The second live album in the series for Arjen Lucassen’s unique project, but one with a serious purpose. In 2025, the band celebrated its 30th anniversary with a series of concerts in Tilburg that sold out in no time at all. Ayreon’s live shows are unique, since Arjen, being the perfectionist that he is, leaves nothing to chance. We’re talking about epic sets with a plethora of guests and impressive special effects.
So, in this unofficial compilation, we find a dream team of guests. On vocals: Tommy Karevik (Kamelot), Anneke van Giersbergen, Dino Jelusick (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Whitesnake), Maggy Luyten, Heather Findlay, Marcela Bovio, Irene Jansen, Wudstik, Damian Wilson (Arena), Robert Soeterboek, Mike Mills (Toehider), and Arjen, of course. On instruments: Joost van den Broek (Keyboards), Ed Warby (Drums), Johan van Stratum (Bass), Timo Somers (Guitar), Ferry Duijsens (Electric and Acoustic Guitar), Ben Mathot (Violin), Jeroen Goossens (Flute), and Jurriaan Westerveld (Cello). I got dizzy just writing them down.
Needless to say, the performances are flawless. 27 highlights from the band’s history. The live atmosphere has been captured on the CDs, though to be honest, you really have to experience a show like this in person to grasp the scale of the production. Whether you like Ayreon or not is purely a matter of personal taste. I’ve found quite a few of their albums to be excellent and some to be unremarkable.
If you’re a fan, you’ll obviously add this release to your collection. If, on the other hand, you want to enter their world, this live performance is an excellent choice. If you ask me which album to buy right after this, I’d say the two Universal Migrators. But that’s a topic for another discussion.
Michael Ntalakos
