Facts About Bilbao BBK Live
Bilbao BBK Live is an essential annual rock and pop music festival held in the vibrant city of Bilbao, Spain. Situated on the picturesque slopes of Mount Cobetas, this festival first launched in 2006, thanks to the efforts of Last Tour International and support from the Bilbao City Hall. The festival adopted its current name in 2007 after Bilbao Bizkaia Kutxa became its sponsor. A significant milestone was achieved in 2011 when the festival drew over 100,000 visitors for the first time. Over the years, Bilbao BBK Live has garnered several nominations for festival awards, highlighting its growing prestige.
The festival's journey began with its inaugural edition featuring renowned acts like Guns N' Roses and Placebo. The renaming to Bilbao BBK Live followed the new sponsorship in 2007. Since then, the event has hosted a multitude of international stars, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica. Despite challenges like the rain in 2008, which impacted attendance, the festival rebounded with memorable performances such as Depeche Mode in 2009. By 2015, the festival's popularity had soared, attracting crowds of up to 120,000 people.
Bilbao BBK Live is not just about music; it also has a significant economic impact. In 2012, it was estimated to have generated over 17.5 million euros. The festival has become a cornerstone of Bilbao's cultural scene and a magnet for tourism, drawing around 200,000 visitors each summer. The venue, Kobetamendi, is well-equipped with multiple stages, a VIP zone, camping areas, and food markets. Additionally, the festival extends its magic throughout the year with smaller concerts under the banner of Bilbao BBK Live Bereziak at Sala BBK.