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Sónar Festival Launches Under Boycott Pressure and Retains 87% of Lineup

The festival has filled gaps left by roughly 30 withdrawing artists with last-minute replacements, preserving its full three-day schedule.

Ambiente en el primer día del Sónar.
Lorenzo y Alberto este jueves en el festival Sonar de Barcelona
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Overview

  • Critics and protesters have targeted the event over KKR’s 2024 acquisition of Superstruct’s stake following claims of ties to Israeli interests in occupied territories, prompting about 30 artist withdrawals.
  • Organizers say they have maintained 87% of their original bill and all scheduled time slots by adding names such as Adrian Sherwood, Plaid and Noia to fill vacancies.
  • Running June 12-14 across Fira Montjuïc by day and Fira Gran Via by night, the 32nd edition features over 200 acts spanning electronic, pop, experimental and flamenco-infused performances.
  • Large-scale audiovisual shows by Max Cooper and Daito Manabe and AI-driven pieces from Maria Arnal and Tarta Relena underscore the festival’s emphasis on technological innovation.
  • Organizers confirmed a full venue move to L'Hospitalet in 2026 after Fira Montjuïc undergoes renovations for the 1929 Expo centennial.