Kool & The Gang turn Barcelona into a celebration with their timeless hits
Legendary R&B band closes record-breaking Alma Festival with 67,000 attendees over 22 concerts
The legendary R&B band Kool & The Gang closed the second edition of the Alma Festival on Sunday night at Barcelona's Poble Espanyol.
Formed in 1964, the acclaimed group returned to Barcelona two years after their last concert, marking their sixth appearance in the Catalan capital.
With their characteristic energy and style, Kool & The Gang had the Catalan crowd grooving to their greatest hits.
Led by the charismatic Robert 'Kool' Bell on bass and the powerful vocals of James 'J.T.' Taylor, whose voice remains iconic on many of the band's greatest hits, Kool & The Gang reaffirmed their enduring legacy.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd nostalgic for the '70s and '80s, the legendary band put on a stellar show that lasted over an hour and a half.
The chemistry between the band members was palpable, reflecting their decades of performing together.
The band's ability to blend different musical styles was on full display as they moved from upbeat funk tunes like 'Jungle Boogie' to mellow ballads like 'Cherish.'
Halfway through the concert, band leader and one of its founders, Robert 'Kool' Bell gave an emotional speech paying tribute to the Magnificent Seven, the original members of the band, most of whom have since passed away.
As the night progressed, Kool & The Gang took the audience on a journey through their extensive catalog of hits.
From 'Get Down on It' and 'Ladies' Night' to 'Joanna', 'Fresh' and 'Summer Madness', no classic was left out.
The evening ended, as it had to, with 'Celebration,' turning the Alma Festival into a big celebration of an immortal band.
Record attendance at Alma Festival
After 22 days of concerts with performances by iconic artists such as Sheryl Crow, Queens of the Stone Age, James Blunt and Take That, the Alma Festival ended a record-breaking edition on Sunday.
Since the festival began on June 24, more than 67,000 people have attended the event, 20,000 more than the first edition.
The average occupancy rate for all concerts was 77%, with eight concerts sold out.
The majority of visitors, 60%, came from Barcelona, followed by 15% from the rest of Catalonia, 15% from the rest of Spain and 10% from abroad.
Last year, after ten years in the Jardins de Pedralbes, the festival changed its location.
With the growing popularity confirmed in this second edition, the festival reaffirms its status as one of the most popular summer festivals in Barcelona.