Clouseau, the highly-acclaimed Belgian pop band, kicked off their much-anticipated 40th Anniversary Concert Series at the famed Sportpaleis on Friday night, delighting audiences with three hours of nostalgia and excitement. With their first performance of 13 scheduled shows, the brothers Koen and Kris Wauters received thunderous applause as they opened with their classic hit, “Nobelprijs.”
The venue was electrified as they stepped onto a gigantic stage illuminated by vibrant LED lights, creating a spectacular visual feast. Koen Wauters expressed their thrill: “We are Clouseau, and we are so happy to be back home!” Following their opening number, the excitement only grew as the duo proceeded to perform many of their most beloved songs — fittingly, 35 hits were woven throughout the night.
Justine, one of the enthusiastic fans present, shared her love for the band, stating, “I’ve followed Clouseau since I was a child. ‘Nobelprijs’ is my favorite song.” Many of the audience members echoed her sentiment, with Patricia and Daisy proudly wearing ‘Clouseau 40’ sweatshirts, expressing their loyalty: “We’ve been fans for 35 years!”
The atmosphere was alive with laughter and camaraderie, as waves of nostalgia swept through attendees reminiscing about the band's long history, including their notable performance at Marktrock back in ‘87. This year’s show was not just another concert; it was also a celebration of the band’s rich legacy, complemented by visuals from their career milestones displayed on the venue’s large screens.
Clouseau’s unique charm lies not just in their music but also their ability to connect with fans. Koen Wauters, known for his down-to-earth demeanor, engaged with the audience intimately, often breaking the performance to answer questions or share stories. He recalled, “I can’t say I resisted all temptations as a young man.” His honesty came as no surprise, but it surely endeared him even more to the crowd.
The night was replete with high-energy performances, punctuated by fantastic solo moments from band members like guitarist Tom Lodewyckx and keyboardist David Thomaere. A whimsical interlude featured Lodewyckx and Thomaere engaging playfully, much to the audience’s delight. The elaborate production included fireworks, confetti, and even flying stages where Wauters could be seen greeting fans from above.
During the concert, the band performed classics like “Brandweer” and “Passie”, each met with wild cheers from the audience. The songs blended seamlessly, creating bursts of energy, with Wauters leading the audience to dance and sing along. “We’ve been practicing all year for this moment, and it’s such joy to perform,” Koen stated, clearly relishing every second.
Fans of all ages filled the venue, highlighting Clouseau’s long-lasting appeal across generations. Children marveled at the llama of light around them, and young adults relished the songs of their parents’ youth, creating shared moments of enjoyment and remembrance. The atmosphere was reminiscent of family reunions, with laughter echoing across the hall.
With the evening progressing, the show moved seamlessly from one hit to another, building to what audiences anticipated as the grand finale. But as the band wrapped up their set, promising more fun to come: “No sad songs for this encore!” Koen shouted, and instantly transitioned to “En dans.”
After 37 songs and countless cheers, Clouseau bid farewell, promising to return. Their charismatic stage presence paired with immaculate production impressed not just die-hard fans but reminded everyone why Clouseau is regarded as one of Belgium’s premier live acts. By the time the curtain fell on the first concert, Koen Wauters left the stage with the poignant words: “I’ve always loved you, and I can’t live without you.”
The emotion and energy of the night served as proof of their nine-gold album legacy and why these concerts remain unforgettable experiences. They have set the bar high with expectations for the remaining shows of their anniversary series, drawing almost 200,000 fans to Sportpaleis this season, marking them as not just artists but icons for many.
Remarkably, on December 21, Kris Wauters will celebrate his 60th birthday during this series, adding another layer of significance to these iconic performances. The night was as much about the music as it was about celebrating their legacy, reaching out to fans, and sharing their joy together. Clouseau remains not only relatable but also accessible, showing us all how music can bring joy regardless of age or time.
