Qlimax

Last updated
Qlimax
7-1-scaled.jpg
Genre Hardstyle, Hardcore, Hardhouse, Hard trance (formerly), Subground (formerly)
Location(s) Netherlands
Years active2000–2024
Founders Q-dance
Website Q-dance Website

Qlimax was an annual hardstyle and hard dance event in the Netherlands. It was a major attraction held by Q-dance, and considered to be one of the leading hardstyle events, attracting nearly 30,000 people annually. [1] It contains some of the most sophisticated production and setup, as well as sound system for any Q-dance event. On the 25th of July 2024, Q-Dance announced that Qlimax 2024 will be the very last edition.

Contents

History

During the first few years following Qlimax's debut, the event used to have several editions each year. Since 2004, it was changed to the third or fourth week of November. At first it was held at the Beursgebouw (Eindhoven) and then moved to various other venues such as the SilverDome (Zoetermeer) and Heineken Music Hall (Amsterdam), but eventually settled at the GelreDome in 2003 (Arnhem).

Artists and event

Many artists consider being chosen to play at Qlimax as a highlight since the event is used to showcase the most successful artists in their respective genre. The beginning saw the lineup featuring genres ranging from Hardhouse to Techno. This was changed to traditionally begin with one Hardtrance act, numerous Hardstyle acts and then finish off with one Hardcore/Gabber act. This was changed in 2008 with the removal of the Jumpstyle act and in 2009 with the replacement of the Hardtrance act to one playing early Hardstyle.

In 2021, the event would have taken place during the day for the first time to adhere to the COVID-19 pandemic precautions and guidelines at that time in the Netherlands. [2] A week before the event was due, the event was cancelled and adapted to an online event. [3] [4]

On the 25th of July 2024, Q-Dance announced that Qlimax 2024 will be the very last edition. With this announcement, Q-Dance has ended one of the oldest hardstyle events.

The sound, light, pyrotechnic and stage setup at Qlimax is substantial. Around 350 L'Acoustics speaker boxes are deployed in the arena, with a majority being suspended from the ceiling. The conventional part of the lighting setup is controlled from 3 light desks, and the laser show is done by a certified laser show operator. Booths for technicians is placed out in the crowd, giving them the overview they need, as well as the sound coverage needed to ensure everyone is having the most ideal possible sound at all times.

Anthems

Like most of the Q-dance events, an anthem is made every year by the headlining DJ (with the exception of 2001 and 2002) to represent that edition. Below is a list of the anthems for each edition:

Dutch Anthems

Editions

YearDateLocationThemeAnthemMCLineup (in no particular order)
20003 JuneBeursgebouw, Eindhoven (Holland)N/AN/ARuffianCaptain Tinrib, Dana, Nick Sentience, Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Ian M, Remy, Rank 1, Jon the Dentist, The Advent, CJ Bolland, and Pavo.
20012 June Heineken Music Hall, AmsterdamN/AN/ARuffianAcid Junkies, Alpha Twins, Bas & Ram, Dana, Gary D, Jon The Baptist, Kai Tracid, Lisa Loud, Marco V, Michel de Hey, and Mauro Picotto.
20026 April Thialf Stadion, HeerenveenCosmosN/ARuffianCaptain Tinrib (Live), Cosmic Spoils, Dana, Gary D, Kai Tracid, Pavo, Technoboy, and Warmduscher.
200221 SeptemberSilverDome, ZoetermeerInfectionN/ARuffianAlpha Twins, Bas & Ram, Charly Lownoise, Dana, The Darkman, Gizmo, Haze & Abyss, DJ Isaac, Luna, Melanie de Tria, Pavo, Pila, Sunny D, Technoboy, and Zenith DJ.
200312 April Thialf Stadion, HeerenveenFollow The Leader The Prophet - Follow The LeaderRuffian Dana, Gary D, Isaac, Luna, Pavo, Pila, Super Marco May, Technoboy, The Prophet (Anthem Show), and Zenith DJ.
200322 November GelreDome, ArnhemThe Prophecy Deepack - The ProphecyRuffianBas & Ram, Daniele Mondello, Deepack (anthem show), Kai Tracid, Luna, Max B Grant, Pavo, The Prophet, Technoboy, and Bass D & King Matthew
200427 November GelreDome, ArnhemDestiny's PathFuture Tribes - Deadlock (Unofficial)Mouth Of MadnessCharly Lownoise, Dana, Luna, Igor S, Outblast, Pavo, Technoboy & The Prophet, and Zany.
200519 November GelreDome, ArnhemScience & Religion DJ Zany - Science & ReligionRuffianBas & Ram, The Beholder & Ballistic, Pila, Zany (Anthem Show), The Prophet, Luna, DJ Isaac, Alpha Twins, Technoboy, and Vince.
200625 November GelreDome, ArnhemThe DarksideAlpha Twins - The Darkside (Co-Produced with JDX)RuffianAlpha Twins (anthem show), Dana, Luna, The Prophet feat. Headhunterz, Promo, DJ Ruthless, Showtek, Tatanka, Zany & Donkey Rollers (Live), and Yves de Ruyter.
200717 November GelreDome, ArnhemThe Power of the Mind Headhunterz - The Power of the MindRuffianFausto, DJ Ghost, Brennan Heart, Showtek (feat. MC DV8), Headhunterz (Live) (Anthem Show), Technoboy, The Prophet & Zany, and DJ Neophyte.
200822 November GelreDome, ArnhemNext Dimensional World Technoboy - Next Dimensional WorldRuffianMark Sherry, Showtek, Headhunterz (Live), Project One, D-Block & S-te-Fan, Technoboy (anthem show), Tatanka, and Zany & Vince.
200921 November GelreDome, ArnhemThe Nature of Our MindD-Block & S-te-Fan - The Nature of Our MindRuffianDJ Isaac, A-Lusion, Davide Sonar (Live), Brennan Heart, Technoboy, D-Block & S-te-Fan (anthem show), Headhunterz, Noisecontrollers (feat. MC Renegade), Deepack, and Noize Suppressor (LIVE).
201027 November GelreDome, ArnhemAlternate RealityBrennan Heart - Alternate RealityRuffianPavelow, DJ Stephanie, Wildstylez, Wildstylez & Noisecontrollers (Surprise Act), TNT aka Technoboy & Tuneboy (Live), Brennan Heart (Anthem Show), D-Block & S-te-Fan, Psyko Punkz (Live), Zatox, and Endymion vs. Evil Activities.
201126 November GelreDome, ArnhemExperiment DomeZatox - No Way BackRuffianStana, Coone, Headhunterz, Zany & The Pitcher (feat. MC DV8), Noisecontrollers, Zatox (anthem show), Ran-D, Gunz For Hire, and The Prophet.
201224 November GelreDome, ArnhemFate Or FortunePsyko Punkz - Fate Or FortuneRuffian (with Villain as a B2B MC)A*S*Y*S, Wildstylez, Frontliner, Isaac, Technoboy, Zatox, Psyko Punkz (Anthem Show), Brennan Heart, B-Front (feat. MC DV8), Adaro, and Evil Activities (feat. E-Life).
201323 November GelreDome, ArnhemImmortal EssenceGunz For Hire ft. Ruffian - ImmortalRuffianActi, Wildstylez & Max Enforcer, Code Black, Coone, Gunz For Hire (anthem show feat. Ruffian), Noisecontrollers, Zatox, Alpha Twins, and Mad Dog & Art of Fighters.
201422 November GelreDome, ArnhemThe Source Code of CreationNoisecontrollers – The Source Code of CreationRuffianAudiofreq & Technoboy, Headhunterz, Atmozfears, Frontliner, Noisecontrollers (Anthem Show), Ran-D, Crypsis, Endymion, The Viper, and Partyraiser.
201521 November GelreDome, ArnhemEquilibriumAtmozfears - EquilibriumVillainDJ Isaac, Bass Modulators, Atmozfears (anthem show), Noisecontrollers & Wildstylez (90 minute set), Brennan Heart, Ran-D, Zatox & Adaro (DJ), Frequencerz, Deetox, and Tha Playah.
201619 November GelreDome, ArnhemRise of the CelestialsCoone - Rise of the CelestialsVillainTuneboy, Audiotricz, Brennan Heart (vs. Blademasterz), Coone (Anthem Show), Project One, Bass Modulators, Frequencerz, B-Front, Angerfist, and Ran-D.
201718 November GelreDome, ArnhemTemple of LightWildstylez - Temple of LightVillainTNT aka Technoboy & Tuneboy, D-Block & S-Te-Fan, Wildstylez (Anthem Show), Da Tweekaz, Noisecontrollers & Atmozfears, Frequencerz, Phuture Noize (Surprise Act), Sub Zero Project, Gunz for Hire, and N-Vitral.
201824 November GelreDome, ArnhemThe Game ChangerSub Zero Project - The Game ChangerVillainLuna, Sound Rush, Coone, Bass Modulators, Wildstylez (LIVE), Sub Zero Project (Anthem Show), Tweekacore, Phuture Noize, B-Freqz, and Dr. Peacock (feat. Da Mouth of Madness).
201923 November GelreDome, ArnhemSymphony of ShadowsB-Front - Symphony of ShadowsVillainThe Qreator, KELTEK, Sound Rush, D-Block & S-Te-Fan, Headhunterz, B-Front (Anthem Show), Ran-D, D-Sturb, Rejecta, Radical Redemption (feat. MC Nolz), and Miss K8.
202028 November
  • Various location (The Source)
  • Centrale Markthallen, Amsterdam (Afterparty; Streaming)
The Source (as visual concept album)Qlimax The Source OSTVillainThe Qreator, Sub Zero Project, Phuture Noize, Headhunterz & JDX, B-Front, KELTEK, and Sefa.
202120 NovemberCentrale Markthallen, Amsterdam (Streaming)Distorted Reality (originally as The Reawakening)Ran-D ft. Charlotte Wessels - The ReawakeningVillainZany, D-Block & S-Te-Fan, The Qreator, Sub Zero Project, Ran-D, Shadow Priests (KELTEK, Devin Wild, Frequencerz, Vertile; Surprise Act), Sound Rush, Rebelion, D-Sturb & Act of Rage, and Sefa & Dr. Peacock.
202226 November GelreDome, ArnhemThe ReawakeningRan-D ft. Charlotte Wessels - The ReawakeningVillainZany, The Qreator, Sound Rush, D-Block & S-Te-Fan, Ran-D (Anthem Show), Sub Zero Project, The Prophet, Rebelion, D-Sturb & Act Of Rage, Rooler, and Sefa.
202318 November GelreDome, ArnhemEnter the VoidHard Driver – Enter The VoidVillainDeepack, Brennan Heart present Blademasterz, Showtek, TNT (Technoboy & Tuneboy), Hard Driver (Anthem Show), Devin Wild, The Qreator, B-Front x Phuture Noize: The Enlightenment, Shadow Priests (Cryex & The Purge & Adjuzt), Vertile, Warface, Deadly Guns, MC Villain.
202416 November GelreDome, ArnhemThe Final ProphecyN/AVillainDeepack vs Luna vs Zany, Wildstylez & Noisecontrollers, Coone, The Darkside of Hardstyle, Brennan Heart aka Blademasterz, D-Block & S-Te-Fan, Phases of Hardstyle, TNT (Technoboy & Tuneboy), Sub Zero Project, The Power of the Mind [HeadHunterz's Tribute], B-Front & Phuture Noize, Adaro, Rebelion, D-Sturb & Act of Rage, Mad Dog, Sefa & Dr.Peacock


Most significant artists

DJ'sjun-00okt-00feb-01jun-01dec-01apr-02sep-02apr-03nov-032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202220232024Total
Armin Van BuurenX1
Captain TinribXXX3
CJ BollandX1
Ferry CorstenX1
Ian MX1
Jon the DentistXXX3
Rank 1X1
RemiXX2
The AdventX1
DanaXXXXXXXXX9
Nick SentienceXX2
PavoXXXXXXXX8
Billy BunterX1
K90X1
RubecX1
Steve HillX1
AstridX1
Garry DXXXX4
MarushaX1
PilaXXXXXX6
SpiderX1
The ScientistX1
Laidback LukeX1
Sunny DXXX3
Acid JunkiesXX2
Kai TracidXX2
Lisa LoudX1
Mauro picottoX1
Alpha2XXXXXX6
Bas & RamXXXX4
Marco VX1
Michel de HeyX1
PromoX1
Melanie di TriaXX2
RussenmafiaX1
TechnoboyXXXXXXXXXXXX12
WarpbrothersX1
Don DiabloX1
LunaXXXXXXXXX9
Cosmic GateX1
WarmduscherX1
DarkmanX1
Charly LownoiseXX2
ZenithXX2
GizmoX1
IcaacXXXXXX6
Haze & AbyssX1
Super Marco MayX1
The ProphetXXXXXXXX8
DeepackXXXX4
Bass-D & King MatthewX1
Danielle MondelloX1
Max B. GrantX1
Igor SX1
OutblastX1
ZanyXXXXXXX7
BalisticX1
The BeholderX1
VinceXX2
Bass & RamX1
Yves DeruyterX1
HeadhunterzXXXXXXX7
RuthlessX1
ShowtekXXXX4
TatankaXX2
Donkey RollersX1
Brennan HeartXXXXXXX7
FaustoX1
GhostX1
NeoPhyteX1
D-Block & S-te-FanXXXXXXX7
Mark SherryX1
Project OneXX2
A-LusionX1
Davide SonarX1
NoisecontrollersXXXXXX6
Noise SuppressorXX2
EndymionXX2
Evil ActivitiesXX2
PavelowX1
Psyko PunkzXX2
StephanieX1
TNTXXXX4
WildstylezXXXXXXX7
ZatoxXXXXX5
CooneXXXXX5
Ran-DXXXXXX6
StanaX1
The PitcherX1
Gunz For HireXXX3
A*S*Y*SX1
AdaroXXX3
B-FrontXXXXX5
FrontlinerXX2
ACTIX1
Art of FightersX1
Code BlackX1
Mad DogXX2
Max EnforcerX1
AtmozfearsXXX3
AudiofreqX1
CrypsisX1
PartyraiserX1
The ViperX1
Bass ModulatorsXXX3
DeetoxX1
FrequencerzXXX3
Tha PlayahX1
TuneboyX1
AudiotriczX1
BlademasterzXXX3
AngerfistX1
Phuture NoizeXXXX4
Da TweekazX1
Sub Zero ProjectXXXX4
N-VitralX1
B-FreqzX1
Dr. PeacockXX2
Sound RushXXX3
TweekacoreX1
D-SturbXXX3
RejectaX1
Miss K8X1
Radical RedemtionX1
KeltekX1
Act of RageXX2
RebelionXX2
RoolerX1
SefaXX2
The QreatorX1
Deadly GunsX1
Devin WildX1
VertileX1
WarfaceX1
Hard DriverX1

[5]

See also

Related Research Articles

Hardstyle is an electronic dance genre that emerged in the late 1990s, with origins in the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy. Hardstyle mixes influences from techno, new beat and hardcore.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GelreDome</span> Football stadium in Arnhem, Netherlands

The GelreDome is a retractable roof and pitch football stadium in the city of Arnhem, Netherlands. Built from 1996 to 1998 at a cost equivalent to €75 million, that opened on 25 March 1998. The stadium has been the home of association football club Vitesse Arnhem since 1998. It was one of the stadiums used during Euro 2000 tournament held in the Netherlands and Belgium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angerfist</span> Dutch hardcore producer and DJ (born 1981)

Danny Masseling, better known by his stage name Angerfist, is a Dutch hardcore producer and DJ.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sensation (event)</span> Music event in Europe

Sensation is an indoor electronic dance music event which originated in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and organized by ID&T. The original event, which ran exclusively in the Amsterdam Arena for a period of five years until 2005, is now located throughout various European and a few non-European countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Technoboy</span> Italian hardstyle DJ

Cristiano Giusberti, known by his primary stage name Technoboy, is an Italian hardstyle DJ and producer from Bologna.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Headhunterz</span> Dutch Hardstyle DJ and record producer

Willem Rebergen, better known by his stage name Headhunterz, is a Dutch DJ and music producer. Rebergen is also a voice actor. He has done dubbing for several movies and TV series. He started his career in 2005 working on Hardstyle music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Showtek</span> Dutch electronic dance music duo

Showtek is a Dutch electronic dance music duo consisting of two brothers from Eindhoven, Wouter Janssen. and Sjoerd Janssen. The duo regularly manages to reach the top of multiple music charts and work with artists such as Tiësto, Chris Brown and David Guetta. Showtek was ranked 17th in the Top 100 DJs list of 2014 but by the magazine's 2016 list, they had dropped to 96th. The brothers, who have been musically active since 2001, also offer podcasts on their own radio show on the music streaming service iTunes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Q-dance</span> Dutch event organization company

Q-dance is a Dutch company that organizes events and festivals that focuses on the harder styles of dance music – mainly hardstyle, hardcore, and hard trance. Popular events and festivals organized by Q-dance are Defqon.1 Festival, Qlimax and Dominator. Q-Dance has organized multiple events and festivals in the past such as Qapital, The Qontinent, Impaqt, Q-Base, EPIQ, and X-Qlusive. The events of Q-dance are easily identified by the letter “Q” on the event names. The logo of Q-dance is inspired by the knobs on DJ mixers, which if turned 120 degrees to the right creates the letter “Q”.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wildstylez</span> Dutch hardstyle DJ and record producer

Joram Metekohy, better known by his stage name Wildstylez, is a Dutch hardstyle DJ and record producer. Having previously released hardstyle records under the alias 'Seizure', Joram Metekohy had his first solo release as Wildstylez in 2007 on the Scantraxx sub-label Scantraxx Reloaded. In 2010, he started the record label Digital:Age in collaboration with Noisecontrollers. After he stopped releasing on Digital:Age, and its subsequent collapse, Wildstylez had a string of releases on Q-Dance Records and also released many tracks for free via social media. In 2013, Wildstylez founded his own hardstyle label, Lose Control Music, under the parent label Be Yourself Music. As of 2014, he and Max Enforcer now release their own music through Lose Control Music. Later, in 2018, Wildstylez founded the label Art of Creation with Headhunterz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deepack</span> Dutch hardstyle duo

Deepack is a hardstyle duo from the Netherlands consisting of Frank Pechler and Marcel Van Der Zwan. The two met in high school in the 1990s, and started producing together directly after they graduated. In 2001, they teamed up with Dutch Hardcore legend Charly Lownoise. Their first releases were on the record label of Dutch party planning organization Q-dance. Deepack have had strong ties with Q-dance, even producing the anthem for their biggest event, Qlimax, in 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hardwell</span> Dutch DJ and music producer

Robbert van de Corput, known professionally as Hardwell, is a Dutch DJ and music producer from Breda. He was voted the world's number one DJ by DJ Mag in 2013 and again in 2014. In 2022, he was ranked at number 43 in the top 100 DJs poll by DJ Mag. He is best known for his sets at music festivals, including Ultra Music Festival, Sunburn and Tomorrowland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Defqon.1 Festival</span> Annual music festival in the Netherlands

Defqon.1 Weekend Festival is an annual music festival held in the Netherlands. In the past, it was also held in Chile and Australia. Founded in 2003 by festival organizer Q-dance, the festival plays mostly hardstyle and related genres such as rawstyle, hardcore, early and classic.

Frenchcore is a subgenre of hardcore techno. The style differs from other forms of hardcore in terms of a faster tempo, usually above 160 –185 BPM, and a loud and distorted offbeat bassline.

Audiotricz are a Dutch electronic music duo from Nunspeet, consisting of Kenneth Kroes and Leon Benschop who perform and produce music together within the hardstyle genre.

Thijs Ploegmakers, known musically as Adaro, is a Dutch DJ and producer. He has produced music in several dance styles, and in 2008 started producing raw hardstyle, for which he is considered to be one of the originators of.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Code Black (DJ)</span> Australian DJ

Corey Soljan, better known by his artistic name Code Black, is an Australian hardstyle-DJ and music producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ran-D</span> Dutch DJ and music producer

Randy "Ran-D" Wieland is a Dutch DJ and music producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atmozfears</span> Dutch hardstyle producer

Tim van de Stadt, known his stage name Atmozfears, is a Dutch hardstyle artist. Atmozfears was previously a trio, consisting of Tim, Kevin Keiser and Michael Jessen, formed in 2009. By the end of 2012, Jessen had left the group. In February 2012, Atmozfears joined the hardstyle label Scantraxx Records. Atmozfears has played at such festivals as Defqon.1, The Qontinent, Q-Base and Tomorrowland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amsterdam Music Festival</span> Dutch music festival

The Amsterdam Music Festival (AMF) is an electronic dance music (EDM) event that takes place during the Amsterdam Dance Event mid-October in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Since the second edition in 2014, the main event has taken place in the Johan Cruijff Arena. In 2015 and 2016 the event was a multiple day EDM-event.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sub Zero Project</span> Dutch music duo

Sub Zero Project is a Dutch hardstyle producer duo, consisting of Thomas Velderman and Nigel Coppen, most known for making the Qlimax 2018 anthem "The Game Changer". They are the youngest Qlimax anthem makers in history.

References

  1. ↑ "Waarom het mysterieuze hardstyle feest Qlimax zo populair is". De Gelderlander (in Dutch). 2019-11-23. Retrieved 2022-08-27.
  2. ↑ "Hardstylefeest Qlimax keert terug, maar wel overdag". Algemeen Dagblad (in Dutch). 2021-09-15. Retrieved 2022-08-27.
  3. ↑ "Qlimax werkt aan 'WAT NOU: NEE' editie". 3voor12 (in Dutch). Retrieved 2022-08-27.
  4. ↑ "Stoppen na één dag opbouwen: Qlimax sneuvelt". NRC (in Dutch). Retrieved 2022-08-27.
  5. ↑ "Google Doc with all the DJ's who have played at Qlimax". Reddit. 2024-11-17. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.