A few weeks ago, I boarded a plane to Holland one more time to catch the final two shows that Undeclinable Ambuscade will ever play. Friday night was in Amsterdam, and the Saturday finished up the reunion year with a show in their home town of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Having been a huge fan of this band since I was a teenager, it was exciting and emotional all at once. I arrived to heavy rain in Amsterdam, and it pretty much didn’t stop until I got to the venue. I shouldn’t have worried though, as the place was so jam packed once the doors opened that the whole place was like a sauna before long. I met up with the guys back stage to catch up with what’s been happening since we saw each other last, and to snap a few photos before the last show they’d play in Holland’s capital.
I jumped out while The Travoltas played their set, and I was glad I managed to see them play. I could tell the crowd were getting pumped up and knew it was going to be carnage soon. That could have legitimately been because of all the beers I’d had by this point though. I’m just saying, my judgement was pretty skewed by this point.
The moment the guys went on it was an instant wall of energy. Smashing out “Since ’92” and right into “Growing Older”, the noise of the crowd was electric. I got super buzzing right off that bat and attempted a stage dive right off the bat, and it totally failed. I tried again though, and it failed again. Third time lucky though! If I’m nothing else, I’m persistant.
I’m not a music reviewer, so I’ll let some of the photographs give you an idea of what it was like to be a part of it.
I awoke the next day after returning home at around 4am completely worse for wear. I couldn’t even manage to feel human again until about 5pm, but it was definitely worth it. I headed down to meet the guys for their final ever show shortly after.
Ok, before I go on, I’m going to give you a pro photography tip – always double check you have everything before you leave. I came to this show with only my spare battery (which is a cheaper version of my main battery, so only lasts a few hours). I had complete panic for the start of the show as I knew I only had half power and a limited number of shots. The venue was really difficult to shoot in as well, as the crowd literally took up all the space on the floor, and the only way to get onto the stage was to push through the crowd and climb on. I decided to stay on stage for the show after the first few songs, and I knew getting back on would be an absolute nightmare.
And that was it, it was all over. But what a way to end, a sold out show in your home town where everyone is going crazy for your entire set list! Be sure to check out the new music projects by the members:
Joysticker
I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Jasper, Helmer, Erik, Dennis, Skanne and Jorg for having me along and letting me be a small part on this amazing tour. Also, huge thanks to Niek, Norbert (thanks for the couch!), Aline, Muddy, and Brian, and to all the other genuinely great people who I met along the way on this tour. You’ve all given me some amazing memories and I’ve made some really good friends along the way. Dank u wel.
Neil Jarvie Photography 