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Plackband was formed by musicians in the mid-1970s from the Hague music scene. Although the music was a mix in the beginning under the influence of the different musical styles of these gentlemen eventually the direction was gradually determined: symphonic rock with influences from jazz rock. Later the style and sound would evolve more and more emerged more like those of then legendary groups such as Genesis and YES. Not for nothing the band eventually got the nickname the Haagsche Genesis! Because there was no name for the band, and the sound system at the time hung together with adhesive tape, the tape became a joke for the time being Called adhesive tape. No one would have dared to think that in the end would become the band's actual name. After all, it is not a name that suits the style of the music. But on the other hand, it gives also the somewhat stubborn attitude of this band: namely not sensitive to trends or fashionable movements and always opting for the (not easy) own path. Live shows The first performances in 1977 were still awkward, but gradually the The sound becomes stronger and the playing becomes tighter. By an unprecedented enthusiasm combined with a strong sense of solidarity investments were made that were essential for the future of the band. We can safely say that that time is the most had a professional sound and light system for all amateur groups in the Benelux. That in combination with a gigantic (yellow with blue letters colored) truck, it was always a treat to see how a live show was structured at the time. The light installation including light bar partly came from Led Zeppelin. It The funny thing is that if you now ask someone about Plackband's show that time, people still speak in superlative terms. The performances reached their peak through recognition (perhaps discovery?) of the VARA with various performances and interviews in VARAs Pop caravan and VARA's Popkrant. There were also two songs in 1978 recorded on vinyl: the EP (33 rpm) featuring Seventy Warriors and Some Party. That it never came to releasing an LP remains a mystery, especially if you read the reviews of the band. Always they were praised to heaven and they were always good to the full halls. The nicest (but perhaps also saddest) review had the headline: “Plackband has only 1 disadvantage, they come from the Netherlands. …” Eighteen years of holiday Ultimately, a record company was interested in the band, but wanted to introduce a different (read: more commercial) style and Even another singer was introduced: Martin Heffer the then rival sympho band Taurus. With a cover of Strawberry Fields Forever was somewhat attempted but never released. In the meantime, Kees Bik had had to leave the field and the band became one in 1982 died slowly. Attempts were made in the years that followed yet another singer to return (Frank van de Bos). This is unfortunately failed, or should we say fortunately never succeeded. Because it was different unprecedented reunion in 2000 may never have gotten off the ground. What's the case: All Plackband members went several different ways musical challenges. Ronald and Michel have the November project (with FAF drummer Edwin Wernke), which resulted in a album CD, the gem: The 1st of November and the single Memory, with followed by an acoustic performance of a Genesis cover The Cinema Show. Albert set up a music store, Kees became a lyricist Urban Heroes and Boom Boom Manchini and John and Tom have a recording studio set up: The Hague recording studio Sound Design, which was later merged with Holland Spoor. The old one was used there for the first time Revox tape of a live recording of the last performance on Christmas Eve Found in 1981 in the Paap in The Hague, firmly hidden in the attic of the studio (which was in fact Plackband's old rehearsal space). Later it was decided to remaster this tape and release it on CD: The Lost Tapes. The reunion in 2000 When Michel and Ronald were recording The 1st of November (of course in the Holland Spoor Studios) there was more and more talk about a Plackband reunion. Then during the promotion of the CD In November Ronald and Michel were still told that they were still there had never heard of November, but knew Plackband, the nostalgic feelings. Then again in an issue of I O pages the piece “Mijmeringen” (written by Erik Neuteboom) was published, it became clear to Ronald and Michel. And with it failure of the release of “The Second of November” went it all happened very quickly after that. Because as it turned out, after 1 evening of calling Everyone was wildly excited to try it: the reunion was a fact and “The Lost Tapes” was self-released. After a year of rehearsing the songs (hell of a job). it finally happened: the first concert of Plackband since 18 years in the original line-up on June 23, 2000 in the Farm in Zoetermeer. It was a wonderful show, a party, a concert you will never forget! The enthusiasm was back and the band looked fresher and more experienced and relaxed than ever! Then 4 more concerts and the band started thinking about the future. Because it should stay with this? No, it left me wanting more. Xymphonia records So the band started looking for a (yes) record company! Only now it was agreed that no concessions would be made and that they wanted a society that was at least as enthusiastic about it Symphonic Rock would be like Plackband. The choice ultimately turned out to be simple: Xymphonia Records. Four companies were interested, of which Museums from France are the most eligible in the first instance came. But then the band members started talking about the aforementioned Xymphonia, after which things gained momentum... New singer The band and singer Kees Bik have decided to continue separately. There will be one a new path and Kees is thanked very much for his efforts in recent years. The choice It was no coincidence that ex-November member Karel chose a new singer Messemaker. With Karel, the band has received new impulses to perform again write new songs. The band is currently working on new ones songs and the existing songs are given a new look with Karel's influence. There is too chosen to occasionally play old songs by Genesis and Peter Gabriel, topped with a Placband sauce, such as Carpet Crawlers and More than This. Afterglow and Red Rain are occasionally in the repertoire. 2004 The band had a long rehearsal period before finally releasing a song at the end of 2004 fantastic show to return. The highlight is the performance at the Boerderij on November 19 in Zoetermeer. DVD recordings are made of this. The intention is to have a beautiful live DVD available in stores in early 2005 containing, in addition to the live concert, many extras such as (private) video images, interviews, photos and a real video clip. 2005 Karel Messemaker is out of action for a longer period of time for health reasons. His deputy will be Koos Sekreve. Plackband is becoming more and more popular international. In Belgium they perform in the Spirit of 66 and in Tournai. In In August the band will give a concert during the Gong festival in Reggio Italy. There is also a very successful performance in a music café England The Boardwalk. Genesis used to play here. further is the band one of the trendsetters after the Progpassion festival in the Boerderij 2006 The long-awaited DVD/CD Visions will be released in April. This took a long time because the mixing had to be done in-house. In addition to a registration of the concert in De Boerderij in 2004, Visions also gives an impression of Plackband over the years. Once again they are visiting foreign countries. Shows especially in the Spirit of 66 and in England for the Classic Rock Society indicate that the boundaries for PB are no longer to exist. 2007 The band decides to continue as 4-man formation, with Van Wassem and Brautigam taking care of the vocals to take. The first material in this composition can be heard on the three track-counting demo CD PBII. The first time the new songs being played is already in front of a large audience. As a support act of The Musical Box will give a show in the RAI theater in Amsterdam. 2008 There is a lot of attention for Plackband at the moment. By Arie Versteeg they were invited to be the support act for Kayak. The new show was possible here of the band are seen. The 30th anniversary was celebrated in De Paap and then followed a grand performance for the Classic Rock Society in Rotherham England. PB was here for the 5th time and is attracting more and more audience. Immediately after the performance came the promise that it will be a big concert planned. 2023 The band reunites with its old composition. The old repertoire is also rehearsed. 2024 Due to physical problems, Kees Bik is replaced by Koos Sekreve Various performances are planned for the autumn |