A Bard's Farewell: The last dance at Elfia Haarzuilens

Dearest Troublemakers,

What a truly remarkable weekend we've just had! You might’ve noticed that our performance schedule has been a bit light this year—it's not for lack of love, but because we've been deep in planning mode, laying the groundwork for our next 5 years. Yes, we’ve been playing the role of "industrial musicians" (with all satire fully intended), crafting a vision that will take The Trouble Notes to new creative heights.

This past week marked a return to the stage—and what a return it was.

We were thrilled to have the incredibly talented George Bingham on the road with us again. Some of you might remember him from Solskin Pagan Festival last year. Back then, he blew us away—joining us on stage without a single rehearsal and absolutely smashing the show. We’d been looking for another opportunity to bring him along, and this week we finally made it happen.

We kicked off in Berlin at the iconic underground club Süss War Gestern, a last-minute warm-up gig where George dove right into the fire. It was intimate, raw, and full of energy—made even better by the many familiar faces in the crowd (including some of you!).

From there, we headed to Asendorf, a tiny town in Niedersachsen, for a joint concert with our good friends Tribubu at Kulturhaus B/O. It turned out to be an unexpectedly magical night. At first, we worried the small town might not bring out a crowd—but we were proven wrong. The room filled with joy, dancing, and smiling faces!

Elfia Haarzuilens – A Final Farewell

Then came what might be the most emotionally charged performance of our year so far: the final edition of Elfia at Haarzuilens. We've performed there eight years in a row, and it’s been a second home for our music. To be asked to headline Saturday night for the festival’s last edition was a tremendous honor—and true to Elfia form, the hours before the show were deliciously chaotic.

We were asked to collaborate with acrobats, dancers like Sophie van Grinsven, and were joined on stage by Victor, Dani, and Brahima from Tribubu. Bennet and Guy Clifford organized a massive surprise: during “Sariette,” the volunteer crew and Royal Elfian Guard marched on stage to join the choir. The lights. The pyrotechnics. The crowd—we estimate several thousand people at its peak—roared as soon as our name was announced. Together, we danced, cried, and sang. It was a true ritual of farewell.

Beyond the main stage, we hosted our third edition of Bard’s Corner, our open jam space for performers and festivalgoers. It’s quickly becoming a cherished tradition—equal parts raw magic and beautiful chaos—and we’re excited to continue it in future editions.

Perhaps the most moving moment of the weekend came as we helped say goodbye to Roly Rotherham, the longtime voice and face of Elfia. After his final speech in the chapel, he exited—only to find us, his friends and festival family, waiting outside with instruments in hand. We played "Never Dream Alone" while hundreds clapped and cheered him on. He cried, then stood tall—basking in the love he’s more than earned after 20 years of service to the Elfia world. It was poetic. It was unforgettable.

This weekend reminded us why we do what we do—the connection, the community, and the moments that only music can create. Thank you for being on this journey with us. Your support makes everything possible—from the wild stages to the quiet plans we're building behind the scenes.

With love and melodies,

TTN