1/5 Anneke van Giersbergen held a garage sale
The fans of Anneke van Giersbergen could shop in her wardrobe and instrument collection on Saturday. The singers and her husband Rob held a ‘garage sale’ at PLAN-B in Eindhoven. From magazines to shoes and from paintings and posters to half drum sets, there was enough for the many dozens of bargain hunters. Part of the proceeds go to the Refugee Foundation
Large tables with magazines and posters, racks full of stage clothes and tables full of equipment and gear for drums fill the garage sale. “My husband and I have a storage room with stuff for when we go on tour, but over the years it has become a bit full.”
“Some stuff you only use for one tour.”
Anneke and Rob used to live in De Rips where they had a large studio and storage. But now that they live in Eindhoven, there is a lot less space. “The studio equipment and drums in particular take up a lot of space, while you might only use them for one tour.”
The musical couple thinks that is a shame and so the storage was cleared for the garage sale. Bargain hunters could also have everything signed by the singer and everyone was allowed to take a picture with her.
“I had to have that dress and I’m actually going to wear it.”
Armanda from Eindhoven was one of the first to search the clothes racks. “I bought a set, green dress and poster and passed. I’m really going to wear the dress.” She and her husband are big fans of Anneke and her old band The Gathering. “My wife had already seen the green dress on Facebook and she had to have it.”
Almost every item on sale has a story. “Like the Frisbees for Pinkpop”, says the singer. “We threw them away during the performance. But after a few throws to the audience, we realized that they were hitting quite hard. So fans left with a Frisbee and a bump on the head.”
Ilse from Vorstenbosch also came for a specific shirt. “I’ve been a fan since 1997 and Anneke wore this shirt at a concert.”
Nina from Eindhoven also found clothes. “The fact that she has worn it gives it something extra. I also sing myself and Anneke is a role model for me.” Some fans were on the train as early as 6am to get to the garage sale in time. Others ordered through friends. “I have a shirt for a friend from Canada, she will be very happy,” says William from Ede. He has signed drumsticks for himself.
“It’s even more fun than expected!”
The singer knew via social media that some people would come to the sale, but is surprised by the queue that was already there before ten o’clock in the morning. “It’s even more fun than expected and really cosy. People know each other from the concerts and chat for a while.” “That’s how it flows back into the music.”
Part of the proceeds will go to the Refugee Foundation, of which Anneke is an ambassador. The singer wants to put the rest in a new album, Anneke says. “That’s how it flows back into the music.”
