A magical night that united the timeless voice of a crooner with the freshness of new Spanish pop
Starlite Occident 2025 witnessed an unforgettable evening with the return of the legendary Tom Jones and the debut of Besmaya on the Sessions stage. Two different generations, yet the same emotional connection with a devoted audience under Marbella’s stars.
At 84 years old, the “Tiger of Wales” proved once again that his voice and charisma remain unshakable. With over 100 million albums sold and six decades of career, Tom Jones opened the night with “I’m Growing Old”, a sincere statement of maturity, before moving on to immortal classics like “Delilah”, “Sex Bomb”, “Green Green Grass of Home” and “It’s Not Unusual”. The quarry roared with every song, confirming that time has only sharpened his stage power.
Far from limiting himself to his greatest hits, Jones surprised with renditions of “Tower of Song” by Leonard Cohen and “One More Cup of Coffee” by Bob Dylan, showcasing his admiration for other great songwriters. Backed by an outstanding band, he turned the concert into a true life experience where music and storytelling intertwined seamlessly.
Among the attendees were celebrities such as Paula Echevarría, Gunilla von Bismarck, Cayetana Guillén Cuervo and Valeria Mazza, who applauded each iconic moment of this magical night.
After Tom Jones’s recital, the evening continued on the Sessions stage with the debut of Besmaya, the Madrid-based duo formed by Javi Ojan and Javi Echávarri. Their “laid-back pop” style, with relatable lyrics and fresh melodies, immediately resonated with the younger audience. With a straightforward and energetic live set, they performed anthems like “Instante”, “Tu buen chaval”, “El cable”, “Gas” and “El tiempo que paso contigo”, securing their place as one of the most promising emerging acts.
Starlite Occident 2025 once again proved why it is the world’s leading boutique festival, uniting living legends and new talents in unique and unrepeatable nights.