The Hives

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The Hives Live at AFAS Live, Amsterdam: A Saturday Night of Pure, Unadulterated Rock ‘n’ Roll

Prepare yourselves, Amsterdam! On Saturday, 22 November 2025, the legendary Swedish purveyors of garage rock revival, The Hives, are set to unleash their electrifying energy upon the hallowed halls of AFAS Live. This isn’t just another concert; it’s a full-throttle immersion into a world where sharp suits meet snarling guitars, and every note is delivered with the precision and ferocity of a sonic lightning bolt. If you crave a night where the music is loud, the performance is captivating, and the sheer joy of rock ‘n’ roll is palpable, then look no further. The Hives are renowned for their explosive live shows, a spectacle that transcends mere musical performance and becomes a visceral, unforgettable experience. Get ready to be swept away by their infectious charisma and a setlist that promises to be a relentless barrage of their greatest hits.

About The Hives

Hailing from Fagersta, Sweden, The Hives emerged from the late 1990s garage rock revival with a sound and a style that was both refreshingly retro and undeniably modern. Formed in 1993, the band comprises charismatic frontman Pelle Almqvist, his guitarist brother Niklas Almqvist (known as Vigilante Carlstroem), bassist Johan Gustafsson (Dr. Matt Destruction), drummer Mikael Eriksson (Chris Dangerous), and keyboardist Christian Stalone (Stringerd). Their breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed album Veni Vidi Vicious in 2000, a masterpiece of fuzzy riffs, primal screams, and a swagger that instantly set them apart. Tracks like “Hate to Say I Told You So” became anthems for a generation, a testament to their ability to craft infectious, high-energy rock songs that are as intelligent as they are raw.

The Hives built their reputation not just on their music, but on their electrifying live performances and their distinctive visual aesthetic. Always clad in immaculate, matching black and white suits, they project an image of cool, almost cartoonish menace, a perfectly curated visual accompaniment to their sonic assault. Their live shows are legendary for their intensity, with Pelle Almqvist often prowling the stage like a coiled viper, engaging the audience with his rapid-fire patter and boundless energy. They possess a rare talent for uniting a crowd, turning any venue into a sweaty, euphoric mosh pit.

Over the years, The Hives have released a string of acclaimed albums, including Tyrannous (2004), The Black and White Album (2007), and Lex Hives (2012), each showcasing their consistent ability to deliver sharp, riff-driven rock anthems. Their most recent offering, The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons (2023), proved they are far from resting on their laurels, delivering a fresh dose of their signature sound with biting lyrics and infectious energy. Despite nearly three decades in the music industry, The Hives remain a formidable force, their commitment to pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll as strong as ever. They are not just musicians; they are rock ‘n’ roll showmen of the highest order, and their performances are a masterclass in how to ignite an audience.

Venue Information

AFAS Live, formerly known as the Heineken Music Hall, is Amsterdam’s premier indoor music venue, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and state-of-the-art facilities. Designed with live music at its heart, the venue offers an intimate yet expansive atmosphere, ensuring that every seat provides a fantastic view of the stage. Its distinctive black interior and cutting-edge lighting systems create a dramatic backdrop for any performance, amplifying the energy of the artists and the excitement of the crowd. With a capacity that allows for a significant gathering of fans while still maintaining a sense of connection, AFAS Live is the perfect setting for a band as dynamic and engaging as The Hives. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

When The Hives take the stage at AFAS Live on Saturday, 22 November 2025, you can expect an evening that is less a concert and more a meticulously orchestrated explosion of rock ‘n’ roll. Their setlists are a masterclass in fan service, expertly weaving together their most iconic hits with a selection of fan favourites and potentially some deeper cuts that will satisfy even the most dedicated followers. Expect a relentless barrage of their greatest anthems, including the unforgettable “Hate to Say I Told You So,” the ferocious “Tick Tick Boom,” the swaggering “Walk Idiot Walk,” and the pure adrenaline rush of “Main Offender.” These are songs that are designed to be sung at the top of your lungs, to be bounced around to, and to leave you feeling invigorated.

The Hives’ performance style is nothing short of captivating. Lead singer Pelle Almqvist is a whirlwind of controlled chaos, a true frontman in every sense of the word. He commands the stage with an electrifying presence, his quick wit and sardonic commentary punctuated by sharp movements and an unshakeable connection with the audience. He’s not just singing the songs; he’s living them, embodying the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll with every ounce of his being. The rest of the band are equally dynamic, a tight-knit unit delivering their signature riff-heavy sound with precision and power. Expect intricate guitar solos, a thunderous rhythm section, and a collective energy that is infectious. The visual spectacle is as much a part of the experience as the audio; their immaculately tailored suits and synchronized stage presence add a touch of theatricality that sets them apart. The show is typically around 90 minutes to 2 hours long, packed with non-stop action and a constant flow of high-octane rock. Prepare for an immersive experience where the energy never dips, the music never falters, and the sheer joy of live music is celebrated.

FAQs

Q1: Will The Hives be playing songs from their new album, The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons? Absolutely. The Hives are known for seamlessly integrating their latest material into their electrifying live sets. Fans can anticipate hearing some of the standout tracks from The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons, which has been met with critical acclaim and continues their legacy of delivering sharp, infectious rock anthems.

Q2: What is The Hives’ typical stage attire? The Hives are famous for their distinctive and immaculately coordinated stage costumes. You can expect them to be dressed in their signature sharp, matching black and white suits, complete with ties and slicked-back hair. This visual element is an integral part of their performance persona and adds to the overall spectacle of their shows.

Q3: How energetic are The Hives’ live performances? The Hives are renowned for their incredibly energetic and dynamic live shows. Lead singer Pelle Almqvist is a force of nature on stage, known for his charismatic stage presence, rapid-fire banter, and boundless energy. The entire band delivers a high-octane performance that is guaranteed to get the crowd moving.

Q4: Can I expect The Hives to play their biggest hits like “Hate to Say I Told You So”? You most certainly can! The Hives always deliver a setlist that includes their most beloved and well-known hits. Tracks like “Hate to Say I Told You So,” “Tick Tick Boom,” “Walk Idiot Walk,” and “Main Offender” are staples of their live shows and are guaranteed to be part of the exhilarating experience at AFAS Live.

Q5: Is there a specific age restriction for attending The Hives concert? While AFAS Live may have general venue policies, The Hives concerts are generally open to all ages, though it is always advisable for younger attendees to be accompanied by an adult. Please check the specific ticketing information for any age-related restrictions that may apply to this event.

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