Live | The Last Internationale [& The Damned Few] – Poppodium De Boerderij – Zoetermeer [NL]

3 April 2025

On a weekday Thursday evening I travel with my photographer to my favorite concert hall Poppodium De Boerderij. Curious to see and hear what The Last Internationale, a rock band from New York City, has to offer on stage, because it is known that the band does not shy away from presenting socially conscious lyrics in the world of rock ‘n roll.

THE DAMNED FEW: THE SUPPORTACT

But first it is The Damned Few who warm up the audience. The Dutch quartet mercilessly focuses on a portion of raw, straight-to-the-point heavy rock.

The setlist is driven by groove, leaden bass tones and rousing guitar playing, led by the loud and powerful vocals of singer Dion Legebeke. Dion is determined to win over the audience and she eventually succeeds.

In 35 minutes, we get an impression of what this band stands for: steaming, vintage-feeling rock in which languid, psychedelic passages are the resting points and that is presented with attitude. With this surprising performance, The Damned Few also leaves a sympathetic impression and proves to be a suitable opening act for The Last Internationale.

THE LAST INTERNATIONALE: THE HEADLINER

From the moment The Last Internationale starts playing, it is immediately clear that in every way we are dealing with a higher musical level and performance. The danceable songs are a mix of folk, blues and rock, overloaded with pure emotion. But, at a certain point during the show I also feel some nice doom-like Black Sabbath influences. Also, in terms of energy, instrument control and stage presence this is next level. These musicians really own the stage.

At first, singer Delila Paz apologizes for not being able to move and dance well because of a foot injury she sustained during the previous evening’s performance and therefore has to sit on a stool every now and then. But soon, that is hardly noticeable because Delila radiates enormous charisma. Not only does she know how to win over everyone vocally, her stage presence is also enchanting. Not to mention, during the evening she also plays guitar, bass and piano in a few songs.

Delila sings with a lot of soul, touches thin, fragile pitches in between and even sings a few times without a microphone to make everyone completely silent and to draw all the energy towards them. Wow what a voice control! Because it is the positive energy that this band likes to receive from their audience and then give it back with even more positivity and awareness.

A ROCK ‘N ROLL BEAST

The other band members also not only seek contact with each other while playing, but are constantly seeking contact with the audience as well, in a way that is special and impressive. Guitarist Edgey Pires and co-founder with Delila, is a rock ‘n roll beast through and through. Both his stage presence and guitar playing are raw and infectious. Also, in the bass and drum department the energy and playing skills are of a high level that seems to have no end. It all adds up to a special vibe.

The Last Internationale not only rocks the stage explosive, they also draw attention to global problems such as war, poverty and abuse of power in a more intimate and personal setting. Like with the touching ,,Deportee (Plane Wreck At Los Gatos)’’, originally a protest song with lyrics from Woody Guthrie from 1948, with which The Last Internationale makes a deep impression tonight. Or like with the Bruce Springsteen/Guthrie inspired ,,Freedom Town’’, ,,Soul On Fire’’ and ,,Wanted Man’’.

THE LAST INTERNATIONALE – THE CONCLUSION

I can’t say anything else than that I am very impressed by this band. Delila is not only exceptionally talented, she is also a fun and heartwarming personality on stage and who is blessed with an amazing guitarist and rhythm section. Their deep social involvement has a nice connection with for example the legendary Bob Dylan, of whom The Last Internationale released a powerful reinterpretation of his classic ,,Masters Of War” as a single.

The show ends with a call to the audience to climb on stage and jump and sing along, which a large portion does. After a total rock star ending, we all can look back on a very special and overwhelming evening.

All photos by Conny van den Heuvel of DCH-Photography exclusive for HeadBangers LifeStyle