Arjen Lucassen announces 5 Ayreon shows at the end of 2025 to celebrate the 30th anniversary!

After five sold-out shows of Ayreon – 01011001 – Live Beneath the Waves at poppodium 013 in the Netherlands in 2023, attended by 15,000 fans from 64 countries, and after four sold-out Ayreon – Electric Castle Live & Other Tales shows in 2019, as well as three sold-out Ayreon Universe shows in 2017, Ayreon is ready to add another exciting chapter to its live history. The new production, Ayreon – 30th Anniversary – An Amazing Flight Through Time, celebrates Ayreon‘s 30th anniversary since the release of its debut album, *The Final Experiment*, in 1995. This massive, state-of-the-art live production will take audiences on a journey through Arjen Lucassen‘s entire discography, featuring a massive, unique stage design, stunning visuals, spectacular special effects—and much more.

Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen, along with lead producer and keyboardist Joost van den Broek, has assembled a remarkable cast of many favorite Ayreon singers and special guests, plus a great group of instrumentalists to bring the music to life at the highest level possible. Lucassen himself will also perform as a singer.

Titled *An Amazing Flight Through Time*, the setlist will encompass Ayreon‘s 30-year musical history, featuring a wide range of songs, including some that have never been played live, in addition to many fan favorites. There will also be songs from some of Arjen‘s side-projects. No effort will be spared to transform 013 into an immersive “Ayreon world”, where fans will be transported to another dimension. This show promises to be the ultimate Ayreon party, a tribute to Arjen‘s music in its most complete form.

While the two previous Ayreon live performances focused on performing full-length studio albums, this anniversary show will be the ultimate ‘Best of Ayreon’. In 2019, *Electric Castle Live & Other Tales* was atmospheric and dynamic, while in 2023, *01011001 – Live Beneath the Waves* brought a mysterious, industrial and bombastic energy. However, the 30th anniversary shows will be an eclectic mix of all things Ayreon, making this the perfect event for Ayreonauts to come together and share their love of Arjen‘s music at the Ayreon celebration of the decade. Expect more details and surprises in the coming weeks!

Arjen Lucassen shared his thoughts: 

“After the overwhelming success of the previous Ayreon shows, and especially the warm reception from both the fans and the musicians, it was an easy decision to bring Ayreon back to the stage for more shows in 2025. But the big question was: what should be the theme of the show, and how can we surprise and delight the fans this time? The answer is simple—2025 marks Ayreon’s 30th anniversary! I can’t wait to see the fans’ reactions to a setlist of classic Ayreon songs, as well as some we’ve never performed live before. And of course, there will be an exciting new stage design and special effects. I hope to see you there!”

To give fans from all over the world the ultimate Ayreon experience, the city of Tilburg will once again be transformed into “Ayreon City” during the shows, with even more Ayreon events than ever before. There will be a revamped Ayreon pop-up store at 013’s Next Stage with exclusive merchandise, exciting elements and special performances. In addition, *01011001 – Live Beneath the Waves* will be screened at Pathé Cinema. Fans can look forward to an Ayreon campsite, official Ayreon hangouts after the shows, Ayreon flags around town, and restaurants and bars with special Ayreon menus and offers. In addition, you can expect Ayreon beer, exclusive fan discounts at local stores, and many more surprises to make this an unforgettable experience!

Lead producer and keyboardist Joost van den Broek added: 

“I’m extremely excited to play the best selection of Ayreon songs live during these shows,” says lead producer/keyboardist Joost van den Broek. “It’s refreshing not to play a whole studio album this time, but to be much freer to shape the show exactly the way we want. It will be a super versatile setlist that honors Arjen’s great repertoire of more than 30 years of music. I am excited about every step in this huge process to create the ultimate Ayreon ‘flight through time’. I can’t wait for next year’s show when everything we’ve been working on comes together in 013 and I’ll have the honour of being on stage alongside this amazing cast of musicians, playing for the always amazing and passionate Ayreon fans!”

Tickets go on sale on Thursday 31 October at 16:00 CET.