Avenue XL

Avenue XL – Atmosphere Guaranteed

Avenue XL, also known as Okselvocht, is a covers band that effortlessly bridges the gap between classics from the old days and hits from today. Not your average covers band, but a band you simply can't ignore — one that doesn't promise atmosphere, it guarantees it.

The name may raise a few eyebrows. As do the band members themselves, for that matter. But anyone who knows what it really means to "give it a proper go" will immediately understand what Okselvocht stands for. A tightly selected setlist — in Flemish and English — delivered with musical craftsmanship and a stage energy that soon has every audience rising above its own eau de toilette. Standing still is not an option, 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 Stille Nacht around the coffee table. Marc Adolf, Luc Mathues and Walter Ginckels joined forces with a single aim: to bring the atmosphere. And they succeeded — with conviction.

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 their own neck of the woods, and not long afterwards beyond it as well. The motto was clear and remained so for years: atmosphere before, during and after the performance.

Highlights

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

But that's how it goes with true stage animals… once it's in the blood, it never leaves. In 2004, Okselvocht returned one more time, on a grand scale with an eleven-strong line-up including extra backing vocals. Not just musicians, but born musicians — you can take that as read.

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

Why book Okselvocht?

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

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