivating the crowd with their signature blend of electro-funk and disco and rock-infused beats. The French duo’s setlist featured iconic tracks like Genesis and D.A.N.C.E. The performance
was a visual and auditory feast, with synchronized lighting and dynamic visuals enhancing the immersive experience. Justice’s ability to bridge the gap between ravers and rockers was evident, and proved why they’re a must-see live act.

Queens of the Stone Age

Queens of the Stone Age brought the Pukkelpop weekend to a close on the Main Stage with their signature desert rock. The band’s tight rhythm section and intricate guitar work showcased their mastery and refined artistry that comes from years of performing together.
The performance had a magnetic energy that drew the crowd in, turning the festival finale into a high-octane rock celebration that was both nostalgic and revitalizing. Queens of the Stone Age once again proved why they remain one of rock’s most compelling
live acts, leaving fans satisfied as the Pukkelpop weekend came to an epic close.

Stefanie Voncken Santana

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