Promoters defended over Bernabeu postponements

Spain’s Association of Musical Promoters (APM) has rushed to the defence of event organisers over the indefinite postponement of all gigs at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

The LaLiga football giants announced in September that they were pausing forthcoming concerts at the venue in response to noise complaints from neighbouring residents.

However, APM has accused stadium officials of “passing the buck” by allegedly attempting to lay the blame for the dispute at the feet of promoters.

“Music promoters have no control over the structure, fittings or soundproofing of a venue,” says the trade body. “All events held at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium have had the relevant permits and authorisations and have been managed in direct collaboration with the stadium’s management.

“The responsibility for acoustically conditioning a venue that coexists with an urban environment falls to those responsible for the venue, ensuring that the space complies with sound levels before it is used for live music concerts. Blaming promoters for noise problems is, as local residents rightly point out, ‘passing the buck’.”

APM, which represents around 100 members, is calling on the venue to assume responsibility and “adapt the stadium acoustically to the peculiarities of its surroundings, applying the necessary soundproofing measures and thus guaranteeing the well-being of residents”.

“The coexistence of live music culture and community well-being is vital for the development of our country”

“Madrid deserves to be a capital that hosts large-scale cultural events, respecting both the coexistence of neighbours and the vitality of its cultural sector so that this activity does not cease,” it says. “We express our commitment as highly qualified music promoters to continue producing quality shows in Madrid and to actively collaborate with the relevant institutions.

“The coexistence of live music culture and community well-being is vital for the development of our country. We, music promoters, will continue to work for an open and culturally active city, while waiting for the actions that unfairly effect an industry that only seeks to contribute to the development and well-being of Madrid to cease.”

The Bernabéu only reopened for music bookings last year following a five-year, €900 million renovation, and hosted the only Spanish dates of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in 2024, as well as a record four-night stint by Karol G in July and performances by Duki, Manuel Carrasco, Luis Miguel and Aitana.

However, Madrid police reported noise levels as far exceeding the permitted decibel limit, with locals alleging the shows had turned the stadium into a “torturódromo” (torture-drome). Postponed dates included headline shows by domestic artists Dellafuente, Aitana and Lola Índigo, plus K-pop’s Music Bank World Tour.

“Despite the soundproofing conditions of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium and the reinforcement measures that have been undertaken, compliance with said regulations by the various organisers and promoters has been affected by the great challenge that it has meant for them to take into account all its precepts,” said a statement from Real Madrid.

The UEFA Champions League holders added they would “continue to work to ensure that the right conditions for sound production and broadcasting are met during concerts to enable concerts to be held in our stadium”.

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