It was an emotional reunion for both band members and fans. Just before the performance, the band members prepare in the dressing room. Even though the band members have a wealth of experience, they are still a bit nervous. “We have of course already rehearsed, but I can still feel it,” says singer Carola Smit. “Where?” asks Jan Keizer, laughing. “In my legs,” says Smit, laughing.
The fact that they are now back on stage after 18 years feels familiar to Keizer. “It’s as if time has stood still. As if nothing has changed, of course we have gotten a bit older.” Is this really the last performance? “Yes, I am now at an age where I want to decide for myself what I want to do. And it has been nice. This is also a nice farewell for our fans.”
Bassist Jan Tuijp also likes the fact that in addition to the fans, there are now also many children and grandchildren in the audience, who were not even born yet when the band celebrated its great successes. “It is incredibly wonderful that my grandchildren can now really admire their bap (grandfather) on stage with his old band. Our first performance was also in the Sint Jozef, and the last too. So the circle is nicely complete.”
Piece of performance
As soon as the first notes of Pearlydumm start, the fans get up from their seats and start dancing. A tear is shed here and there. Fans: “This is a really emotional moment. BZN’s music has helped me during difficult times. I had never seen them live before and the fact that I am now seeing the last performance is very special, the most beautiful day of my life.”
Drummer Jack Veerman had a tough time when he got behind the drum kit again. “At one point I could hardly hold my drum sticks anymore. I saw my family in the audience and knowing that this was probably the last time, it meant a lot to me.”
They played six songs, including the most recent song “Thanks” that closed the set.
NH has made exclusive recordings of the fan day and the concert. This will be broadcast in a special broadcast on Sunday, December 29. A preview can be seen on all our channels tonight.