Last Saturday, Hardstyle fans flocked to the Poppodium 013 in Tilburg to travel back in time at REACTiVATE. Organized by REBiRTH Events, this day-to-night event took us back to the time we fell in love with Hardstyle. Running from 2 PM to midnight, the event brought together iconic names and non-stop nostalgia, delivering on every level for the genre’s weathered fans.
Area 1: A Best-Of Lineup and a Live Tribute to 25 Years of The Pitcher
Hosted by MC Da Syndrome, Area 1 was packed with a all-star lineup that kept the crowd going wild throughout the day. Opening was Rebourne, setting the mood with his melodic sound. Josh & Wesz and Adrenalize followed, each delivering energetic sets that warmed up the growing crowd. Max Enforcer’s performance was a notable highlight. His ability to fuse euphoric melodies with driving kicks had the audience singing along to tracks like Lost in Paradise and Gold – who could resist?
As the day progressed, The Pitcher took the stage for a special 25-year live show. This half-hour set was more than just another space on the timetable; it was the showcase of an incredible career. The performance culminated in a surprise appearance by legendary producer Michel Pollen. The moment Pollen joined The Pitcher on stage to close the set with a jaw-dropping rendition of one of their classics, the entire crowd showed their appreciation in applause.
Tatanka’s Nostalgic Journey
Tatanka brought the nostalgia with a set brimming with club classics. Dropping timeless tracks like In da Club by Zenith DJ, he seamlessly blended the past with the present. His selections struck a chord with both seasoned ravers and younger fans, proving that great music transcends generations. The energy on the floor was palpable, with everyone vibing to the anthems that shaped the hardstyle scene in its early days.
Psyko Punkz, Adaro, and Frontliner: Powerhouses of the Genre
Psyko Punkz kept the momentum alive with a dynamic set that showcased hardstyle’s energetic and melodic extremes. Adaro’s raw, dark sound had the crowd in a frenzy, dropping hits from his alter ego Gunz For Hire. Frontliner’s live performance was a standout, weaving storytelling and raw energy with hits like Symbols and Discorecord. His ability to connect with the audience is unparalleled, making his set a fan favorite of the night.
Noisecontrollers vs. Zany brought an electrifying back-to-back set that blended euphoric Hardstyle with Fusion Records classics. The chemistry between these two legends was undeniable, delivering a masterclass in DJing. As the night closed, Frequencerz took the stage for their farewell tour performance. Knowing that this might be one of their last shows added an emotional weight to their set. Tracks like The Unknown had the crowd roaring, celebrating the duo’s immense contribution to the Hardstyle scene.
Area 2: Trance Vibes and a Dive into the Underground
Area 2 was a haven for Hardstyle enthusiasts craving variety and longer set times. With 90-minute slots, DJs had the freedom to craft deeper journeys. Noisecult and The Geminizers kicked things off, laying down high-energy sets that set the tone for the room.
The spotlight, however, was on Geck-o. Known for his genre-blending style, Geck-o’s performance was a rollercoaster of creativity. Fusing elements of Trance, Techno, and Hardstyle, his set was a bouncy experience that left everyone in awe. The transitions were seamless, and his unique ability to challenge genre conventions made his set one of the most talked-about performances of the event.
Deetox’s selection was a perfect follow-up, while the closing Spoontech Classics set by Infirium, Stratos, and Vyral brought raw and gritty vibes that resonated deeply with the crowd. MC Activate’s infectious energy kept the room alive, ensuring the vibe never dipped.
The Legacy of Frequencerz
As Frequencerz continue their goodbye tour, their performance at REACTiVATE was a undeniable reminder of their impact on the Hardstyle scene. Over the years, they’ve built a legacy of powerful anthems and unforgettable performances. Their set was a bittersweet highlight of the night, filled with energy, and raw emotion.
The Endless Journey
From The Pitcher’s career-spanning tribute to Geck-o’s creative set, the event captured the essence of what makes Hardstyle so special. The mix of nostalgia and forward-thinking performances made this a night to remember.
For anyone who hasn’t experienced a REBiRTH event yet, you’re missing out. Their ability to create unforgettable experiences is unmatched, and REACTiVATE was another example of their expertise. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the scene, events like this are why Hardstyle continues to thrive.
REBiRTH Events have built a reputation for hosting meticulously curated events that cater to every kind of hardstyle fan. From massive outdoor festivals to intimate indoor parties like this one, they excel in creating unique atmospheres.
REACTiVATE was no exception. The production quality at Poppodium 013 was top-notch: mind blowing lasers, crisp sound, and perfectly timed pyrotechnics.
Having visited REACTiVATE for the third time, we can’t wait to see what the future of this annual party holds!
Photos by REBiRTH Events