Amsterdam Dance Event News
Ruben de Ronde on the Future of Trance Music, Streaming Communities, and Ibiza 2025
From iconic radio moments to building global dance communities, Ruben de Ronde opens up about his career, Ibiza 2025, and the evolving future of trance music.
Dutch DJ, producer, and Twitch streamer Ruben de Ronde is no stranger to the spotlight—or the underground. Known for his long-standing role with A State of Trance Radio and his pioneering presence on Twitch, de Ronde has played a defining role in shaping the future of trance music over the past two decades. In an exclusive chat with Adam K and Amy Farina on 10 Days in Dance, he dives deep into genre fluidity, streaming culture, and what lies ahead for the global dance scene.
From Broadcast Booths to Global Stages
Ruben’s journey into electronic music began with humble, almost hidden roots—literally broadcasting from a container at Tomorrowland. That experience blossomed into a long-term media collaboration and a significant role at A State of Trance, where he has co-hosted with Armin van Buuren for over 18 years.
“The biggest shift has been seeing how fans connect to music,” Ruben explains. “It used to be about getting on air or in a club. Now, it’s about community and access.”
Ibiza 2025: The Scene is Shifting
Reflecting on a packed 2025 schedule, Ruben highlights how Ibiza’s club culture is mirroring broader trends in the future of trance music. Having already performed at Eden and Ushuaïa before summer officially kicked off, he sees a longer, more inclusive season evolving.
“Ibiza used to start in June and end by September,” he says. “Now, it’s becoming a year-round destination. That changes how we approach shows and sound.”
Ruben’s recent performance alongside Armin van Buuren, Cosmic Gate, and Billy Gillies at Ushuaïa showcases how trance is still a dominant force—even as musical borders become blurrier.
The Power of Streaming and Community
A standout theme in Ruben’s career—and one reshaping the future of trance music—is the rise of artist-driven communities through platforms like Twitch. His “Statemates” community grew from streaming music sessions into real-life friendships, even relationships.
“Streaming lets fans watch a track come to life in real time,” he says. “By the time it’s released, people already love it because they were part of its journey. That’s where the future of trance music lies—in shared creative experience.”
Reimagining Trance Through Collaboration
De Ronde’s new alias, Energy 2000, leans into old-school trance vibes with a modern twist. Collaborations with legends like Ferry Corsten, Mauro Picotto, and York are part of a bigger movement to reshape the sound for a new era.
“I’m not just playing classics—I’m making new music that honors that era. It’s a way to celebrate where trance came from while pushing it forward,” he says.
Projects like Ebenezer (with Steven Bahn) show his commitment to innovation. The project fuses trance and techno, expanding what’s possible within the evolving definition of the genre.
Are Genres Even Relevant Anymore?
Perhaps the most compelling insight Ruben offers is his take on the future of trance music as genre lines dissolve.
“I don’t think more genres are being added—I think genres are disappearing,” he says. “Trance today includes everything from melodic techno to acid to hard trance. It’s all under one big emotional umbrella.”
De Ronde argues that DJs now have a responsibility to introduce fresh sounds that fall outside of listeners’ algorithms. He’s championing a generation of artists like Kiki, Mau P, and Heartstrings, who blend high-BPM intensity with trance’s emotional core.
“The new generation doesn’t care about genre boxes. They want to feel something—and that’s always been the heart of trance.”
Armada, ADE, and What’s Next
Ruben continues to work closely with Armada Music, including a major Statement label relaunch and new artist signings. He also hinted at behind-the-scenes collaborations tied to Q-dance and genre fusion efforts across dance music’s harder and faster edges.
With Amsterdam Dance Event approaching, Ruben expects more spontaneous pop-ups than formal events. “Every year I say I’ll do less, and every year I end up doing more,” he laughs. “That’s the beauty of the scene—it’s alive, evolving, and always unexpected.”
David Guetta AMF 2026 confirmed for Johan Cruijff Arena on Saturday, October 24, 2026
AMF returns to the Johan Cruijff Arena during Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), announcing global icon David Guetta as the first headliner for its 2026 edition, returning after six years. The French superstar and number 1 DJ in the world brings his Monolith Show to Amsterdam on Saturday, October 24, 2026, marking a major moment for both the festival and the artist. Pre-registration is now open, with tickets going on sale Wednesday, March 25. Pre-sale tickets will be available from 12:00 CET, followed by the general sale at 15:00 CET via amf-festival.com.
David Guetta Returns to AMF After Six Years
David Guetta’s return to AMF places him back at the centre of one of ADE’s most visible stages, with the event continuing to close out the week inside the Johan Cruijff Arena. His previous appearances at AMF go back to the period when the show consistently filled the arena with crowds of around 40,000, with lineups that included Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix, Hardwell, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and Tiësto across different editions. David Guetta appeared on lineups such as AMF 2019, before returning again in 2020, which is the last time he performed at the event.
That six-year gap is what gives this booking more weight. AMF has remained a fixed point in Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), but the names leading each edition have shifted across recent years. Bringing David Guetta back into that closing slot for 2026, which also aligns with ADE’s 30th anniversary, places him again within the group of artists historically tied to the final night of the week. While ADE unfolds across clubs and venues such as Paradiso, Melkweg, and Shelter, AMF stands apart as a single-night stadium show, which is where this return carries significance.
What the Monolith Show Actually Is
For AMF 2026, David Guetta is set to present his Monolith Show, a production format introduced across his recent large-scale performances. According to the official Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) announcement, the show is centred around a vertical LED monolith structure, supported by 3D mapping and a detailed lighting system designed for stadium environments. This gives a clearer picture of what is being brought to Amsterdam, especially within a venue the size of the Johan Cruijff Arena.
The same concept has been tied to upcoming stadium shows, including dates at Stade de France, where the production is described around the same monolith-based structure. That continuity suggests that the version presented at AMF 2026 will follow the same format, adjusted to the scale of the arena. In practical terms, this points to a set where visual production plays a central role alongside the music, consistent with how David Guetta has been presenting his recent headline performances.
AMF 2026 Ticket Sales and Pre-Registration Details
With David Guetta confirmed for AMF 2026, pre-registration is now open ahead of the first ticket release. This phase has been used consistently by AMF to manage early demand, particularly once the first headline name is announced and interest begins to concentrate around initial ticket phases.
Pre-sale begins on Wednesday, March 25 at 12:00 CET, followed by the general sale at 15:00 CET via the official AMF platform. In previous editions, the main floor inside the Johan Cruijff Arena has typically been the first to sell out, alongside premium and VIP options that offer designated viewing areas within the venue. With the first announcement now confirmed, further lineup additions are expected in the lead-up to Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) as the full AMF 2026 lineup is revealed.
Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 proved once again why it’s the world’s premier electronic music conference and festival. From October 22-26, the Dutch capital transformed into a 24/7 celebration of dance music culture. The city hosted over 1,000 events across five incredible days. Attendees caught sunrise sets on moving trains, danced at plastic-free raves, and got up close with superstar DJs in intimate venues. Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 delivered unforgettable experiences at every turn. Here’s our roundup of the standout moments that defined this year’s edition.
Dannic Pizza Party
One of the most unique experiences at Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 came courtesy of Dannic’s innovative pizza party concept. This wasn’t your typical DJ set. Attendees got to make their own pizzas, including vegan options. They participated in an intimate Q&A session and heard unreleased tracks before anyone else. Fans could even submit their own productions for Dannic to review and provide feedback. This created an invaluable learning opportunity. Only at ADE do you get this close to massive DJs. This pizza party perfectly captured what makes Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 so special—the accessibility and genuine connection between artists and fans.
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AVAION at Paradiso
For two straight hours, AVAION commanded the packed upstairs room at Paradiso. He delivered an intimate showcase that felt worlds away from massive festival stages. True fans dedicated to his sound filled the legendary venue. They created an electric atmosphere where you could get genuinely close to the artist. Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 excelled at creating these special moments. Established acts could connect with their most devoted followers. The energy in that room proved that sometimes the most memorable sets happen in the smallest spaces.
Verknipt: The Big Opening
Kicking off Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 with relentless hard techno energy, Verknipt’s Big Opening at AFAS Live set the perfect tone for the week ahead. The sold-out event featured jaw-dropping lasers and incredible back-to-back sets. Verknipt’s signature good vibes kept the crowd moving until 8:00 AM. The diverse lineup included impressive female representation, with women crushing it on the decks throughout the night. Despite the exhaustion that comes with dancing until sunrise, everyone agreed it was the ideal way to launch into ADE week. It delivered the high-energy introduction that Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 deserved.
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Tomorrowland Expo
A beautiful departure from the usual club circuit, the Tomorrowland Expo offered an interactive museum experience. It celebrated the festival’s journey from its humble 2005 beginnings to today’s global phenomenon. Attendees wore headphones to hear curated music while exploring different aspects of the Tomorrowland brand. The exhibition featured everything from housewares and wine to exclusive merchandise. Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 proved it’s not just about the parties—it’s about celebrating dance music culture in all its forms. This thoughtful exhibition reminded everyone why Tomorrowland has become synonymous with festival magic.
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Wobbles & Waffles
Only in Amsterdam during Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 could you attend a drum and bass rave in a waffle shop. This packed pop-up event perfectly embodied the city’s creative spirit. Stroopwaffles were passed around while DJs delivered high-energy beats. The combination of free waffles and quality drum and bass made for one of the week’s most talked-about events. Sometimes the best moments at ADE happen in the most unexpected places. This sweet-meets-bass experience proved that innovation knows no bounds during Amsterdam’s biggest music week.
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Recycle Rave
Hosted by Droppie and Bye Bye Plastic, the Recycle Rave stood out as Amsterdam Dance Event 2025’s most sustainable event. To gain entry, attendees recycled their cans and trash. This transformed what’s usually just a recycling point into a full-fledged party. The completely plastic-free rave featured organic drinks served in biodegradable, reusable PHA cups. It proved that environmental consciousness and incredible vibes can coexist. In a festival week known for excess, this event showed that Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 was thinking about the future of our planet while celebrating dance music culture.
Revealed Presents Legacy Meets Destiny
Hardwell’s Revealed Recordings took over the stunning Koepelkerk Amsterdam, a venue that felt more like an opera house than a club. This special label night allowed fans to get up close and personal with DJs they’re used to seeing on massive festival mainstages. It created intimate moments that felt exclusive and personal. The perfect blend of new releases and classic Revealed throwbacks kept the crowd moving all night. Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 excelled at these moments where big names stripped back the production. They focused on pure musical connection in beautiful, unexpected venues.
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Transmission Presents 25 Years of Gouryella
Celebrating Ferry Corsten’s Gouryella alias reaching its 25-year milestone, this daytime party brought together trance lovers for a spectacular laser-filled experience. The lineup featured heavy hitters from the trance scene. Each brought unique visuals that perfectly paired with their sound. Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 proved that trance culture is alive and thriving. This wild afternoon party delivered the euphoric energy the genre is known for. For dedicated trance fans, this was an unmissable celebration of one of the scene’s most beloved projects.
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Elrow
Elrow’s “Delusionville” theme took Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 to another level of sensory overload. Giant monkey marionettes, Statue of Liberty puppets, endless confetti, and beach balls created an atmosphere of beautiful chaos. Special activations included a Desperados spin-the-bottle experience and a nail bar. The psychedelic stage design and ceiling-to-wall decorations showed Elrow’s total commitment to their theme. From the moment you walked in, you knew you’d entered another world. Normal rules don’t apply here. The only goal is pure, uninhibited fun.
Adam Beyer Presents Drumcode
Awakenings’ Drumcode night at the Sugarfactory, a former 19th-century refinery with concrete floors and multiple levels, marked the promoter’s debut in this raw, industrial space. Led by Adam Beyer, the night delivered pure big room techno with support from heavyweights like Enrico Sangiuliano, Bart Skils, and Marco Faraone while immersing fans in an environment that had never before hosted a rave.
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Amsterdam Music Festival (AMF)
The stacked lineup at AMF coincided with Amsterdam’s 750-year celebration. This created a particularly meaningful edition of the festival. Dutch legends Oliver Heldens, Hardwell, and Armin van Buuren took the stage representing their home country on the global dance music stage. Epic lasers and next-level visuals elevated every performance. They reminded everyone why Amsterdam Music Festival remains one of Amsterdam Dance Event 2025’s flagship events. The combination of local pride and international superstar talent made this year’s AMF feel like both a homecoming and a glimpse into dance music’s future.
Amelie Lens Presents Exhale
The Exhale showcase on Sunday night closed out Awakenings with a ferocious two-hour set from Amelie Lens. Near the end of her performance, she welcomed Sara Landry on stage, and earlier Kobosil’s raucous Schranz set drew huge cheers. Nico Moreno’s hard techno finale kept the energy peaking until seven in the morning.
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Lilly Palmer Presents “Bigger Than Techno”
Lilly Palmer’s “Bigger Than Techno” debut album launch at WestWeelde gathered her extended family of collaborators. She played her first ever back to back with her husband Egbert, trading sets with Joyhauser, Space 92, and Marie Vaunt, and a surprise appearance by dance music legend Armin van Buuren brought Palmer to tears as the pair closed the night together.
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50:HERTZ Presents “TAKEOFF” Label Showcase by Space 92
Saturday morning’s 50:Hertz Club Train, a sunrise showcase for Space 92’s Takeoff label, departed Amsterdam Central Station at 5.30 a.m. for four hours of raving on the rails. Space 92 curated the lineup with Alan Fitzpatrick, Joyhauser, Amber Broos and emerging talent Yozē, who hails from Turkey and now lives in Berlin. The train’s carriages were transformed into multiple stages and chill spaces, creating a packed high energy journey with panoramic views and all the amenities of a full fledged rave.
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Amsterdam Dance Event has no shortage of unique venues, but this year one of its most inventive showcases won’t even be stationary. On 23 October, London’s The Disco Express will celebrate its five‑year anniversary and 100th release with an exclusive four‑hour ride aboard a moving Club Train. The Disco Express ADE 2025 experience departs from Amsterdam Central Station just before midnight, carrying 400 ravers through the Netherlands on a journey soundtracked by disco, house, funk and soul.
From a Loft Party to a Global Movement
The Disco Express began life as an intimate loft party in Shoreditch in 2017 and quickly earned residencies in London, New York, Amsterdam, Paris and Mexico City. The label’s mission is rooted in inclusivity, big emotion and musical discovery. Inspired by 1970s New York dance floors, The Disco Express has become a leading force in modern nu‑disco, drawing support from tastemakers such as The Blessed Madonna, Nightmares on Wax, TSHA, Dan Shake and Purple Disco Machine.
A Club On Rails
The Disco Express ADE 2025 Club Train by Night will transform seven carriages into three stages, with food stalls, a premium bar and panoramic views rolling past the windows. The line‑up leans heavily on disco royalty: vocalist Barbara Tucker, Chicago house pioneer Stacy Kidd, Australian groove merchant Jafunk, Dutch duo Block & Crown, Crystal Touch and label founder Bustin’ Loose, among others. The label promises a “journey like no other” with a stacked international roster. Capacity is capped at 400 guests to maintain an intimate vibe.
Celebrating 100 Releases
Alongside the train party, The Disco Express is marking its 100th release with TDE100, a 15‑track double LP set for release on 24 October. The compilation features original material from heroes of funk and disco such as Derrick Carter, John Morales and The Fatback Band, alongside fresh cuts from the collective’s core artists. It’s a fitting way to honour a label that has consistently championed nu‑disco’s modern renaissance while keeping one foot on the dance‑floor and the other in the studio.
A Journey to Remember
ADE hosts hundreds of events, but few offer the immersive escapism of a moving club. The Disco Express ADE 2025 Club Train combines anniversary celebrations, a lovingly curated line‑up and the novelty of dancing across the Dutch landscape, appealing to fans seeking more than a typical venue. With only 400 seats available and The Disco Express’ history of inclusive, high‑energy parties, Club Train by Night looks set to be a highlight of ADE 2025. Whether you’re a nu‑disco devotee or simply keen to experience a milestone moment for one of the scene’s most beloved labels, this once‑in‑a‑lifetime ride offers a chance to toast five years, 100 releases and countless memories in motion.
All aboard The Disco Express at Amsterdam Central Station just before midnight on Thursday, October 23. Attendees must arrive at least 45 minutes before departure for a mandatory security check.
Tickets & links
- Buy tickets: RA tickets – the official ticket outlet for The Disco Express Club Train by Night.
- Event details: ADE event page.
Follow: The Disco Express on Instagram · 50:Hertz Club Train on Instagram
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