The Alan Parsons Live Project Lights Up ALMA Festival Madrid (Review)

Madrid, Spain – This was the second festival we attended since arriving in Madrid, and we had no idea what we were getting into, but if it was anything like the last one (see our latest news, and you’ll understand), we knew we were in for something special. And just like the buzz suggested, Alma Occident Festival Madrid (ALMA Festival) really was the place to be last night! It was a surreal venue, an opportunity to chill, drink, dance, and enjoy the moment to the full of The Alan Parsons Live Project, one of those unforgettable summer nights.

The location was outstanding. Enrique Tierno Galvan park gave an easy-going, dreamlike quality to the whole night, with the outline of the city skyline peaking through the trees, and the cool late summer breeze moving over the crowd. Now add to that a serious line-up that had both national and international talent, it was really something to be there to experience it on the night.

When The Alan Parsons Live Project hit the stage, everything fell into place. The set was a lovely collection of their commercial hits: “Time”, “Old and Wise”, “Psychobabble”, “Don’t Answer Me”, leading nicely to the anthem-like hit “Eye in the Sky” and the opening song “Sirius”, that all in the audience recognized. Every song hit the mark, filled with warmth, craftsmanship, and an emotional factor that made them relatable.

The sound was impeccable—crisp and layered, never too much. And the visuals? Just the right touch. Nothing flashy or overdone, just well-judged lighting that added to the atmosphere, especially during the more reflective moments.

The thing that struck me the most was the crowd. They really represented age, background, and attitude, bringing together multi-generational diversity for one purpose: to enjoy great music together (and a drink or three). There were lots of sing-alongs, swaying shoulders, random cheer, and then silence, almost reverence, during the more delicate songs. It was clear that everybody was focused and engaged in the music and the moment of the night.

This was not just a gig; this was an event. Whether you were an established fan or had happened upon something special, The Alan Parsons Live Project offered a night of a musical experience that was both timeless and living. If this is how summer festivals in Madrid are going to be, we are ready for the next one!

The good news is that there are still more performances to come. The ALMA Madrid Festival has many more fantastic performances to showcase — Wilco, The Corrs and others. Check out the full programme and buy your ticket while you still can. And if you are not in Madrid, no problem — ALMA will also be lighting up the summer nights in Barcelona and Alicante too! In fact, Barcelona is where it all began!