Douwe Bob was received with loud applause on Saturday evening when he appeared for his performance at the Gelderpop music festival in Voorthuizen, Gelderland. Upon arrival, the singer made ‘peace signs’ with his hands.
“Shall we only talk about fun things today?” the singer asked the audience during the performance. “Enough drama guys,” he continued. “Love. Lots of love for everyone. That’s ultimately what we have to do, right, come together.”
The Amsterdam singer-songwriter said he was “very happy” to be back on stage. “I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this for the world!” The atmosphere is relaxed during the performance, reports a reporter from news agency ANP on the spot.
It was the first performance of the 32-year-old Douwe Bob since he fled abroad with his family last week due to threats.
These followed the singer’s decision not to perform on Sunday at a Jewish football event for children in Amsterdam. The organization allegedly did not adhere to the agreements to omit “religious or political statements,” according to Douwe Bob. That’s why he stepped off the stage.
A man has been arrested for threatening the artist. The pre-trial detention of the 38-year-old Amsterdammer has been extended by two weeks on Friday.