Sónar 2025 draws record 161,000 fans despite artist cancelations

Sónar 2025 drew a total of 161,000 attendees, 7,000 more than last year, organizers announced on Saturday afternoon.

The festival welcomed 52,500 people to Sónar by Day, 66,500 to Sónar by Night, and 42,000 to OFFSónar and other Sónar Week activities across various Barcelona venues.

This edition of the festival faced controversy over its connection with the investment firm KKR, which has ties to Israel.

In October 2024, KKR became the main investor in Superstruct Entertainment, which has owned Sónar since 2018.

This association triggered a wave of protests that led to over 30 artist cancellations.

Among the artists who withdrew were high-profile names such as Venezuelan experimental musician Arca and French electronic producer Rone, who was scheduled to perform with (LA)HORDE and the National Ballet of Marseille. 

Less than a week before the festival began, Sónar added about 20 new artists to the lineup, including Modeselektor, Ewan McVicar, Ángel Molina, Plaid, Adrian Sherwood, and p-rallel b2b Tommy Gold.

Sónar has repeatedly stated its clear and unequivocal condemnation of the genocide committed against the Palestinian people and distanced itself from "any investor activities contrary to the festival’s values."

The festival also said that it "has no influence or control over the investments or decisions of third parties."