Guus Meeuwis completely destroyed Webster Hall in New York on Friday night. Of course his famous songs have been heard, but classic American songs have also been included. The Brabant singer had a lot of fun, but the audience who traveled with her, people from Brabant in New York and Americans also thought she was “cool”.
It’s 3 o’clock local time when Guus Meeuwis first arrived at Webster Hall. Only five hours until the start of the concert, and the first fans are already waiting in line.
“I chose this place because Elvis Presley set a record here.”
The singer from Brabant arrives with his wife and children in a large SUV. On the facade of the concert hall is written in large letters “Guus Meeuwis, Live in New York”. Apparently proud, Meeuwis looks at the text as he enters. “I’m here,” Moyes laughs.
After London and Paris, the singer wants to cross out New York and put it on a T-shirt. And so he began searching for a concert hall in the American city nearly four years ago. “They came here with three options, one of which was Webster Hall. I chose this place because Elvis Presley set a record here.”
As Gus walked down the hall, he looked into his eyes widely. “It’s something really, it’s a charming room. History and music are falling off the walls.” Guus is fast onstage, because he can’t wait to hear what the auditorium really looks like for the first time.
“I’m not Brabant, but tonight I’ll sing with Brabant.”
While Guus does a sound check, eats something and rests for a moment, the Dutch are eager to go inside. “I’m looking forward to it, we’ve been looking forward to it for three years,” says Peter from Vijfhuizen. He was dressed as the Statue of Liberty. “I’m not Brabant, but tonight I’ll sing with Brabant.”
But Meeuwis starts quietly. At 8:00 a.m., the singer begins with “When I saw you” and continues with “New York, New York”. And with this, he immediately won the audience. For two hours it’s a Brabant party with the occasional American twist.
As a surprise, Thomas Akda and Krantjee Babi both flew in. “They wanted to come and see anyway. They are friends after all,” says Joss. “If they come over, I want to do something with them too.” They were both allowed to play two songs and then enjoy the concert.
Jasper stands in the middle of the room, staring into his eyes as voices of “exhilaration” across Webster Hall. “I don’t know how he does it, but I just forgot I’m in New York.” Next to him is a woman holding her hands in the air: “It’s so romantic here in New York City, the city where everything goes. Great.”
“I feel like I’m back in Brabant.” Hein Tibosch of Berlicum has been away from the Netherlands for ten years and now lives in Brooklyn. According to him, Guus Meeuwis fits perfectly into New York. Here, they love culture and the feeling of belonging to a group, and they love belonging. And as a Brabanter, you belong somewhere.” Ex Brabanter spends time of his life. “He sings songs I haven’t heard in ten years and then I think ‘yes’. Nice.”
“I came, I had to work, it was overwhelming.”
Two hours after the explosion, Guus Meeuwis became speechless. “I think he was totally fine. It was so cool. The time went by so fast today, and suddenly it was eight and I had to get up.” Despite everything he went through, the singer was still able to enjoy it. “I came, I had to go to work, it was hard, and then I found some rest points to enjoy.”
According to Meeuwis, at concerts abroad, he seems to have to bring a little extra. “People have made a lot of effort to come here.” And that extra thing worked, he says. Anyway, those who enjoyed it were the security guards at Webster Hall. Watch the party in amazed Brabant. “I loved the music, we love the people across the ocean. Thank you.”
On January 1, Omroep Brabant will be broadcasting a special program about Guus Meeuwis’ foreign adventure. With more on Webster Hall, people from Brabant in America and photos from the ceremony.
Read also:
Even Americans enjoy Guus Meeuwis in New York: “Amazing!”
Guus Gala in the legendary hall: ‘Don’t throw beer this time’
Marjolin is doing the Guus Meeuwis trilogy: After London and Paris, now New York
