Muse to replace Kings of Leon as Mad Cool 2025 headliners
Updated Jun 02

British rock giants Muse have been confirmed as the new headliners for Mad Cool Festival 2025, stepping in for Kings of Leon
Muse will take the spotlight at Mad Cool Festival 2025 in Madrid, replacing Kings of Leon as one of the main headliners. The announcement has sent waves of excitement through the rock community, with fans already buzzing about the high-energy performance the band is expected to bring to the Spanish capital.
The festival, set to take place in July 2025, is one of Europe’s most acclaimed music events, drawing international artists and fans alike. With Muse now locked in to headline, organisers have secured one of the most electrifying live acts in the world. Known for their explosive stage presence, dramatic visuals and genre-blending sound, Muse are a natural fit for a festival that thrives on spectacle and sonic diversity.
The decision to bring in Muse follows Kings of Leon’s withdrawal due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts. While disappointing for fans of the American rock band, the replacement is far from a downgrade. Muse have a proven track record of festival dominance, headlining the world’s biggest stages from Glastonbury to Rock am Ring with their epic performances.
Led by frontman Matt Bellamy, Muse have built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of modern rock, combining elements of alternative, progressive and electronic music. With a catalogue that spans over two decades, including landmark albums like Origin of Symmetry, Black Holes and Revelations, and The Resistance, their setlist is expected to be packed with anthems such as “Supermassive Black Hole”, “Uprising”, “Starlight”, and “Knights of Cydonia”.
In addition to fan favourites, Muse are also likely to include tracks from their most recent album Will of the People, which saw the band return to a heavier, politically charged sound. The album was well-received by fans and critics alike, and its energy is perfectly suited to a festival environment.
The band’s live performances are nothing short of theatrical. Expect cutting-edge visuals, elaborate light shows, and a production scale that few acts can match. Bellamy’s virtuosic guitar work, combined with Chris Wolstenholme’s driving bass lines and Dominic Howard’s thunderous drumming, ensures that every Muse concert is a sonic and visual spectacle.
With Muse now topping the bill, Mad Cool Festival’s 2025 line-up becomes even more compelling. They join a diverse roster of acts across rock, pop, indie and electronic genres, making it a must-attend event for music lovers from across Europe and beyond.
For Muse, this headline slot is also a continuation of their ongoing live renaissance. Following the global tour in support of Will of the People, the band has shown no signs of slowing down, continuing to evolve their sound and stagecraft. Their appearance at Mad Cool is likely to be one of the key moments of the 2025 festival season.
Fans heading to Madrid can expect not just a concert, but an experience. Muse’s shows are renowned for their atmosphere — from the roar of the crowd to the moments of eerie calm before the drop into chaos. Whether you’ve seen them ten times or it’s your first, a Muse headline set is never one to forget.
Tickets for Mad Cool Festival 2025 are already in high demand, and with Muse now confirmed as headliners, interest is expected to surge even further. For fans of big riffs, massive choruses and unforgettable live moments, this is one performance not to be missed.
Muse stepping in for Kings of Leon might not have been the original plan, but for many fans, it could well be a dream outcome. With their powerful catalogue and undeniable stage presence, Muse are set to light up Madrid in spectacular fashion.