Molotov’s long-awaited return to Scandinavia landed in Stockholm this week, as the Mexican rock legends marked their 30th anniversary with a blistering sold-out show at Debaser Strand.
All photos by Karen Lundquist.
The band touched down on Tuesday afternoon and spent their first hours exploring the Swedish capital. For all four members, it was their first time in Stockholm — and they made the most of it. A stroll around Södermalm, a few vintage shop discoveries and a hearty sampling of traditional Swedish food and beer gave them a taste of the city before they unleashed their trademark fury on stage.
On Wednesday, bassist and vocalist Paco Ayala spoke to Your Living City ahead of the concert. Even after three decades of Molotov, the thrill of stepping into uncharted territory hasn’t faded.
“Even after 30 years it’s still impressive – going somewhere new, feeling the expectation and wondering how the crowd is going to react,” Ayala said. “That’s what keeps it exciting.”
Excitement was an understatement once the lights went down at Debaser. With only 700 tickets available, the intimate venue became a pressure cooker of sound and sweat. Fans packed shoulder-to-shoulder, and within minutes the floor had erupted into a ferocious mosh pit. For Ayala, the smaller venues carry their own magic:
“Venues like this are some of the best. You feel closer to the people, you see how hard they jump, and you take in the energy directly.”
The setlist read like a Molotov manifesto. Anthems such as Chinga Tu Madre, Frijolero, Gimme the Power, Puto, Mátate Teté and Rastaman-Dita drew deafening singalongs, with every chorus bouncing off Debaser’s walls.
The band fed off the crowd’s energy in spectacular fashion. Jay de la Cueva, blurred the line between stage and floor by leaping down mid-show to fist bump fans, a gesture that electrified the audience. Later, in true Molotov style, the band turned Rastaman-Dita into a collective party, pulling several women from the crowd onto the stage to dance — and even letting one fan strap on the bass for a few unforgettable moments.
Ayala also reflected on the cultural contrasts of their European tour. “In London it was just crazy,” he laughed. “In Germany, it’s different – you see more locals in the crowd, and while they rock hard, it’s also very orderly. Every place has its own vibe.”
Once the band came off stage, the excitement and satisfaction was undeniable. They all hugged and congratulated each other,the Swedish floor had been conquered, the show was a smashing success, both the band and the audience gave it all.
For Stockholm, the vibe was pure combustion. Thirty years on, Molotov remain as confrontational, political and unrelenting as when they first burst out of Mexico City in the late ‘90s. And if their Debaser debut proved anything, it’s that their fire shows no sign of burning out.
Stockholm’s live music scene is renowned for embracing both homegrown talent and international acts, and Molotov’s explosive first visit added another layer to that reputation. From Södermalm’s streets to Debaser’s stage, the band’s energy left a mark not just on the audience, but on the city itself — a night of chaos, humour and catharsis that perfectly captured why live music in Stockholm continues to thrive.
