Sunday at Defqon.1 made history with a five-hour Legends set. To celebrate 25 years of Q-dance and hardstyle, 61 influential acts took to the stage, each representing a chapter in the story of the genre. A musical tribute to a quarter-century of hardstyle, brought by the legends who helped shape it.
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A journey through 25 years of hardstyle
The Legends set took the crowd on a time-traveling journey through 25 years of hardstyle. It began with the foundations, featuring acts like Deepack, Luna & Pavo, and Zany, before moving into the melodic revolution with names like Brennan Heart, Showtek, Tatanka, and Wildstylez. From there, the genre reached the world stage with icons such as Adaro, B-Front, Frontliner, Noisecontrollers, Ran-D, and DJ The Prophet.
The next phase showcased the visual and creative peak of hardstyle, with artists like Atmozfears, D-Block & S-te-Fan, Da Tweekaz, Phuture Noize, and Sound Rush. Finally, the set shifted into the present and future, spotlighting the new generation: Aversion, D-Sturb, Rebelion, Vertile, and Warface — artists shaping the sound of tomorrow with raw, uncompromising energy.
2000-2005
2005-2010
2010-2015
2015-2020
2020-2025
Appearance of Headhunterz and DJ The Prophet
As all artists gathered on stage at the end of the set, it became clear just how special this moment was. Flaming torches lit up the platform as legends from every era stood side by side. Among them was DJ The Prophet, who had already made an appearance earlier that evening on the RED stage. And during that final salute – as every artist returned to the stage – Headhunterz also appeared, silently joining his fellow pioneers. Two icons who had stepped away from performing, once again standing among their peers.
“This is, and always will be, a Q-dance event”
As tradition dictates, Defqon.1 concluded with the Closing Ritual: an explosion of fireworks, flames, and emotion. Set to classics like ‘Lose My Mind’, ‘A Storm Is Coming’, ‘World of Madness’, and ‘Encore’, the ritual delivered a visual masterpiece that captured the essence of the entire weekend.
And when the dust had settled, one final message echoed across the grounds: “This is, and always will be, a Q-dance event.”
Footage via: Defqon.1
