The Gathering Reunites: A Nostalgic Journey Through 'Mandylion' at Wacken
Amidst the thunderous atmosphere of Wacken Open Air, Anneke Van Giersbergen took a moment to reconnect with her past in an interview with Paolo Phoenix of Magenta TV. The iconic frontwoman spoke candidly about THE GATHERING's ongoing reunion shows, commemorating the 30th anniversary of their landmark album, 'Mandylion.' With a radiant glow of nostalgia, she shared, 'It's quite special. When we were young adults, everything we experienced was absorbed like a sponge, and we carried it with us through life. We spent countless hours together in studios, rehearsal rooms, and on the road — day and night, we were a family.' After a long 20-year hiatus, returning to the rehearsal space felt like slipping back into a well-worn leather jacket. 'It felt like yesterday,' Anneke reminisced, 'the same laughter, the same camaraderie.'
The emotional weight of revisiting 'Mandylion' has not escaped her, as she reflected on how her perceptions of the songs have evolved. 'When you're young, love and life hit you differently,' she explained. 'Now, as seasoned adults, those same lyrics resonate with a different depth. It's a beautiful duality; we can relive those emotions while also viewing them through the lens of life experience.' This juxtaposition enriches their performances, allowing both the band and their loyal fans to travel back in time while embracing their present selves.
When pressed about the future of THE GATHERING post-reunion, Anneke was candid, stating, 'We want this to be special. If we just kept going, it would lose its magic. We didn't anticipate the overwhelming enthusiasm from our fans, which transformed our initial plan for one show into a year-long celebration across festivals and clubs. It's surreal, and we want to cherish this moment.' The band has no concrete plans beyond this tour, choosing instead to bask in the glory of the present, leaving fans yearning for more yet satisfied with what they’ve experienced.
As the tour kicks off, Anneke hopes that fans walk away with a sense of nostalgia, saying, 'We dive deep into the vibe of the '90s, and I know our audience feels that too. I want them to leave feeling like they’re 20 again, reliving that incredible era.' The 'Mandylion' lineup has already captivated audiences with a series of performances that echo the raw energy of their early days, promising an unforgettable experience.
This reunion tour is set to continue its momentum, with a European leg commencing on May 19, 2026, at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire in London. Following a handful of shows last year, they are now gearing up for roughly 30 performances across Europe, North America, and South America, culminating in a monumental headlining show at Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile, on October 17. Although keyboardist Frank Boeijen is temporarily stepping back due to personal circumstances, his place is being capably filled by Remco Van Zandvoort, ensuring that the spirit of THE GATHERING remains unbroken.