Dutch rock group Chef’Special have literally turned the possibilities of what a live performance can be upside down with their recent 20-show tour. Debuting the revolutionary production feature during their opening slot at the annual De Vrienden van Amstel LIVE extravaganza while performing their hit single «Amigo», the band’s 360 degree stage rotation became a prominent feature within the toured and was subsequently presented to the public throughout the 20 years. nightstand in Rotterdam Ahoy. The impressive combination of acting, stage technique and show design was a world first and marked the team’s 15th anniversary in pioneering style.
Over the course of their 15-year career, the five-piece pop band has developed a unique and celebrated sound built on the foundations of hip-hop, rock and reggae. Since their formation in 2008, the collective has released four globally successful albums and toured extensively across Europe and the US, building loyal fanbases wherever they go.
WATCH: THE 360 DEGREE STAGE TURNOVER
De Vrienden van Amstel LIVE is known for its spectacular stage design and innovative use of stage techniques, thanks to its innovative event organizer and live concept developer Tribe Company. As part of its 25th year celebration, this year’s series of shows wowed audiences with the impressive opening. The 15,000 strong audience gasped as the floating stage began to tilt and the band continued to play. Taking nearly 5 minutes to complete its full 360-degree rotation, Chef’Special’s performance remained flawless and unfazed, even when presented upside down. By implementing the concept into all 20 nights, the band created a series of impressive moments that are sure to go down in the history books of outstanding musical performances. After the end of the concert series on January 27, more than 300,000 people witnessed the extreme production technique, and more than one million tuned in to the live online broadcast and TV broadcast of the show.
“It’s crazy to be up there. In 2018 our jaws dropped when Armin van Buuren performed part of his set backwards during the same event. When Tribe Company asked us to do this as a full band, it was a no-brainer! And it’s a world first, which makes it very special. Never before has an entire band played upside down as part of their performance while the entire stage also did a 360-degree turn.”
- Chef’Special lead singer Joshua Nolet
To celebrate their 15th anniversary, the Haarlem-based group awaits their most spectacular headlining show to date at Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam on April 29. Tickets are available to buy here: https://www.chefspeciallive.nl
ABOUT CHEF’SPECIAL: Whether Chef’Special is touring the US as a support act for Twenty One Pilots, performing on the main stage at festivals like Pinkpop, Sziget or Lowlands, or at sold-out venues like the Ziggo Dome ( 16,000 cap) in Amsterdam; they always convince the entire audience and turn every show into a party. Although Chef’Special’s musical palette spans several genres, the band’s sound is entirely recognizable, putting emotions and experiences front and center.
In the spring of 2020, they released their latest studio album ‘Unfold’, the follow-up to their album ‘Amigo’, which reached platinum status in the Netherlands and gathered over 100 million streams worldwide. In 2021, Chef’Special released one of their biggest hits to date, «Afraid Of The Dark», which stands as a multi-platinum single. The band wrote this song after they became ambassadors for the NGO WarChild and made a video clip with fellow ambassador Michaela DePrince; soloist of the Boston Ballet.
