Indra Aziz
The NOS Alive festival, held annually in Lisbon, Portugal, once again solidified its reputation as a premier European music event, drawing a diverse and enthusiastic international crowd. This year’s edition, spanning multiple days, showcased a compelling blend of global superstars and emerging talent, all set against the vibrant backdrop of one of Europe’s most captivating capital cities. The festival, strategically located near the Tagus River, harnesses the unique energy of Lisbon, a city celebrated for its rich cultural tapestry, historical significance as a port, and its burgeoning contemporary arts scene. The meticulous organization of the NOS Alive site, transitioning from grand main stage productions to intimate, culturally infused spaces like fado bars and artisanal pop-ups, underscored its commitment to providing a comprehensive festival experience.
Day One: A Hollywood Star and Alt-Rock Powerhouses Set the Tone
The festival kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere on Thursday, marked by palpable excitement among attendees. A notable early highlight was the performance by Dogstar, the rock trio featuring acclaimed actor Keanu Reeves on bass. Playing to a packed house at the Palco Heineken Stage, their energetic set served as a rousing welcome for many, shaking off the travel weariness and immediately immersing them in the festival’s sonic landscape. The band’s robust performance demonstrated their enduring musical prowess and ability to command a significant audience, a testament to their dedicated fanbase.
Following Dogstar, British indie outfit The Royston Club delivered a brisk and engaging set, skillfully preparing the audience for the more intense performance by A Perfect Circle. The alt-rock titans proved to be a major draw in Lisbon, as evidenced by the sheer volume of their merchandise visible in the crowd. Their set was characterized by a crushing power that seemed to physically energize the main stage, establishing a confident and impactful tone for the day. The eclectic lineup on opening day highlighted NOS Alive’s dedication to curating a diverse array of musical genres.
A significant moment on Thursday was the anticipated return of Alabama Shakes, a band that had been absent from the live circuit for a considerable period. Mere hours before their set, the band had announced plans for their first new album in a decade, adding an extra layer of anticipation to their performance. Brittany Howard, the band’s charismatic frontwoman, delivered a deeply moving and vivid vocal performance, effortlessly blending rock and soul with a contemporary sensibility. The band’s established catalogue and undeniable talent captivated the Portuguese audience, marking an early highlight of the festival.
Nick Cave and Twenty One Pilots: Intensity and Spectacle Close the First Day
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the bay, the stage was set for Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. Nick Cave’s performance has evolved significantly over the years, shifting from an often ominous stage presence to one centered on profound communion. This transformation was palpable as he connected with the audience, breaking down barriers with heartfelt declarations like, "You’re beautiful, you know that? Beautiful…" Backed by the dynamic Warren Ellis, who commanded the violin as a sonic weapon, the duo often functioned as twin frontmen, supported by the overwhelming sonic force of The Bad Seeds. Tracks like "Jubilee Street" and the iconic "Red Right Hand" were delivered with a rare intensity, showcasing the band’s enduring power. Cave’s willingness to leap into the crowd was not merely showmanship but a visceral expression of his need for connection and wholeness.
Concluding the first day’s headliners were the enigmatic Twenty One Pilots. This highly successful duo, known for maintaining a degree of anonymity despite their global fame, delivered a meticulously crafted and flawlessly executed set. Their performance was characterized by a remarkable balance of precision and adaptability, reacting to the crowd’s energy and needs. The sheer scale of their artistry and the cohesive nature of their performance silenced any lingering doubts about their status as a major international act, solidifying their headline slot with an epic performance.
Day Two: Cultural Exploration and a French Force
Friday saw a slight reprieve from the intense heat, allowing for exploration of Lisbon’s rich cultural offerings beyond the festival grounds. A visit to MACAM, an innovative gallery and hotel space, revealed a curated collection of cutting-edge visual art. Discussions with the predominantly female team highlighted the intricate threads within Portuguese art and Lisbon’s role as a dynamic cultural incubator.
Further exploration led to the MAC/CCB, Lisbon’s Museum of Contemporary Art, offering panoramic views of the Tagus River alongside an impressive collection of modern art masters like Picasso, Miró, and Lichtenstein. The museum provided a dazzling journey through art history, from Andy Warhol’s iconic Brillo boxes to striking works by Basquiat, rivaling the best collections across Europe.
Returning to NOS Alive, the afternoon featured a potent one-two punch of rock acts. The Warning delivered a punchy, energetic set, followed by the theatrical flair of Palaye Royale. However, it was Jehnny Beth who truly commanded attention with her captivating performance. Her Gallic cool, a blend of wit and sensuality, was amplified by her dynamic stage presence, using her neon heels as extensions of the sonic maelstrom created by her live band. Beth’s performance was forceful, direct, and vibrantly colorful, drawing from a wellspring of joy beneath the raw energy of the music.
Ellis Ferrere and Wolf Alice: Discoveries and Anthemic Rock
Venturing towards the Palco Coreto stage, the unexpected highlight of the weekend emerged in the form of Lisbon DJ and producer Ellis Ferrere. His set, a fusion of Afro-house with distinct Angolan influences, was described as the pure sound of the city – a dazzlingly euphoric underground signal. A rapid-fire edit of Gorillaz’ "Dare," with its infectious "we’re comin’ up" refrain, built into a ferocious kick drum, igniting that corner of the NOS Alive site with volcanic intensity.
The allure of British talent drew many to Wolf Alice’s set. Fresh off the success of their number-one album "The Clearing" and a massive headline show at London’s Finsbury Park, the band brought their finely tuned live show to NOS Alive. They delivered a relentless stream of hits to a vast main stage audience, employing every available technique to forge a powerful connection. Lead vocalist Ellie Rowsell, who has evolved into a singular vocal talent, fronted a truly unified and collective live experience. Despite moments of furious chaos, Wolf Alice consistently pulled themselves back from the brink, presenting a pointed and poised performance that solidified their status as a must-see live act.
Foo Fighters and Zara Larsson: A Legacy of Rock and Pop Prowess
The final night of the festival began with a celebratory performance from Foo Fighters, marking the conclusion of their European tour. The band launched into a Greatest Hits-laden set, delivering banger after banger. Dave Grohl played with an almost possessed energy, while Pat Smear exuded relaxed cool, and new drummer Ilan Rubin proved to be a powerhouse. The set included a poignant nod to their past, with the band playing songs from their previous projects, including a Nirvana B-side, a track significant in Dave Grohl’s early career. This performance was tinged with a profound respect for the past and a poignant awareness of those lost, with Grohl openly displaying his emotions, culminating in a finale of surging power that underscored their status as a generational rock force.
Transitioning to the realm of pop, Swedish icon Zara Larsson brought her independent artistry and stunning vocals to Lisbon. Her performance was a masterclass in pop ambition, characterized by a tightly wound, impeccably executed show. The stage production, her band, and backing vocalists were flawless. A spectator’s exclamation, "This is pop music!" perfectly captured the essence of her set. Closing with "Midnight Sun," Larsson definitively proved her mastery of the genre.
After-Hours Rhythms and the Pulse of Lisbon
In true continental fashion, NOS Alive extended its programming later into the night, allowing for an exploration of the site’s after-hours atmosphere. German duo Digitalism provided a compelling live set, followed by a special performance from the now-unmasked UK club icon SBTRKT. The Portuguese demonstrated their renowned party spirit, creating an unforgettable atmosphere well into the early hours.
Day Three: Emerging Talent and Chart-Topping Stars
The festival’s final day began with a more relaxed pace, with UK press accommodated at the Palacios dos Arcos, offering proximity to a nearby beach for weary heads. Lisbon itself continued to impress with its alarmingly beautiful architecture and its ability to blend historical charm with modern vibrancy. A visit to the Time Out Market provided a culinary delight, complemented by record shopping at local stores Louie Louie and Tubitek.
Irish group Florence Road offered a precocious set that eased attendees into the final day. They managed to draw an impressive crowd for an early slot, laying down a marker with a performance that closed on a euphoric note.
On the main stage, American star Teddy Swims delivered a performance that blended showmanship with unexpected covers, including a crowd-pleasing rendition of Van Halen’s "Jump." While Swims garnered a strong reaction, an alternative choice led to the discovery of Alessi Rose. This fast-blossoming pop talent showcased impeccably crafted tunes matched with an open and endearing personality. Despite it being one of her first Portuguese performances, she undoubtedly turned heads.
Lorde and Pixies: Artistic Evolution and Enduring Power
Lorde commanded the main stage with a display of premier league prowess. A decade into her career, she confidently manipulated her extensive catalogue, famously cutting short "Royals" after just 30 seconds, a move that epitomized her set’s bold approach. The spine of her performance was her 2025 album "Virgin," punctuated by Everest-like peaks such as "Green Light." Known for her candidness, she opted for a friendly and down-to-earth interaction with the crowd, eschewing controversial statements. Her vocals, revered for their technical precision and emotional resonance, cemented her position as a standout artist in the pop sphere.
Meanwhile, on the second stage, Pixies delivered a ferocious, career-spanning set. Their reformation has now surpassed the length of their initial run, and this performance was a stark departure from earlier, more uneven shows. Frank Black led a well-oiled machine, expertly disrupting their iconic songs with doses of febrile noise. The Lisbon crowd’s collective singing of "Where Is My Mind?" served as a peak moment of the weekend, underscoring the band’s enduring impact.
Florence + The Machine and Buraka Som Sistema: Catharsis and Celebration
As the sun began to set, Florence + The Machine delivered an unearthly and beautifully potent set on the main stage. Florence Welch, having navigated significant health challenges, channeled her experiences into cathartic recent album "Everybody Scream." Her performance tonight, however, was a testament to communion, as she poured every ounce of her being into the set, traversing the stage with an almost superhuman energy. The feverish crowd responded, each song becoming an incantation. While this would typically be the pinnacle of any festival, NOS Alive had more to offer.
Local heroes Buraka Som Sistema, credited with bringing Lisbon’s club culture to global prominence, took to the main stage for a titanic set celebrating their 20th anniversary. This career-spanning overview was ruthlessly effective club fare, honed over two decades. Supported by a partisan Portuguese crowd who saw their own lives reflected on stage, their performance was joyous, inspirational, and served as the perfect bookend to the festival experience.
A Lasting Impression: Lisbon’s Festival Jewel
The crowds dispersed, leaving behind the lingering echoes of a truly memorable and impactful weekend. Lisbon proved to be the perfect host, its fusion of cultures providing a platform for local talent while embracing international artists. NOS Alive sits at the very heart of this dynamic, seamlessly blending Portuguese newcomers with globally renowned stars. The festival stands as the jewel in the crown of Lisbon’s vibrant summer season, a testament to its enduring appeal and its commitment to delivering an unparalleled musical and cultural experience.
Words: Robin Murray
Photography: NOS Alive
