Ukrainian heavy metal band 1914 at the Dutch Pitfest festival
This year, Ukraine was represented at the Dutch Pitfest festival by one of the most famous heavy metal bands, 1914, which has become an important cultural ambassador for Ukraine on the international metal scene, especially since the full-scale invasion. The band headlined the day with their performance on 11 July.
Due to the musicians’ active civic stance and the solidarity of the global heavy music community, 1914 has been successfully raising funds for the Ukrainian Armed Forces during their European tours. At the same time, the band tirelessly informs their international audience about the realities of war in Ukraine, using their popularity to support Ukraine.
‘The Pitfest audience is very diverse and mostly adult, so they listen attentively to what we’re saying from the stage. After our show, a long queue formed: people wanted to donate, talk about Ukraine, and express their support. While Russian bands freely tour the US and Europe, give concerts and take our festival slots, it’s crucial to explain why working with Russian bands is not okay. If we don’t, we’ll lose a proactive, politically aware, and financially supportive audience.ʼ said the band’s frontman, Dmytro Kumar.
PitFest is an alternative music festival that focuses on heavy music (rock, metal, punk), bringing together fans of extreme music and underground culture, attracting not only local visitors but also guests from Germany, Belgium, and France.
In addition to their Pitfest appearance, supported by the Ukrainian Institute, the band also held three more concerts in Belgium and Germany.
Photo: Rolf Venema