‘Can the lights be turned off’, De Volkskrant headline. Those words were above an article in which singer Huub van der Lubbe indicated that he – and therefore De Dijk – would quit. As far as he was concerned, it was time for something new. Now it’s still possible. De Dijk has planned another extensive tour next year and after that they will continue their impressive 41-year career with countless hits such as I can’t do it alone, If he’s not there and Can the lights be turned off? concludes with three traditional Paradiso performances in late December.

‘One of the most memorable concerts’

In those 41 years, the band, named Amsterdam Zeedijk, has made history with their music and concerts. “I then went to a memorial concert for Solomon Burke at Paradiso,” Jan-Willem said. “It was one of the most memorable concerts I’ve ever been to. They were supposed to perform with Solomon Burke, who died in Schiphol, on the plane. But they had everything ready. So it became sort of a De Dijk concert, a slash gospel concert and a memorial service for Solomon Burke. .Big spark party at Paradiso, the energy hanging there is really unforgettable. It was a very strange atmosphere. They made a party to honor the life of the man and at the same time you also feel the disappointment in Huub van der Lubbe, because of him really looking forward to finally being on stage with Solomon Burke.”