Epica announce special “25 year celebration” concert

Dutch symphonic metal giants Epica have announced a unique anniversary concert to celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary in 2027. The special ‘25 Year Celebration’ show will take place on Friday, January 29, 2027, at the prestigious Koninklijk Theater Carré in Amsterdam.

Ticket sales begin Wednesday, April 22 at 10:00 AM CET via the band’s official website. The concert will serve as the opening moment of a worldwide anniversary year filled with special Epica events, with more announcements expected soon.

After nearly a quarter century of achievements, the band now adds another long-cherished milestone to its career: performing its own headline show at one of the Netherlands’ most iconic theatres.

Frontwoman Simone Simons explains:

“2027 will be a festive year for us, filled with special moments worldwide. We will kick it off on Friday, January 29, 2027, in a relatively intimate yet absolutely magical setting: the Royal Theatre Carré in Amsterdam. A historic location in classicist style along the Amstel River, built in 1887, perfectly suited for an enchanting evening where our past, present and future come together. All six of us are incredibly proud and excited to step onto this majestic stage, and we truly cannot wait for the moment to arrive.”

Guitarist Mark Jansen shares the same enthusiasm:

“Carré truly captures the imagination for me as a musician. Countless internationally renowned artists and bands have performed here. National revue companies and large spectacle productions alternated with international performances of Italian opera, operetta and variety shows. And of course circuses: performances by the Russian State Circus with the legendary clown Popov, plus the annual World Christmas Circus every December. Literary events and various art forms were also presented here, such as the famous Holland Festival in 1983. Today Carré hosts musicals, pop concerts, theatre, stand-up comedy, dance and cabaret. (laughing) And now also a concert by metal band Epica.”

Simons adds:

“This Carré show is the symbolic crown on our beautiful career. ‘25 years’ almost feels unreal. During that time we have seen, done and experienced so much as a band. Yet we remain incredibly hungry for new adventures that we want to share with our loyal fans in the years ahead. We will never forget that it is the fans who made all of this possible.”

Formed in 2002, Epica have continuously reinvented themselves while becoming internationally acclaimed masters of symphonic metal storytelling, grandeur and timeless melodies. Guided by the philosophy “The journey of growth follows a spiral, expanding and deepening with every cycle,” the band has built an impressive legacy marked by worldwide success.

Over the years, the six-piece has sold millions of albums, achieved high chart positions and cultivated a global fanbase spanning more than 80 countries. Extensive world tours — including appearances supporting Metallica in 2023 — and headline performances at major festivals have cemented their international stature.

In Latin America, Epica have evolved into a true arena act, regularly performing in sold-out venues ranging from 4,500 to 18,000 attendees. Their large-scale Symphonic Synergy concerts, featuring orchestra, choir and guest musicians, drew more than 30,000 fans across two sold-out shows in Mexico City in December 2024, following earlier sold-out performances at AFAS Live in Amsterdam. Earlier this year, the band crowned this chapter with a monumental headline show at the Ziggo Dome.

Royal Theatre Carré, located along the Amstel River in Amsterdam, is widely regarded as the Netherlands’ most iconic theatre. Since opening in 1887, the venue has hosted everything from circus performances and opera to musicals, concerts, dance productions, comedy and cabaret — making Epica’s anniversary performance a historic addition to its long and diverse legacy.

EPICA (2002–2027)
Simone Simons — vocals
Mark Jansen — guitar, grunts, screams
Isaac Delahaye — guitar
Rob van der Loo — bass
Coen Janssen — synths, piano
Ariën van Weesenbeek — drums