The opening day of Hellfest 2026 felt like a celebration of rock history colliding with the future. From veterans who helped build the genre to newer bands carrying the torch forward, Thursday in Clisson offered a masterclass in why Hellfest remains Europe’s ultimate gathering for heavy music.
The first day featured a remarkable ‘Mainstage 2’ run of The Pretty Reckless, Deep Purple and Alice Cooper, creating an unforgettable six-hour journey through modern hard rock, classic rock and theatrical shock rock.
If Deep Purple provided the history lesson, Alice Cooper delivered the spectacle. At 78-years-old, Vincent Furnier remains one of rock’s greatest entertainers. His performance was exactly what Hellfest needed to close ‘Mainstage 2’ before the night’s heavier acts took over elsewhere.
The production was magnificent, there were giant props, sinister nurses, costume changes and, of course, the famous guillotine sequence. Yet none of it felt dated or cheesy. Instead, it felt timeless. This was a professional and slick show as Alice ruled the air and soundwaves of Hellfest for an hour.
The setlist had changed up from the last tour in 2025, and fans were treated to songs such as “Dirty Diamonds”, “Brutal Planet” and “Only Women Bleed” amongst all the classics. Eyes though were also on new guitarist Anna Cara who replaced Nita Strauss due to her maternity leave. Anna from Newcastle in the UK is only 22-years-old and an incredible talent having next to no trouble filling Nita’s boots.
Alice Cooper understands something many performers never learn: rock music should be fun. Vocally Cooper remains remarkably consistent. More importantly, his storytelling ability is unmatched. Every song becomes part of a larger narrative.
His band deserves enormous credit as well. From Ryan Roxie and Hollywood Vampire Tommy Henriksen to bassist Chuck Garric, every riff is played with precision while allowing Cooper to dominate the theatrical side of the show.
“School’s Out” normally closes the performance, but there was one last surprise as Cooper and the band belted out Nirvana classic “Smells Like Teen Spirit” which Cooper dedicated to Kurt Cobain. Not the easiest of songs to sing, but Cooper as professional as ever had no problems. The lights went up, the band threw guitar picks (plectrums) into the cheering audience, and it was impossible not to feel happy despite the hellish heat of the day.
Cooper’s long-time drum tech told me he had toured the globe with Alice and had never experienced heat such as here at Clisson. The Hellfest crew literally hosing down the crowd at regular intervals as the burning 40s heat and 100% humidity took hold.
There is something magical about arriving at Hellfest on opening day. The giant sculptures, the sea of black T-shirts and the smell of dust, food trucks and pyrotechnics all combine to create an atmosphere unlike any other festival in Europe.
This year, the organisers cleverly programmed ‘Mainstage 2’ as a celebration of rock heritage, allowing fans to move seamlessly from contemporary hard rock to legendary icons.
Scheduled in the early evening slot, The Pretty Reckless delivered one of the most satisfying performances of the day. Frontwoman Taylor Momsen immediately commanded attention. Her presence was magnetic without ever feeling forced. Rather than relying on gimmicks, she let her voice and the band’s muscular musicianship do the work
Opening with a burst of energy, the New Yorkers expertly balanced their heavier material with their melodic side. Tracks such as “Death by Rock and Roll,” “Heaven Knows” and “Make Me Wanna Die” sounded enormous in the open air, with thousands singing along.
Momsen’s vocals were particularly impressive. Her raspy delivery has matured considerably over the years, and she effortlessly moved between vulnerable verses and explosive choruses. The band themselves were equally tight, creating a dense wall of sound without sacrificing clarity.
Perhaps the greatest compliment one can give The Pretty Reckless is that they no longer feel like an up-and-coming act sharing a bill with legends. They belong among them. Their set felt polished, confident and deserving of its prominent placement.
By 8 pm, anticipation reached another level as Deep Purple took to the stage. Even after more than half a century, they remain astonishingly relevant. Many fans arrived expecting a nostalgia trip. Instead, they witnessed a masterclass in musicianship.
Singer Ian Gillan may not possess the same vocal power he had in the early 1970s, but his charisma more than compensates. Rather than fighting age, he embraces it, performing with humour, grace and obvious joy. The band sounded remarkably vibrant. Roger Glover and Ian Paice remain the rhythmic backbone of the group, while the keyboard and guitar interplay kept the songs alive and dynamic rather than simply reproducing old recordings note for note.
“Highway Star” was explosive from the outset, while “Space Truckin'” showcased the improvisational spirit that has always separated Deep Purple from many of their peers. Then came the inevitable moment with the opening riff of “Smoke on the Water” instantly transformed the field into one giant choir. Thousands of voices sang every word. It was impossible not to smile. Simon McBride on guitar has arguably turned out to be one of the great classic rock guitarists of the past 25 years.
Gillan is in good spirits too with smiles throughout. He tells one story of how he got to the festival and almost witnessed an altercation by two passengers on his plane ride over. He told us that he flew with budget airline Easyjet – perhaps a surprise given his wealth. But at least his journey is relatable to the plethora of fans witnessing a superb set.
What stood out most was how alive these songs still feel. They are not museum pieces. They remain dangerous, exciting and surprisingly heavy. For younger attendees experiencing Deep Purple for the first time, this performance served as a reminder that many of modern metal’s foundations were built by these musicians.
- The first day of Hellfest 2026 closed with an emotional 15-minute tribute to Ozzy Osbourne from 11.30pm; with a montage of footage on screens followed by a firework display.
Day two coverage coming soon in our “Live Zone”
Words & Pix: David Bronstein
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