Avenue XL

Okselvocht – Ambiance Gegarandeerd

Okselvocht is a cover band that effortlessly bridges the gap between classics from back in the day and today's hits. Not your average cover band, but a band you simply can't ignore — one that doesn't promise a great atmosphere, but guarantees it.

The name might raise a few eyebrows. As do the band members themselves, for that matter. But anyone who knows what "giving it a good old go" really means will immediately understand what Okselvocht stands for. A tightly curated setlist — in both Flemish and English — delivered with musical craftsmanship and a stage energy that has every audience rising above its own eau de toilette in no time. Standing still isn't an option, and singing along is all but inevitable.

The Story

The story begins on 25 December 1982, when a few members of a local youth club (no names mentioned, but it was De Kloemp) had had enough of Silent Night around the coffee table. Marc Adolf, Luc Mathues and Walter Ginckels joined forces with a single goal: to bring the party. And they succeeded — convincingly.

What started as a local initiative grew into a fixture in the region. From Willebringen to Hoeleden to Grimde-Bareel: Okselvocht became world famous in its own neck of the woods, and not long after beyond it as well. The motto was clear and remained so for years: a great atmosphere before, during and after the show.

Highlights

For its 15th anniversary, the band had no intention of going unnoticed. The crowning achievement came in 1997, with a performance on the main stage of Suikerrock — media attention included. At the end of that memorable show, the band announced its farewell after 15 intense years.

But that's how it goes with true stage animals… once it's in your blood, it never leaves. In 2004, Okselvocht returned one more time, going all out with an eleven-piece line-up including extra backing vocals. Not just musicians, but musicians to the bone — you can take that for granted.

In 2009, the band was brought back to life once again. Was it a divine calling? Or simply an excellent excuse to get out of the house? Who's to say. One thing is certain: Okselvocht was back — and how.

Why book Okselvocht?

• A great atmosphere guaranteed – No empty promises, but proven entertainment since 1982 • Versatile repertoire – Classics and contemporary hits, in both Flemish and English • Experienced band – Suikerrock veterans with decades of stage experience • Stage energy – Standing still isn't an option, singing along is all but inevitable

One thing is for sure: if a concert night is still too cold, it's not down to Okselvocht.