Six days after its global release, Deep Purple chose Starlite Occident in Marbella to present 'Splat!' in Spain. Ian Gillan praised the acoustics of the quarry.
On the night of Thursday, July 18, 2026, the Nagüeles Quarry became the epicentre of international rock. Deep Purple, the legendary British band, performed at the Starlite Occident festival where they presented their new studio album, Splat!, just six days after its worldwide launch. It was the first time the group performed the songs from this work in Spain.
A Spanish premiere with a taste of history
Formed in 1968, Deep Purple is one of the most influential bands in hard rock. Their choice of Marbella for the Spanish premiere of Splat! was not coincidental: the Starlite festival, held every summer in the quarry, has established itself as a reference stage for major music names. The concert brought together fans of all ages, who sang along to both the new songs and the classic hits.
The vocalist Ian Gillan, aged 80, confessed after the performance that he was deeply impressed by the experience in Marbella, especially by the acoustics of the quarry. "I have performed all over the world and rarely have I found a place like this. It is a magical place and the acoustics are extraordinary," he declared. Gillan, who also played Jesus in the original recording of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1970, continues to demonstrate that his voice and charisma are intact.
For the attendees, the evening was a journey through time and an opportunity to hear the new songs live from a band that remains active after nearly six decades. The setlist combined tracks from Splat! with anthems like Smoke on the Water and Highway Star, causing euphoria among the audience.
Luxury opening acts and distinguished audience
The night began with a performance by King Sapo, a Madrid-based band that opened the concert. The group, representing the new generations of rock, shared the stage with the legends, in an evening that bridged the past and future of the genre. The audience, which filled the quarry, enthusiastically welcomed both groups.
Among the notable attendees were Bibiana Domit, niece of businessman Carlos Slim, and Javier Banderas, brother of Antonio Banderas. Also part of Deep Purple's technical team was Alberto Marín, guitarist for Mónica Naranjo and known for his participation in MasterChef Celebrity. The presence of these figures added a touch of glamour to a night that was already special.
For the residents of Marbella and the Costa del Sol, the concert was a unique opportunity to see a legendary band without leaving the province. Starlite Occident has become a festival that attracts top-level artists, and Deep Purple's performance reinforces its reputation as a must-see event of the Malaga summer. The event also coincided with the peak tourist season, allowing many visitors to enjoy the occasion.
The concert by Deep Purple in Marbella was not only a success in terms of attendance but also made it clear that the band is still in great shape. With Splat!, their twenty-second studio album, they demonstrate that creativity knows no age. For fans, the night was a gift: to see live one of the bands that defined hard rock, in an unparalleled setting and with a sound that, according to Gillan, "is rarely found."
The Starlite Occident festival continues its programming with other renowned artists over the coming weeks. Tickets for the remaining concerts are available on the festival's official website. Those who missed it still have opportunities to experience the magic of the Nagüeles Quarry.
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