This concert is part of the timeless ◄◄ REWIND series.

In 2007, AB launched a timeless series: ◄◄ REWIND. Central to this series are Belgian artists who perform ‘their classic’ in its entirety. Call it a milestone in their career, or more so: a key album in Belgian pop music. These are often – but not always – albums that are carved into collective memory. Call them points of reference in the Belgian music landscape. Each ‘pièce de résistance’ is performed in its entirety. Entirely? That’s right, in the exact order that the artist wanted (or still wants) to tell their tale.

YEVGUENI CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY!

On February 9 (!) 2000, Klaas Delrue, Geert Noppe and Maarten Van Mieghem won the Interfaculty Song Contest at KU Leuven. Back then, still in full as Evguenie Sokolov, after Serge Gainsbourg's slightly hilarious instrumental of the same name. First prize: a support act at Student Welcome on the Old Market. They look at each other and all three think the same thing: “We're off!”

The sequel is nothing less than a boyhood dream that has continued for a quarter of a century. On their resume: now 7 studio albums. 3 times gold. Around 100,000 copies sold. 4 MIA nominations. 1 Flemish Culture Prize for Music. 750 concerts. Too many singles for a Best Of.

To celebrate a quarter century of Yevgueni exuberantly, you are offered a double program where no Yevgueni fan should miss!

20h00
◄◄ REWIND: Yevgueni plays 'Cannibal' (2005)

'Cannibal', the debut of Yevgueni, can now blow out 20 candles. With some pride, by the way, because 'Cannibal' breathed new life into cabaret two decades ago. And how! Think of songs like the fragile 'Robbie', 'Eenzaam met jou' (Will Tura, but then reversed), the Suzanne Vega-derived and incredibly beautifully arranged 'In this City' ('In Liverpool'), which in the meantime has also been approved by Vega herself. And consider 'Sara,' one of the live classics to this day. And of course 'Als ze lacht': meanwhile good for around 8 million streams or a top 15 spot in the famous 'Lage Landenlijst' and a 21st spot in the Belpop 100 of Radio 1.

Cannibal' - an album that by the way spent 24 weeks in the album charts - was richly provided with additional arrangements by Andrew Powell, recorded at Abbey Road and played by the not undeserving London Chamber Orchestra. The production was in the hands of Wouter Van Belle, a name that often appeared in this ◄◄ REWIND series.

The reviews at the time did not lie. De Standaard: “Whoever listens honestly to ‘Kannibaal’, can only bow to these compelling songs and the excellent production, and be happy because this kind of enthusiastic, well-crafted pop is still possible. (De Standaard) As well as De Morgen: “It's been a long time since a Dutch-language group has thrilled us so much.” Rightly so!

21h00
YEVGUENI: BEST OF!

And because celebrating a quarter-century of Yevgueni can never be exuberant enough, the band is actually adding a genuine best of to the mix. Klaas Delrue: “It's certainly possible that the bis round with ‘the best of the rest’ will be as long as the album ‘Cannibal’ and it's also just possible that a number of colleagues will want to come and celebrate on stage.” Duly noted!

And because we are suckers for details: February 9, 2025 is thus exactly 25 years ago - DAY-OP-DAY (!) that Yevgueni first performed in which they won the Interfaculty Song Contest at KU Leuven... Coincidence? Nonexistent!