Blogs by Ella Fisher

Eindhoven De Effenaar—the city of lights, technology, and…a bit of a laid-back crowd.
Finally it was time to go to Eindhoven and see the bands we ordered tickets for (like ages ago!) The Treatment, CKY, and Alien Ant Farm (AAF).
Our plan: two moms out for a night of freedom, ready to rock, so we headed south for an evening full of music, beers, and a guaranteed sore neck from all the headbanging.

“Eindhoven the Craziest”…or Not?

Arriving at the venue, we couldn’t help but wonder, “If this is the big room, how tiny is the small one? It’s so quiet.” Normally, we’d expect an audience screaming at least three octaves higher than us, but we found ourselves surrounded by people who were mostly trying to stay...stoic. “Eindhoven the Craziest” was definitely nowhere to be found; it was more like “Eindhoven the Chillest.” So, my friend and me decided to make up for that lack of craziness ourselves.

Headbanging ‘Til We Couldn’t Feel Our Necks

The concert kicked off, guitars roaring, and soon enough we were right in the middle of a solid headbang- session. There was, of course, that little thought in the back of my mind, “I’m totally going to regret this tomorrow.” But hey, rock and roll has its price, right? It was worth it. Although…when I woke up the next morning, it felt like I’d taken on a wrestling match with my own neck muscles.

People Watching: Concert Style

Another highlight of the evening was the crowd around us. One of the best things about concerts like this is all the different types of people you see. We spotted a few that looked like they’d just crawled out of a black metal dungeon, mixed with some who seemed better suited for a Sunday brunch crowd.

Videos, Screaming, and Memorable Moments

Me and my friend are the kind of people who capture everything. Videos of the performances, selfies, and of course, shots of us headbanging and screaming along in the background. Let’s be honest, the sound quality in those videos? Not great. But hey, it’s all about the memories, right? One of the best moments was a video of us belting—well, maybe “screaming” is more accurate—along with one of AAF’s songs.

Beer, More Beer… and the Last Train

What’s a rock ‘n roll night without a few cold beers? We enjoyed a few as we replayed the night’s best moments in our heads. But when it was time to head back, we hit a classic nightmare: train delay. “Oh well,” we thought, “could be worse.” But it got worse. By the time we finally arrived at the station, the busses home had long since gone. But in the end our private taxi picked us up.

Kicking Things Off: The Treatment—British Rockers with Power and Presence

Imagine a band that brings hardrock back to life with a mix of energy, style, and a massive dose of attitude. That’s The Treatment without any doubt. Formed in 2008 in Cambridge, England, these guys have since taken the international rock scene by storm. With influences from bands like Mötley Crüe, Kiss, and Thin Lizzy, they quickly carved out their own powerful sound.

A Show with Style

Watching The Treatment perform, it was obvious: they’ve got not just the music but the look as well. From sharp leather jackets to a rugged, effortless rock vibe—the whole package just worked. Frontman Tom Rampton brought an energy to the stage that was both bold and inviting, while guitarist Tagore Grey’s charisma filled the room. It was definitely no hardship to look at and listen to these guys. Their song “When Thunder And Lightning Strikes” was a killer, with a riff that stays lodged in your head. I really hope they come back to the Netherlands soon because I’ll definitely be seeing them again.

Solid Guitars and Unforgettable Melodies

What makes The Treatment unique is their combination of classic rock influences with a fresh, modern sound. Each song seems tailor-made to be performed live, getting both newcomers and die-hard fans moving.

Rockers You Need to See

For rock fans who haven’t had the chance to catch The Treatment live: don’t miss out! These British rockers know how to put on a show, with energy and a performance you won’t forget. Watching and experiencing them was a fantastic night, and one thing’s for sure: The Treatment isn’t just a band—they’re an experience.

CKY: An Iconic Band, a Legendary Performance (the moment I've been waiting for)

CKY, aka Camp Kill Yourself, is an American rock band from West Chester, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1998, their music blends alternative rock, stoner rock, post-grunge, and heavy metal, with a reputation for razor-sharp lyrics and powerhouse riffs.

The Show and the Crowd

That evening, The Treatment opened the concert, with us standing behind two less-than-enthusiastic ladies (at least that’s how it felt). When CKY took the stage, we moved to get a better view (in the middle so I can keep my eyes on Jess ;-)). The first notes from CKY hit the crowd like a sledgehammer, and before long they were playing some of their most famous tracks, including the legendary “96 Quite Bitter Beings.” For me, that song is really special, bringing back so many good memories, and luckily my friend captured it on video. It was one of those moments you just don’t forget.

A Hilarious Photoshoot

The band was great, but it was the drummer, Jess Margera, who really caught my eye. I ended up taking a whole series of photos of him, much to my friend's amusement. She couldn’t get over the fact that I’d barely snapped any of the rest of the band! But hey, sometimes it’s not just about the guitars (or singer in this case); it’s the rhythm section that keeps everything on track. Jess’s incredible playing style made the whole show.

Room for Improvement (for Eindhoven!)

Though CKY’s performance was fantastic, we noticed that, much like with The Treatment, the crowd wasn’t totally letting loose. It was almost like the vibe didn’t quite match the band’s rough energy. But maybe it’s just a case of time and place. I hope CKY comes back to the Netherlands soon and gets the kind of crowd response that matches their rock ‘n roll spirit.

Alien Ant Farm Final Act: The Out-of-This-World Kings of Rock and Nostalgia

Who is Alien Ant Farm?

Alien Ant Farm (or AAF, as fans like to call them) is an American rock band, formed in 1996 in Riverside, California. Just their name alone hints that this band is different from the rest. They named themselves after a hypothetical situation where aliens live on Earth, observing us like their own “ant farm.” Pretty original, right? Their sound is a unique mix of alternative rock, nu-metal, and, most importantly, tons of humor. Along with original songs, they’re well-known for their unique covers—most famously, their rendition of “Smooth Criminal.” But what truly makes AAF special? Their ability to both rock hard and entertain!

Final Act: The Legendary Alien Ant Farm

Then, we come to the grand finale, the climax, the moment where everything comes together in an explosion of music, humor, and memories: Alien Ant Farm, aka AAF. We were crying with laughter and rocking as if our lives depended on it. And that’s exactly what makes Alien Ant Farm so special: they don’t just make music; they create an experience that sticks with you. So, to anyone who hasn’t had the Alien Ant Farm experience, I can only say: get your rock outfit on, brace yourself to rock, and prepare for a wild ride you won’t soon forget!