Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – About a thousand people attended Paul Van Bruystegem’s (Lange Polle, 66) farewell at Het Depot, Leuven. Friends, family, and Triggerfinger colleagues honoured his music, humour, and legacy with songs and tributes.
As VRT News reported, about a thousand people came to Het Depot in Leuven to say goodbye to Paul Van Bruystegem, who was known as Lange Polle. The 66-year-old musician died after a period of illness. Van Bruystegem played guitar for bands such as The Wolf Banes and The Boxcars. He became best known as the bassist for the rock band Triggerfinger. Even so, he often joked that
“playing bass was for wimps.”
What made Paul Van Bruystegem known as Lange Polle, a Beloved musician?
Lange Polle was a well-known figure in Leuven and the surrounding region.
“An icon and a true maverick,”
his friends say.
“But above all, a beautiful man with a gingerbread heart in an impressive physique that instilled fear in some.”
Officials mentioned that the farewell ceremony for Paul Van Bruystegem was full of tears and laughter. Friends, family, and fellow musicians shared memories of Lange Polle.
“De Lange is awash with anecdotes,”
said Triggerfinger’s lead singer, Ruben Block.
“Those anecdotes showed the unique life of this Leuven native, who often dared to cross the line but was above all a source of humour.”
Block said.
“Tripping along with you was the best. We’ve seen each other in the best and worst of times. But you were the best thing that could ever happen to us. We were invincible together, until we fell flat on our faces again. But that’s part of it.”
Songs that had special meaning for Van Bruystegem, including the fitting “As the Bottle Runs Dry,” were played to honour his life and talent. The ceremony ended with a heartfelt standing ovation from the audience.
Paul Van Bruystegem, known as Lange Polle, was a prominent figure in the Belgian music scene. Born on June 13, 1959, in Leuven, he began his musical journey at a young age. At 14, he left home to pursue his passion for music, performing in cafés and collaborating with various bands. He played guitar for groups like The Wolf Banes and The Boxcars, but he gained wider recognition as the bassist for the rock band Triggerfinger, joining them in 2003.
Despite his role as a bassist, he often humorously claimed that “playing bass was for wimps.” In June 2023, after more than 2 decades with Triggerfinger, Van Bruystegem stepped down due to health reasons and to focus on other projects, including his own band, Mr Paul & The Lowriders.
He continued to be active in the music industry, also working as a music producer and co-owning the Red Tape Recording Studio in Lier. Van Bruystegem passed away on October 4, 2025, at the age of 66, after a prolonged illness.
