Rock-Ola

The Rock-Ola was a Spanish concert venue located at 5 Calle Padre Xifré (opposite the Torres Blancas building) in the Prosperidad district of Madrid. It operated between 1981 and 1984 and was run by the impresario Lorenzo Rodríguez Gómez. Popularly known as the Rock-Ola, it was one of the nerve centres of Madrid’s ‘movida’ scene. Virtually all the bands associated with this cultural movement performed live within its walls, including Aviador Dro, Alaska y Dinarama, Nacha Pop, Radio Futura, Las Chinas, Ejecutivos Agresivos, Gabinete Caligari, Parálisis Permanente, Derribos Arias, Décima Víctima, Los Elegantes, Los Coyotes, Malevaje, Glutamato Ye-Yé, Totém and Hombres G, as well as bands from other cities (Siniestro Total, Danza Invisible, Loquillo y los Trogloditas…). But particularly noteworthy were the concerts by the leading international artists of the time, such as Spandau Ballet, Culture Club, Simple Minds, Depeche Mode, Echo and the Bunnymen, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Nick Cave, Iggy Pop, The Stranglers and New Order. It was also a club-style venue that opened every day and attracted a loyal following.