Haarlem

2002, i landed in the Netherlands, no friends, no plan, no clue. Just me, a bike and a head full of noise.

Weekends were my escape: long rides through Haarlem’s narrow streets, wind in my face, music in my ears.

And then, i found Kane - the Dutch music band.

That sound.

That fire.

Raw, electric, untamed.

Rock that felt like the pulse of the city itself, my city. Haarlem.

Haarlem, where i learned to live alone and love it.

Where i shared nights of laughter, wine and way too much cheese. Where the Jazz Festival made the streets breathe rhythm.

Café 1900 and its live concerts… and late breakfasts with a book in one hand, cigarette in the other and hope in my heart.

Where cycling to Zandvoort turned into dancing ‘til sunrise at Mango’s with Hannah… wild, free, unstoppable. If she were still in this world, she’d be the one next to me at this concert, singing every line, eyes closed, heart open.

Haarlem where i was my own true.

… and where Kane became my soundtrack.

My rebellion.

My love story.

A song at my wedding.

A cry for Guusje, for love lost and remembered.

A whisper of Woezel and Pip, innocent and eternal.

Kane isn’t just a band. It’s a heartbeat.

It’s Haarlem, youth, courage, love, loss and freedom.