Did you already know this about your favorite artists? Spotlight Stories!

In this brand-new Spotlight Stories section, you'll discover surprising facts and fun facts about the artists and bands playing in our venues.

De Klokkenluider van Notre Dame

Did you know that the book 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame' by Victor Hugo was originally written to draw attention to the poor condition of the Notre Dame itself? In the 19th century, the famous cathedral in Paris was threatened with decay. Hugo, who was fascinated by Gothic architecture, hoped to influence public opinion with his story to encourage the restoration of the building. The book had such an impact that real efforts were later made to renovate Notre Dame!

The Great Gatsby Ballet

Did you know that 'The Great Gatsby Ballet' features an original score by Anna Drubich, a film composer who previously wrote the music for the Oscar-winning documentary 'Navalny'? This ballet marks her debut in the dance world! The music fully captures the atmosphere of the 1920s, complete with jazzy influences and swinging rhythms, creating a perfect contrast to the tragic love stories of the characters.

Benson Boone

Did you know that before his breakthrough in music, Benson Boone had a passion for architecture? "If I weren’t a musician, I’d probably be an architect or interior designer," he shared. How cool would it be if his creativity were expressed in both music and architecture? Benson’s versatile talent is truly admirable!

Arnout Van den Bossche

Did you know that Arnout Van den Bossche has a background as an engineer? Yes, that's right! Before becoming a stand-up comedian, he studied materials science at KU Leuven and worked for several major companies. In 2009, he won Humo's Comedy Cup, and the rest is history. Enjoy his latest show!

MEROL

Did you know that before Merol became famous as a singer, she had a leading role in the popular Dutch musical 'Soldaat van Oranje'? In 2018, she released her debut single 'Ik Wil Een Kind Van Jou', and the rest is history.

Fontaines D.C.

Do you know what 'D.C.' in the name Fontaines D.C. stands for? 'D.C.' refers to Dublin City. The band members added it to their name after discovering that another band already had the same name. The first part, Fontaines, is inspired by Jonny Fontane, a character from the first Godfather film. A great example of how pop culture and their Irish roots blend together in their name!

GOOSE

Did you know that the name of the Belgian band GOOSE has an unexpected cinematic origin? In early 2000, right before their participation in Humo's Rock Rally, the band had a demo but no name. Since they had previously participated under a different name, they needed something new. Their first idea, 'Maverick,' was already taken by a record label. A dive into the movie Top Gun offered the solution. The character Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw inspired the band to go with GOOSE, a name that has since become synonymous with their powerful sound and bold vibe.

Shay

The Belgian artist Shay has a fascinating musical background! Did you know she’s the granddaughter of the legendary Congolese musician Tabu Ley Rochereau? With her infectious rhythms and sharp lyrics, she carries his musical legacy forward in her own work.