The Scene

The Scene

The Scene is a Dutch rock band from Amsterdam, formed in 1979 and active from then to the present. The line-up changes several times over the years, but the group’s sound stays closely tied to the singing and songwriting of Thé Lau, whose raw, hoarse voice and distinctive compositions define its style. The band works in nederpop and pop rock, with Dutch and English material appearing at different points in its catalogue.

Early years and first releases

At the start of 1980, the band is described by OOR as the best Dutch band without an album. Its first album appears in May that year. Most of the songs are in English, with two tracks in Dutch. The record receives a positive critical response but is less successful commercially.

A follow-up takes seven years to arrive. By 1987, the group includes Thé Lau, Emilie Blom van Assendelft on bass and Wim Zeeman on drums. In 1989, Otto Cooymans joins on piano and Eus van Someren on guitar, and the single Rauw, Hees, Teder is released. Jeroen Booy replaces Zeeman on drums in January 1990.

Breakthrough in Dutch-language rock

The band signs to Phonogram in 1990 and releases Rigoreus and Iedereen is van de Wereld, followed by Blauw, an album with entirely Dutch lyrics. The record is especially well received in Belgium and leads to an invitation to the international Torhout/Werchter festival the following year.

Open appears in 1992 and wins an Edison, followed by the Popprijs in 1993. In October 1993, the band releases Avenue de la Scene, a darker album that does not match the success of its predecessors, although its three singles receive radio play.

Later albums, changes and recognition

Arena is released on Island in 1996 and is produced by Emile den Tex. Otto Cooymans leaves the band in 1997 because of artistic disagreements and is replaced by Dante Oei. The first album with Oei, Marlene, appears in 1998 and is produced by Thé Lau himself.

In 2000, the compilation Rauw, Hees, Teder: Het Beste Van includes the hit single Helden, which is used in a Dutch commercial. That same year, the band receives a platinum record for Blauw, which passes 100,000 sales.

Break-up and reunion

After disagreements over a new album in 2002, Thé Lau says the band has disbanded. The Scene reforms in 2007 for a series of concerts, mainly at festivals, and releases 2007, which contains new versions of older songs as well as two new tracks. The reunion continues with Liefde Op Doorreis, released at the end of 2009.

Members

Named members associated with the band include Thé Lau, Emilie Blom van Assendelft, Otto Cooymans, Eus van Someren, Jeroen Booy, Dante Oei, Jan-Peter Bast, Kors Eijkelboom, Kim Snelten, Dimitri Veltkamp and André Versluijs.