Punk band Green Day have come under fire for performing at a festival in Spain just minutes after an acrobat plunged to his death next to the stage.

The performer was suspended in an illuminated box at the Mad Cool Festival on Friday night when witnesses claim his harness snapped, causing him to fall "like lead" 30 metres to the ground.

Despite the horrific accident being seen by 35,000 people, organisers chose to continue with Greenday's set, The Mirror reported.

View photos The performer was suspended in an illuminated box at the Mad Cool Festival on Friday. Photo: Twitter/ Kostarof More

View photos Green Day performed minutes after the man fell, but said they did not find out until afterward. Photo: AAP More

In a tweet on Friday night, the band said they only found out about the "tragic accident" after their performance.

"We just got off stage at Mad Cool Festival to disturbing news," they tweeted.





"A very brave artist named Pedro lost his life tonight in a tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

But Twitter users slammed both the organisers and the band for continuing with the entertainment.

View photos Paramedics treated the man at the scene, but he tragically died. Photo: AAP More

"Ashamed of you. An artist died just 20 meters from you and you still play. Worst band on the planet," one festival goer tweeted.

"Im (sic) leaving the Madcool after an acrobat died mid show, and no one in the organisation said anything," another said.

Footage captured by one attendee captured the acrobat performing to Prince's Purple Rain minutes before he fell. 7 News Online has chosen not to show the moment the performer falls.

Story continues