THE GATHERING Celebrates 30 Years of 'Mandylion' with Electrifying Reunion Shows

In a gritty revelation during her interview with Hakos Pervanidis on Metal Hammer Greece's TV War, Anneke Van Giersbergen of THE GATHERING opened up about the band's ongoing reunion shows, igniting a flame for fans celebrating the 30th anniversary of the legendary 'Mandylion.' The Dutch rockers never anticipated the enduring impact of this milestone album, but as Anneke candidly stated, 'We feel so blessed... it's equally cool to be on stage together like brothers and sisters.'

The reunion wasn't born from boardroom pressure or management machinations; it started over casual coffee chats between Anneke and guitarist René Rutten. They reminisced about life and music until the conversation shifted towards 'Mandylion's' legacy. 'Maybe now is the time to do something special,' René suggested, leading to an organic decision to perform together again. Anneke emphasized, 'The only reason was, like, 'Let's have fun with this album.'

With the reunion tour gaining momentum, Anneke revealed that while they have no current plans to create new music, the focus remains on making this anniversary tour unforgettable. 'We wanted this anniversary year to be special,' she explained, noting their initial plans for just one or two shows quickly spiraled into a full-fledged tour. The excitement culminates with a grand finale in January 2026 in Amsterdam.

Despite the joyous reunion, the band faces challenges, as keyboardist Frank Boeijen steps back from touring due to personal reasons, with Remco Van Zandvoort stepping in to fill the void. This highlights the resilience of THE GATHERING, a band that has seen its share of changes over the decades.

'Mandylion,' released in August 1995, marked the beginning of a new era for the band, with Anneke's ethereal vocals propelling them to new heights. As they continue to tour through Europe and beyond, fans can expect a powerful celebration of this iconic album, even as its past members chart their own paths.