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013

013 is a renowned music venue and poppodium in Tilburg, Netherlands, specializing in live concerts, dance events, and cultural programming across genres including hip hop, heavy music, alternative, and electronic. Established in November 1998 through the merger of predecessor venues Noorderligt, Bat Cave, and MuziekKantenWinkel, 013 quickly became a cornerstone of the Dutch music scene. A significant renovation in 2016 expanded its facilities, solidifying its status as the largest pop venue in the Netherlands with a main auditorium capacity of 3,000 (configurable to 2,300 or 1,400) and a Next Stage holding 700. The venue hosts around 350 events per year, drawing approximately 350,000 visitors, and emphasizes talent development, inclusivity, and sustainability through initiatives like five satellite locations and a team of 52 staff plus over 200 volunteers. Notable highlights include annual festivals such as Roadburn, De Unie, and Here's the Thing, alongside performances by global artists like The Prodigy, Lorde, and Chance the Rapper.

History

Origins and predecessors

Noorderligt served as Tilburg's first dedicated pop venue, opening in 1984 within a former building at Veldhovenring 79 that had originally debuted as a movie theater in 1960 before closing in 1982. With a capacity of approximately 1,000, it quickly became a key space for live music, particularly hosting emerging rock acts such as De Dijk alongside international performers, fostering the local scene through its authentic, intimate atmosphere. Complementing Noorderligt, the Bat Cave emerged as a smaller venue starting in 1985, initially located in a basement on Langstraat, and catered to the underground and scenes through the and by providing a gritty space for local bands' early gigs and niche genres like metal and . It operated with a club-like intimacy, emphasizing on the margins and influencing Tilburg's development before relocating multiple times until 1998. The MuziekKantenWinkel, established in 1984, functioned primarily as a support organization for Tilburg's pop bands, offering practice and rehearsal rooms along with workshops to nurture emerging talent, though it lacked dedicated performance facilities. This setup addressed logistical needs for local musicians but highlighted the fragmentation of the scene, as bands relied on separate venues for shows. By the , Tilburg's expanding music scene—driven by a surge in active bands and audience interest—created growing demand for a larger, purpose-built venue, as Noorderligt often reached capacity limits and the dispersed spaces struggled to accommodate rising popularity. The limitations of these fragmented facilities, including inadequate infrastructure for bigger acts, prompted calls for consolidation to better support the region's pop culture growth. In the mid-1990s, local pop organizations, including music promoters, decided to merge Noorderligt, Bat Cave, and MuziekKantenWinkel into a single modern facility, culminating in the official opening of 013 in 1998.

Establishment and opening

The name of the venue, 013, is derived from Tilburg's telephone area code, symbolizing its strong connection to local identity and the surrounding region. Planning for 013 began in 1994 when Benthem Crouwel Architects were commissioned to design the ' first purpose-built venue, addressing the lack of a dedicated large-scale facility in the area. Construction commenced in 1997 under the oversight of the municipal public works department, Openbare Werken , which served as the primary client and provided key funding as part of broader cultural development initiatives in the Spoorzone urban regeneration area. The project was completed in late 1998, featuring a modern architectural design with two main halls—a large for up to 3,000 spectators and a medium-sized one for 700—alongside a smaller space for emerging and specialist music acts, all equipped from the outset with advanced via a double facade and rubber cladding for optimal acoustics. The venue officially opened on November 13, 1998, marking the culmination of a merger between three predecessor organizations—Noorderligt, , and MuziekKantenWinkel—that had inspired its creation as a centralized hub for pop and . The inaugural event was a celebratory highlighting local bands from these groups, underscoring 013's role in fostering regional talent and from day one. This launch positioned 013 as a landmark for cultural accessibility in , a city of approximately 185,000 residents at the time, with no prior major pop venue in the vicinity.

Facilities

Main hall

The main hall of 013 serves as the venue's primary performance space, designed to host large-scale and events with flexible configurations. It has a maximum capacity of 3,000 for standing audiences, which can be adjusted to 2,300 or 1,400 for seated or arrangements to accommodate various production needs. The layout includes a spacious with elevated sections providing additional viewing levels and circulation space. Equipped for professional audio-visual productions, the main hall features a high-end based on Adamson components, including E-Series line arrays and S-Series elements, which were updated in 2020 to enhance coverage and impact across the space. An ethernet-based Dante audio network with RDL interfaces provides additional and flexibility for audio distribution and . Lighting capabilities include 30 Forte moving head fixtures installed in 2023, supporting dynamic setups for concerts and club nights with LED technology for energy efficiency and color rendering. These systems enable the hall to support major international tours and festivals requiring immersive visual elements. Accessibility is integrated into the venue's design, with a dedicated platform available for users, along with options like stools for seated viewing during shows and a low-stimulation space launched in May 2025 for attendees needing a moment of quiet; a standard grants access to these features without additional requirements. The main hall complements the adjacent Next Stage, which handles smaller gatherings of up to 700, allowing 013 to program events across different scales. The main hall is used for a range of events, including live music performances, conferences, and film recordings, underscoring its role as a versatile space in the music .

Next Stage

The Next Stage serves as the secondary performance space at 013, designed to accommodate emerging and mid-sized acts in an intimate setting that contrasts with the larger Main Hall. With a fixed capacity of 700 standing visitors, it supports a versatile atmosphere suitable for a range of events, including combinations of seating and standing arrangements. The layout emphasizes closeness between performers and audience, fostering an engaging club-like environment ideal for smaller-scale productions such as meetings, talk shows, and live music sessions. Its proximity to the Main Hall enables shared facilities for multi-room events when needed. The space features a dedicated technical infrastructure, including an Adamson sound system upgraded in 2020 with main arrays of eight S10 enclosures per side, a single P12 frontfill per side, and four E219 subwoofers to ensure clear audio delivery. Lighting equipment is typically rented for events, such as Robe LEDBeam 150s for club nights and dance events. Programming at the Next Stage prioritizes club nights, acoustic sets, and warm-up performances, alongside activities for new talent and non-pop events, contributing to the venue's overall annual total of approximately 350 shows. This focus allows it to host diverse genres like electronic music and alternative acts, providing a platform for artists building their careers without the scale of arena productions. Minor renovations in the , including a full venue update completed in 2016, improved overall acoustics and ensured compliance with safety standards, with subsequent technical upgrades in the 2020s further refining the space's capabilities.

Programming

Genres and artist bookings

Since its opening in 1998, 013 has established itself as a premier venue for alternative and international acts across a variety of genres, including , metal (categorized as heavy music), pop, , , and . The venue's programming emphasizes emerging and established artists from diverse global scenes, with a particular focus on alternative sounds that appeal to its Tilburg audience and beyond. This curatorial approach has allowed 013 to host approximately 350 shows annually, fostering a balance between mainstream appeal and niche explorations. As a self-programming pop venue, 013 handles its own artist bookings through internal curation and strategic partnerships with local promoters like . The annual programming calendar is typically developed 12-18 months in advance to secure high-profile tours and align with seasonal trends, ensuring a mix of sold-out international acts and talent development opportunities. Collaborations with regional entities, including Music Hub , further support the integration of local and Dutch-language performers alongside global talent. Diversity is a core element of 013's booking strategy, with deliberate inclusion of Dutch-language acts like , female-fronted bands, and international tours originating from , the , and . This inclusive approach extends to welcoming artists and audiences from varied backgrounds, beliefs, and cultural perspectives, promoting through programming. Special themed series and festivals enhance the venue's offerings, such as the renowned dedicated to and (held April 17-20, 2025), alongside electronic-focused events, club nights, and the Headlines festival launched on May 10, 2025, featuring artists including GoldLink, Sticks, Strandz, Cristale, KiLLOWEN, Amèl, KEER&BOO, Cero Ismael, Ella John, and Massi. Post-2015, particularly following the 2016 renovation that expanded capacities, attendance trends at 013 have contributed to annual visitor figures of approximately 350,000. This diversification has helped sustain high occupancy rates across the main hall and smaller stages, adapting to evolving listener preferences.

Notable performances

One of the earliest milestones for 013 came shortly after its opening, with Dutch rock legends performing on December 9, 1999, as part of their Last Blast of the Century Tour, helping to establish the venue's reputation for hosting prominent national rock acts. This show exemplified 013's early commitment to rock heritage, drawing crowds eager for high-energy performances from homegrown icons. International highlights have further solidified 013's global stature. In 2017, British electronic pioneers delivered a high-octane set on December 11 during their Tour, blending anthems with live intensity to a packed house. The same year marked the live debut of project with the Ayreon Universe shows on September 16-17, featuring a star-studded lineup including and , which showcased elaborate staging and drew dedicated fans from across . Entering the 2020s, electronic festivals continued this trend, highlighting the venue's adaptability to dance and electronic genres. Record-breaking events underscore 013's draw for major tours. In 2018, rising rock act sold out the main hall on October 29 during their world tour, attracting over 3,000 attendees and signaling the venue's capacity for breakout international sensations. Similarly, the multi-night Universe events in 2017 achieved near-capacity crowds exceeding 3,000 per show across sold-out dates, contributing to the venue's annual visitor peak of 310,000 that year. Special occurrences during the demonstrated 013's resilience. In 2021, the adapted with exclusive streamed performances from the venue on April 16-18, featuring premieres by acts like , allowing global audiences to experience Tilburg's heavy music legacy remotely. Cultural moments have included hosting Eurovision-related acts, such as Dutch singer — who represented the in the 2013 contest with The Common Linnets—performing on March 22, 2014, during her Blue Bittersweet Tour, which boosted local interest and tourism through her blend of pop and country influences. Notable recent performances include K-pop artist Taemin on March 11, 2025, deathcore band Lorna Shore on June 17, 2025, and metalcore acts like Of Mice & Men with Ghost Kid and Gore on December 9, 2025.

Cultural significance

Role in local music scene

013 has played a pivotal role in integrating with the community through its involvement in local festivals, notably serving as a primary venue for the Incubate festival from 2006 to 2017, which showcased independent arts and music across the city and drew international attention to emerging talents. This participation fostered collaborations with local cultural organizations, enhancing 's reputation as a hub for innovative programming. Additionally, 013's sustainability initiatives, such as implementing reusable hard cups, installing solar panels, and adopting zero-waste cooking practices, align with broader provincial goals in for environmentally responsible cultural venues. In talent development, 013 has supported emerging acts since the early by providing platforms through its five satellite locations in for young artists to perform and grow, in partnership with Music Hub Brabant and other pop venues. These efforts include open performance opportunities and educational programs for volunteers and interns, contributing to the professionalization of local musicians and crew in the cultural sector. The venue's designation as a cornerstone in the ' pop podium network during this period solidified its status as a vital incubator for regional talent. Economically, 013 sustains over 50 full-time jobs and engages more than 200 volunteers annually, while its high volume of approximately 350 concerts per year stimulates nearby hospitality businesses through increased foot traffic and visitor spending in Tilburg's city center. This activity not only bolsters local employment but also reinforces the venue's commitment to sustainability.

Visitor statistics and impact

Since its opening in 1998, 013 has experienced steady growth in attendance, evolving from a local venue replacing smaller predecessors like Noorderligt to a major international poppodium following a 2016 renovation that boosted the main hall's capacity from 2,000 to 3,000. By 2017, the venue achieved a record 310,000 visitors across approximately 300 events, representing an 18% increase from 2016 and signaling its rising draw. Attendance peaked in 2019 amid expanding programming, before plummeting during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Dutch music venues overall seeing an 83% drop in visits in 2021 compared to 2019. Recovery has been robust, with paid visits to Dutch venues in 2023 surpassing 2019 levels by 18%, and 013 maintaining an average of around 350,000 annual visitors across roughly 350 events in recent years. The 2025 edition of the Roadburn Festival, held in April, continued to highlight its international draw. The venue's visitor base reflects its regional roots in while increasingly attracting national and international audiences, as seen in events like , which in 2017 drew attendees from 55 countries comprising 67% of its total. This international appeal contributes to high-attendance years alongside standout performances. Sustainability initiatives at 013, aligned with broader green policies since the 2016 renovation, have enhanced the visitor experience by prioritizing eco-friendly practices. Key measures include solar panels, LED lighting, and a zero-waste kitchen using local ingredients; in May 2022, the venue introduced reusable hard cups, eliminating approximately 1 million disposable plastic items annually and allowing visitors to donate deposits to local community funds via the #allesgoed-fonds. Filtered replaces bottled options, with each glass sold providing 300 liters of clean water globally through a partnership with Made Blue, further embedding environmental responsibility into the guest journey. Looking ahead, 013 continues to invest in talent development and operational improvements to sustain its growth, though specific 2024 announcements on digital enhancements or capacity adjustments remain forthcoming as of late 2025.

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