Ye, 06/08/2026

Concert information

Rating

The hype and controversy surrounding this concert were unprecedented. Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, came to the Netherlands. I finally had the chance to be there. Unfortunately, the June 6 show sold out too quickly, and I had no chance whatsoever of securing a ticket among the 300,000 (!) people waiting. Then came the announcement of a second concert: June 8, Ye’s birthday. This time, I managed to score tickets. It cost me a small fortune, but I was able to ga and see Ye together with both my sons. However, as the date approached, it became increasingly uncertain whether the concert would actually take place. Many European shows were canceled, but fortunately Arnhem remained on the schedule. Kanye/Ye has always been controversial, but he has also been hugely influential in the development of Black music and is a highly innovative musician, rapper, and producer. His beliefs, for which he has since apologized, do not diminish any of that.

When the moment finally arrived and the lights truly went out, Ye’s silhouette became visible, and the white screen descended, the arena erupted. The enthusiasm, adoration, even?, was immense. And deservedly so: Ye was in top form and delivered one classic after another. Midway through the show, the energy dipped slightly, and the bass seemed to overpower everything in the center section of the concert, but the beginning and the ending were nothing short of brilliant.

I had wanted to see Ye for such a long time, and I am glad I was able to do so, especially at a moment when he was still capable of commanding an entire stadium on his own. Inside the venue, all the controversy faded away, and it became a celebration of Ye as most people prefer to remember him: musically different, bold, and uniquely himself. Ye made little to no contact with the audience, but nobody seemed to mind. The fact that it was his birthday played no role whatsoever during the show. The concept of a giant globe was original and ensured that everyone had a good view of Ye, who effortlessly held the audience’s attention throughout.

The concert was broadcast live via HypeFloor, see the link below this review.

Setlist

KING / Father Stretch My Hands, Pt. 1 / Can’t Tell Me Nothing / Niggas In Paris / Mercy / Praise God / Black Skinhead / On Sight / Blood On The Leaves / CARNIVAL / Power / Bound 2 / Say You Will / Heartless / FATHER / ALL THE LOVE / PUNCH DRUNK / HIGHS AND LOWS / BEAUTY AND THE BEAST / EVERYBODY / Famous / FourFiveSeconds / All Falls Down / Jesus Walks / Through The Wire / Gold Digger / Touch The Sky / American Boy / All Of The Lights / Good Life / Homecoming / Flashing Lights / Stronger / Ghost Town / Runaway

Concert ticket

Wristband

Stadium ad

Video

See the show’s video recordings here.