Live, in Photos: Bilbao BBK Live 2023 with Arctic Monkeys, IDLES, Florence + the Machine, and More

EventsLive, In Photos

Live, in Photos: Bilbao BBK Live 2023 with Arctic Monkeys, IDLES, Florence + the Machine, and More

Phoenix, The Last Dinner Party, The Chemical Brothers, Róisín Murphy, and more from the annual festival in Spain.

Photos: Joshua Mellin

July 10, 2023

Launched in 2006, the annual Bilbao BBK Live festival returned this past weekend with over 35,000 fans flocking to the heart of Basque Country, an autonomous region straddling the northern border of Spain and southern border of France along the Pyrenees Mountains. Building on their reputation of expertly curated lineups, this year featured a stacked bill from acclaimed headliners (Arctic Monkeys, Florence + the Machine), to revered indie artists (Perfume Genius, IDLES), to sounds from the region itself (including Bengo, who sings in both Spanish and Euskera, and San Sebastián’s Merina Gris).

Considering the sets don't kick off until 5:00 p.m., it may truly be the greatest destination festival in the world, with the city of Bilbao taking center stage as the de facto daily opening act. Meanwhile, local bands could be found playing free pop-up shows at iconic locations around the city, with the Frank Gehry–designed Museo Guggenheim nearby and street-side bars selling pintxos—delicious finger foods served a la carte—all around.

FLOOD photographer Joshua Mellin was there to take it all in—yes, we're jealous!—from burgeoning Spanish popstar Amaia’s riveting opening day performance, to the massive crowds packed to see Arctic Monkeys' hit-laden set, to Yayoi Kusama’s new art exhibit at the Guggenheim. Check out some of the highlights below.