Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mechelen band Pardon Service opened Maanrock 2025 on the Grote Markt, performing their song “Mecheleir”. Frontman Niels Van Mossevelde praised the audience, marking their second main stage appearance since 2022.
As VRT News reported, the Mechelen band Pardon Service opened the first day of Maanrock on the Main Stage this Friday, Aug 22, 2025. This was the second time the band performed on the festival’s main stage, the first being during the anniversary edition in 2022. They said the opportunity to perform at such a prominent event is still very special.
How did Mechelen’s Pardon service open Maanrock 2025 main stage?
The band spoke about the experience with excitement and admiration.
“The first time is always special; that moment stays with you,”
they said.
“But performing here again is still a meaningful experience. The size of the stage and the energy of the audience impressed us once more.”
Frontman Niels Van Mossevelde described the crowd as “fantastic.”
“People of all ages were enjoying themselves, and the atmosphere was great,”
Van Mossevelde added. He also noted that the audience grew during the performance, and said, no one left early.
Van Mossevelde performed with a view of St. Rumbold’s Tower, a landmark featured in their song “Mecheleir.” The track, released earlier this year, is a tribute to the city.
“3 years ago, we were stressed performing here,”
he said.
“This time, we felt much more at ease. Everything went very smoothly thanks to the organisers. We were able to do our thing, and it was wonderful.”
Maanrock is Mechelen’s biggest summer music festival. It started in 1996 and has grown every year. The festival usually takes place in late August in the city centre. Many local, national, and international artists perform on several stages. The Grote Markt is the main stage and attracts the largest crowds. The festival features music from rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic genres.
