Anneke Van Giersbergen Reflects on THE GATHERING's Triumphant 'Mandylion' Reunion
In a recent sit-down with Michał Choiński at Poland's Mystic Festival, Anneke Van Giersbergen opened up about the electrifying reunion shows of her legendary band THE GATHERING, celebrating three decades since the release of their groundbreaking album 'Mandylion'. With a blend of candor and nostalgia, Anneke reflected on the journey that led her to embrace a solo career after stepping away from the band in 2007.
When asked about the challenges of starting anew, Anneke quipped, "I didn’t really have to unlearn anything, but it was like starting from ground zero. People expected me to stay on the same trajectory, but I craved more creatively. Leaving THE GATHERING was my chance to explore new horizons while balancing family life. I had a toddler at the time; it was all about integrating music into our lives. I needed to spread my wings and find my creative voice, even if it meant fewer eyes on my shows and albums initially. Hard work became my mantra, and I embraced that challenge."
The nostalgia surrounding the 'Mandylion' anniversary shows has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Anneke. "It's amazing how music from your youth remains locked in your heart. I mean, I grew up in the '80s and became an adult in the '90s. Those sounds resonate with people, and they still connect with the music we created. It’s heartwarming to see that 'Mandylion' continues to be a vital part of fans' lives, just like classic PINK FLOYD records do for me," she said, her passion palpable.
Reflecting on the reunion itself, Anneke noted, "It feels incredible to step back onto the stage with my old comrades. The pressure is off; we’re not under any label's thumb pushing for new material. We’re here to relive and celebrate the magic of 'Mandylion'. The camaraderie remains unchanged—the jokes in the dressing room, the way we play together, it’s all still there, and it feels right."
What began as a simple coffee chat about the album’s 30th anniversary quickly spiraled into a whirlwind of sold-out shows. "We were shocked when tickets flew off the shelves within minutes. The venue's server crashed! Initially, we only planned for a couple of shows, but after such an outpouring from fans, we realized this was something special. We decided to extend the celebration to a year of festivals and club shows, and it’s turned into something beautiful that we never expected," Anneke exclaimed, enthusiasm evident in her voice.
Looking ahead, she admitted there are no immediate plans for THE GATHERING after this anniversary tour. "We’ve promised to keep it to these two shows, and we’re sticking to that. This is about celebrating our legacy and our connection with fans, and we want to honor that without overstaying our welcome. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for every moment of it," she concluded.