The Gathering Reunites for 30th Anniversary of “Mandylion”
Anneke Van Giersbergen’s Excitement
In a recent interview with IMPACT Metal Channel, renowned vocalist Anneke Van Giersbergen expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming reunion shows of her former band, THE GATHERING. The concerts, set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic album “Mandylion,” have generated considerable excitement among fans and band members alike.
When asked about her feelings regarding the reunion, Van Giersbergen stated, “Very. Very. It’s been great coming up with the idea, just to talk about it with the band and to reconnect.” She highlighted the overwhelming demand for tickets, noting, “I didn’t know that it was gonna be so crazy — people wanting to get tickets, and it was sold out so fast. We were all shocked by it and very happy — happily shocked.”
Show Details and Setlist Expectations
The reunion concerts will take place in August at Doornroosje in Nijmegen, Netherlands, with five exclusive sold-out shows. Fans can also catch a try-out performance at Dynamo in Eindhoven on June 29.
Upcoming Shows
- June 29 – Eindhoven, Netherlands @ Dynamo
- August 27 – Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Doornroosje
- August 28 – Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Doornroosje
- August 29 – Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Doornroosje
- August 30 – Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Doornroosje
- August 31 – Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Doornroosje
Fans can anticipate a setlist that includes all tracks from “Mandylion” as well as additional favorites from the Anneke era.
Future Plans for THE GATHERING
When questioned about potential future tour plans, Van Giersbergen mentioned, “Not just yet. We focus on these Dutch shows, and we want to concentrate on these shows, so we’re not looking very much into the future yet. So, we’ll see.”
Lineup for the Reunion Concerts
The lineup for the Nijmegen concerts features:
- Anneke Van Giersbergen – vocals
- Hugo Prinsen Geerligs – bass
- Frank Boeijen – keyboards, backing vocals
- Hans Rutten – drums
- René Rutten – guitar
- Jelmer Wiersma – guitar
Historical Context
This reunion is particularly significant as it follows a previous anniversary show in 2014, where all past and present members of THE GATHERING performed together. Van Giersbergen, who left the band in 2007, has since embarked on a successful solo career, including her project AGUA DE ANNIQUE.
Legacy of “Mandylion”
The album “Mandylion,” released in 1995, marked a pivotal moment in the band’s history and is celebrated for its innovative sound. In 2005, the album was reissued in a deluxe edition, highlighting its lasting impact on both fans and the music industry.
Reflections on Leaving THE GATHERING
In a 2007 interview, Van Giersbergen reflected on her decision to leave the band after 13 years, describing it as a challenging yet necessary change. She emphasized her desire to explore new projects while maintaining close ties with her former bandmates.
Conclusion
The reunion of THE GATHERING to celebrate “Mandylion” promises to be a memorable event for both the band and their fans. With sold-out shows and a focus on revisiting classic tracks, the excitement surrounding these performances is palpable. As the band prepares for their concerts, fans eagerly await the chance to relive the magic of this influential album and witness the chemistry of the original lineup once again.
FAQs
Will there be more shows after the Nijmegen concerts?
Currently, there are no announced plans for additional shows beyond the Nijmegen concerts, as the band is focusing on these performances.
What songs can fans expect to hear during the reunion shows?
Fans can expect to hear all tracks from “Mandylion” as well as additional songs from the Anneke Van Giersbergen era of THE GATHERING.
Who will be performing in the reunion lineup?
The reunion lineup includes Anneke Van Giersbergen, Hugo Prinsen Geerligs, Frank Boeijen, Hans Rutten, René Rutten, and Jelmer Wiersma.
When was “Mandylion” originally released?
“Mandylion” was originally released in 1995 and is considered a landmark album in THE GATHERING’s discography.
