Ghent’s Most Striking Fanfare Celebrates 20 Years of Music
They started as “classically trained little rascals” playing on the streets of Ghent for pints of beer during the Gentse Feesten. Two decades later, Die Verdammte Spielerei has grown into a cult phenomenon — performing as far as South Korea, winning the prestigious Ultima Audience Award, and becoming the beloved house band of the Veerleplein. This year, the six-member fanfare is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a year-long program of shows, culminating in daily afternoon performances throughout the Gentse Feesten (July 17–26).
From Street Corner to Cult Status
Founded in June 2006, Die Verdammte Spielerei — German for “The Damned Plaything” — began when six classically trained musicians decided to take their instruments to the streets. Their breakthrough came when they realized a straight orchestral setup wasn’t drawing crowds. “It was decided that a fool was needed to wheedle money out of people,” frontman Stefaan De Winter (41) told Het Laatste Nieuws. “That became me. And that’s when it became a success.”
The group — four saxophonists, one percussionist, and De Winter as the charismatic frontman and “fool” — has remained remarkably stable. Only one member has changed in two decades: “Dikke Kenny” replaced Bruno after the latter moved to the United States.
The Comment That Turned Heads
De Winter’s explanation for the band’s enduring harmony has drawn particular attention. “We still get along incredibly well. How is that possible? Because there are no women in the group. So we can’t argue about that,” he said with a laugh. “I see us a bit like a dice. Everyone is on top sometimes. And that works.”
Delivered in a lighthearted, self-deprecating tone, the remark has generated a spectrum of reactions — from amusement to anticipation of online debate. The band’s dynamic, however, is rooted in two decades of friendship and musical camaraderie rather than any exclusionary policy. The comment reflects the specific chemistry of this particular group rather than a general statement.
Unsubsidized Success
What makes Die Verdammte Spielerei’s story particularly noteworthy is their independence. The band operates entirely without government subsidies — unusual for a cultural group of their stature in Belgium. “It’s not easy to survive as an unsubsidized company,” De Winter acknowledged. “But we do it.”
Their model relies on performance fees, theater ticket sales, and audience goodwill — originally collected in ice cream buckets passed through the crowd. The band has since graduated to major theater productions, including three acclaimed shows: Een Dag met Stefaan (2015–2017), Nachtvorst (2017–2019), and Seniorie De Spielerei (2020–2024). A new production, Porselijm, debuted in 2026 as a celebration of 20 years of friendship.
International Reach, Local Heart
Despite their global reach — the band has performed in the Netherlands, London, and Suwon, South Korea — Die Verdammte Spielerei remains deeply rooted in Ghent. “None of us are originally from Ghent, yet everyone sees us as a Ghent band,” De Winter said. “We are very happy that the city has embraced us. That’s what makes Ghent Ghent.”
They have shared stages with notable Flemish artists including Flip Kowlier, Raymond, Jef Neve, Wim Opbrouck, and the Symphony Orchestra of Flanders. Their signature look — sleeveless undershirts known as marcellekes — has become their trademark, worn even in freezing weather.
A Festival Homecoming
Since 2025, Die Verdammte Spielerei has been the official house band of the Veerleplein during the Gentse Feesten, performing every afternoon. The square, once known for an older crowd, now draws a mixed audience of all ages. “Most of all, we still love playing at the classic Flemish folk festival,” De Winter said. “We play wherever we’re asked, though we say no just as often.”
What’s Next
As the band marks two decades, their anniversary celebrations continue with a year-long program of shows and appearances. Their current touring production, SAX, DRUGS & MARSMUZIEK, is described as a “battle against boredom, pessimism, and sadness” — a fitting mission statement for a band that has spent 20 years bringing joy to the streets of Ghent and beyond.
For those visiting the Gentse Feesten this week, the formula remains simple: six musicians, a pile of marcellekes, and an ice bucket’s worth of good cheer. As De Winter put it: “We’re still the same six rascals from 20 years ago — only now we have children between 3 and 18.”
Die Verdammte Spielerei performs daily at Sint-Veerleplein during the Gentse Feesten (July 17–26, 2026). More information is available on their official website.