FIB 2024 – 18 to 20 July 2024 (Benicassim)

Getting started: This FIB has us torn between nostalgia and disappointment.

Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB), known for its ability to bring together outstanding artists and offer unforgettable experiences, celebrated its 28th edition from 18 to 20 July. However, this edition was marked by a mixture of brilliant moments and technical and organisational problems that left a bittersweet taste in the mouths of the attendees.

Yungblud, FIB 2024 – Photo by Juan Jesús Gregori for Indieofilo^©

Preparations and previous environment

Despite uneventful ticket sales and the promise of an attractive line-up, problems began when people arrived at the venue. The long queues to collect wristbands and the confusion in the organisation tested the patience of many, a venue that has to host at least three festivals a year should have a good refurbishment to improve accessibility. In principle, the council has announced that there will be investment to improve the situation, so we will be watching to see how this is resolved.

Mike Kerr of Royal Blood, FIB 2024 – Photo by Juan Jesús Gregori for Indieofilo^©

Thursday, 18 July: A problematic start

On Thursday, FIB 2024 opened its doors to over 45,000 music lovers. The Libertines opened the Heineken Stage, the sun was beating down on us and the band, so it was strange to see Pete Doherty sober and not totally out of tune singing on his own, but still providing a dose of nostalgia with classics like ‘Can’t Stand Me Now‘ and ‘Don’t Look Back Into The Sun‘.

Pete Doherty of The Libertines, FIB 2024 – Photo by Juan Jesús Gregori for Indieofilo^©

Arde Bogotá were one of the highlights of the day with their powerful live performance, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats and letting the dogs out to enjoy their album Cowboys de la A3 (2023). However, the night was marred by technical problems during the Black Eyed Peas‘ set. The US band suffered a sound blackout at the start of their set, forcing them off stage for 15 minutes, and when they returned the sound was still poor. The audience’s frustration was expressed on social media, with many leaving the concert, describing it as one of the worst experiences of the festival. Despite these problems, other artists managed to save the day.

Antonio García of Arde Bogotá, FIB 2024 – Photo by Juan Jesús Gregori for Indieofilo^©

Lori Meyers gave a solid and energetic live performance with the help of Manola (Rufus T. Firefly‘s keyboardist), while Jess Glynne thrilled with her hits ‘Rather Be‘ and ‘Hold My Hand‘, although she didn’t manage to give one of her best performances as she was very static throughout the concert.On the side stages, bands like Veintiuno and Varry Brava showed the strength of Spanish music, while Siloé stood out as one of the future main stage hopefuls with a very powerful live performance that had the crowd hooked from the very first song, with the singer starting the concert from a small platform placed in the middle of the audience.

Friday, 19 July: Technical difficulties continue

Friday, the second day of the festival, was not without its problems. Yungblud, one of the most anticipated artists, suffered technical difficulties that interrupted his performance. Despite these inconveniences, Yungblud showed his professionalism and charisma, keeping the crowd on their feet with tracks like ‘Parents‘ and ‘Strawberry Lipstick‘ and creating the first big pogo of the festival. Milky Chance and The Vaccines delivered memorable performances on the Heineken Stage, which were characterised by their energy and connection with the crowd. On the Repsol Fiber Stage, Karavana and Sexy Zebras delivered intense shows, while Elyella closed the day with a party that kept the crowd dancing until the very end.

Justin Young of The Vaccines, FIB 2024 – Photo by Juan Jesús Gregori for Indieofilo^©

Saturday 20 July: High point of the festival

Saturday, the last day of the festival, reached its climax with high-calibre performances. Royal Blood, whom our colleague Esther saw at their concert in Barcelona a few days ago, headlined the day with their powerful rock, performing hits such as ‘Out of the Black‘ and ‘Figure It Out‘, and where the drummer decided to organise a good pogo, with a steady stream of people dancing like mad. Miles Kane brought his unique style with ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are‘ and ‘Coup de Grace‘, while the Heineken Rising Stars Stage saw the likes of Cala Vento, La Paloma and Besmaya deliver vibrant performances. Dorian closed the main stage with an energetic set, followed by Delaporte on the Cutty Shark Stage, who threw a party full of confetti and jumped into the crowd.

Miles Kane, FIB 2024 – Photo by Juan Jesús Gregori for Indieofilo^©

Conclusion: Widespread dissatisfaction and the future of the festival

FIB 2024, with 135,000 attendees, according to the organisation, was an edition marked by nostalgia and a small measure of disappointment. Technical glitches, some organisational problems and complaints about loading and queues on the first day overshadowed the memorable performances of some of the artists. .
Por nuestra parte esperamos que en la próxima edición haya más artistas internacionales en el cartel y más representación femenina en el escenario principal. This edition has had some shining moments, but it will have to work hard to regain the public’s trust and improve its quality standards if it is to maintain its status as one of the most important festivals in Europe. The 2025 edition will be crucial in redeeming its legacy and ensuring an experience worthy of its prestigious history. .