Review: Eric Prydz Delivers A Mesmerising ADE Debut At Amsterdam’s Transformed Gashouder
Eric Prydz made his highly anticipated debut at the iconic Gashouder in Amsterdam this October during the 30th anniversary of the Amsterdam Dance Event. The Swedish talent has been heavily on the road as of late and made sure to bring his mesmerising DJ set to an equally special venue.
His performance was part of an extensive run of shows at the venue for ADE, which also saw Armin van Buuren host the opening night and deliver a massive back-to-back set with Benwal. Later in the week, Sammy Virji took over the space, showcasing the monumental room’s versatility across different corners of electronic music.
The Gashouder has recently been renovated and is now upgraded significantly. With a new underground level constructed beneath the historic building, the venue now completely reimagines the visitor arrival experience. By relocating essential facilities like the cloakrooms and lounges below ground, patrons are guided through a contemporary space defined by undulating aluminium walls and exposed steel. The design embraces the raw construction as the finished architectural expression, creating a striking visual journey before you even hit the dancefloor.
Crucially, pushing these amenities underground has allowed the immense open space of the historic hall above to remain largely untouched. Stepping up into the main room, the characteristic steel structure, circular geometry and raw industrial aesthetic continue to define the building’s identity. The contrast between the fresh, contemporary underground level and the monumental circular hall makes for a breathtaking environment. With a capacity of over 3,500, the room strikes a rare balance of feeling utterly massive yet distinctly immersive.
The musical programming perfectly matched the grandeur of the space. Christoph was the perfect opener and set the stage brilliantly, building the energy with a deep and driving progressive set that warmed up the cavernous room. When Prydz finally took control, the set was spectacular, as all of his performances consistently are. His signature visual production intertwined flawlessly with the venue’s soaring ceilings and industrial framework.
The venue was and is incredible, making for a truly special experience. As the Gashouder enters this new chapter, it is clear that its distinctive character has not only been preserved but elevated, providing the perfect canvas for electronic music’s most ambitious acts.
