About 5000 fans at the show for Spanish indie band Love of Lesbian had to wear masks on Saturday night but social distancing was not required in the Palau Sant Jordi arena.

"It was spectacular. We felt safe at all times. We were in the front row and it was something we'd missed a lot," said publicist Salvador, 29, after the show.

"We are very proud to have had the chance to take part in this. We hope it'll be the first of many."

In surreal scenes after a year of social distancing, fans danced up close to one another but the sea of faces covered in masks showed things were not quite back to normal.

Health controls at the entrance delayed the start of the concert but could not dampen the celebratory spirit.

"Welcome to one of the most exciting concerts of our lives!" lead singer Santi Balmes told the crowd to a roar of cheers.

The government-approved concert was a test for whether similar events would be able to resume.

Pre-concert testing at three Barcelona locations was carried out by 80 nurses wearing full personal protective equipment.

By midday, three out of 2400 people already screened had tested positive and one had come into contact with a positive case, said Dr Josep Maria Libre, who oversaw the testing.

They were unable to attend the concert and would get a refund.

Attendees received their antigen test results in 10 to 15 minutes via an app on their phones. The test and a mask were included in the ticket price.

Australian Associated Press