10 best shows of 2025

In 2025 I did not see as many shows as is many other years. Most likely it is still far more than most people, yet I am one of the people that our less outgoing today than I was pre-covid. Still, in 2025 I saw 23 acts play live between February and December. And, for consolation, the first show is already booked for 2026. There will be more to come. Here are my ten favourites of the past year.

 

 

10. Cari Cari, Tolhuistuin 23 April

The Vienna based duo, live a trio, played another invigorating show. It was our third show in as many albums and the band simply delivers. With two very good and one good album under its belt, the show gets more varied as well. With a special shout out to support act Komodo (who was the last to be dropped for this list).

https://wonomagazine.blogspot.com/2025/04/cari-cari-live-with-komodo-tolhuistuin.html 

9. De Toegift, Paradiso 22 februari

The Vlissingen band released its latest album early in 2025 and showed progression by diversifying its music and it showed in the live setting. The six piece played an inspiring show at the Paradiso, with a keen eye on the audience that gave it a lot of energy in return. De Toegift ought to be able to grow some more.

https://wonomagazine.blogspot.com/2025/02/de-toegift-live-paradiso-amsterdam.html

8. Tramhaus, Patronaat 24 april

It almost becomes normal, the energy a Tramhaus show brings its audience. Because the band played my hometown's venue, I decided to go again and again the progression of touring so much showed. Not so much routine as added experience came across. It may well be that Tramhaus has not reached its limits yet. A lot will depend on album number 2.

https://wonomagazine.blogspot.com/2025/04/tramhaus-live-patronaat-haarlem-24.html 

7. Timo de Jong and the Leadbeaters, De Rode Bioscoop 6 april

Timo played our living room earlier in the year and entertained the audience no little. I decided to opt for this show, that he announced in our living room. His bronzed voice in combination with the blue grass band works a miracle. After the break the band itself played and it seemed like they would never stop. What an energy! The Hackensaw Boys from Virginia, in which Thomas Olivier plays also when in Europe, has a serious competitor.

https://wonomagazine.blogspot.com/2025/04/timo-de-jong-and-leadbeaters-live-rode.html 

6. Holandaluz, Haarlem 16 October

The final show in my living room this year was by Marnix Ducroock or Holandaluz. He played a solo show with just his guitar, presenting a mix of traditional flamenco compositions and his own. It was an extremely intense experience to see someone work so hard, play so exquisitely and above all so good. To think he mentioned to still needs a few more years of study to become truly good. 

https://wonomagazine.blogspot.com/2025/04/timo-de-jong-and-leadbeaters-live-rode.html 

5. La Luz, Rotown 31 October

The Seattle band played a revenge show for the rather bland Paradiso show in spring 2024. On Halloween the ladies played a great show with songs from all albums, showcasing the might of singing together. I can't understand why such a good band plays such a small venue, not even selling it out. La Luz is just so good. I'm a lucky guy though for seeing them so up close.

https://wonomagazine.blogspot.com/2025/11/la-luz-live-with-earworms-rotown.html 

4. And They Spoke In Anthems, Haarlem 10 May

The second live show in my living room was a solo show by Arne Leurentop or And They Spoke In Anthems. There were enough instruments and gear schlepped in for a whole orchestra and from it all came pure magic. The band instantly had a 100% new fanbase.

https://wonomagazine.blogspot.com/2025/05/and-they-spoke-in-anthems-live-saturday.html 

3. Timebox, C 16 October

In 2025 it is becoming harder of not impossible for bands to perform. Band members have left music long ago, are no longer able to play or have left this world for other pastures. Enter cover bands. The younger members of The Analogues continued under the name Timebox, playing hits from Dutch artists and bands from 1965-1969. It was so impressive and such a delight to hear all this old songs played with a freshness as if it was (close to) 60 years ago, but probably played far better.

https://wonomagazine.blogspot.com/2025/10/timebox-live-hoofdorp-c-thursday-16.html 

2. The Beths, Paradiso 4 October

The Beths returned to my country for its latest record and were able to play for a nearly sold out Paradiso. The New Zealand band is tremendously good and ready for more. Songs from all its albums came by and of course my absolute favourite, 'I'm Not Getting Excited'. The interludes with the flutes were hilarious from a musical perspective, the solo song by singer Elizabeth Stokes about her mother impressive.

https://wonomagazine.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-beths-live-with-dateline-saturday-4.html 

 

Photo: Wout de Natris - van der Borght

 

1. The Fortunate Sons, Patronaat 12 December

Yes, again a cover band. If you play the oeuvre of one of the best bands ever, Creedence Clearwater Revival, this good, not much can go wrong and it didn't. Hit after hit after hit came by and then add great LP/b-side tracks like 'Travelling Band' and 'Fortune Son'. What a show and all thanks to that tv show called 'The Tribute: Battle of the Bands, that seems to deliver a higher quality each year.

https://wonomagazine.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-fortunate-sons-live-patronaat.html 

Wout de Natris - van der Borght