© Ethan Carey
On a rainy Wednesday night, Rockhal marked its 20th anniversary with Encore, an ambitious show concept that brought together more than 40 artists from Luxembourg's past and present for an unforgettable celebration of the nation's musical identity.
What I saw on stage was a triumphant celebration of over two decades of creativity, collaboration, and community within the very much alive and kicking Luxembourg music scene.
The concept for Encore was highly ambitious, a specially assembled 10-piece house band backed a rotating cast of singers and musicians from across Luxembourg’s diverse scene, each stepping into the spotlight to perform signature songs and fresh interpretations. The 360-degree stage setup was a superb choice from a production standpoint and added a major cool factor to the night.
Across more than two and a half hours, the audience was treated to a seamless journey through the country’s musical past, from the raw power of Defdump and Fusion Bomb to the melodic precision of Seed to Tree and the math rock energy of Mutiny On The Bounty.
Each transition between bands was tight, smooth, and very well rehearsed. Sound was superb too, as well as lighting. I was totally immersed.
For lovers of the local scene, moments of nostalgia came thick and fast. Eternal Tango’s return to the stage to close the show sparked a euphoric sing-along from fans who grew up with their anthems, while Angel At My Table and Porn Queen delivered performances that reminded everyone of the early 2000s rock scene that helped define Rockhal’s identity.
Genre boundaries were repeatedly melted away throughout the night. De Läb brought hip-hop swagger and lyrical punch, Claire Parsons and Daniel Balthasar delivered moments of folky sophistication, and blues heavyweights Fred Barreto, Remo Cavallini, and Kid Colling added grit and soul. It was a reminder that Luxembourg’s scene isn’t defined by one sound, just like the country itself, it’s a mosaic of influences, languages, and styles, all united by a shared love of music.
As someone heavily involved in the music scene, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of pride to see my fellow colleagues getting true recognition for their cultural contributions over the years as part of a world class production.
This was something truly special and it's exactly the kind of support and spotlight the Luxembourg music scene so deserves.
If Encore is anything to go by, it seems sure that the next 20 years of music in Luxembourg will be just as bold, just as diverse, and just as unforgettable as the show itself.
