Ancienne Belgique celebrates fifty years of punk in 2026

In 2026, AB will celebrate fifty years of punk: the devastating storm that erupted in 1976 and changed music, art and culture forever. That year: The Ramones released their debut album, Sex Pistols released Anarchy in the U.K., Sniffin’ Glue launched the DIY fanzine era, and Malcolm McLaren’s legendary 100 Club Punk Special took place (with The Clash, The Damned, Buzzcocks, ...). A year earlier: Patti Smith had already awakened the poetic and raw spirit of punk with Horses.

Punk was already much more than music, even back then: it was a fist in the air, a creative explosion, a worldwide undercurrent of resistance and reinvention. It created space for outsiders, defined DIY, and made a deep impression in Belgium too.

With Punk 50 , AB honours the rich past, the vibrant present, and the future of punk. Expect exhibitions, films, talks, a ‘zine market, and a hard-hitting line-up featuring international icons, Belgian legends and the new generation of punk musicians. Punk 50 is a celebration of half a century of chaos, freedom and bold expression. No museum full of archive footage, but a moshing pit of counterculture.

On the agenda:

• 24/01 - During F*CK OFF - 50 Years Of Dissent AB will be fully taken over by Stadskanker & Leefwerk vzw
• 08/02 - Ronker
• 08/03 - KETCLUB with Maria Iskariot & Stakattak
• 08/03 - Triple bill: Maria Iskariot, Stakattak, tbc
• 11/03 - Sleaford Mods
• 14/03 - Mini-fest 50y The Kids Kotskat Colère Hetze Sunpower label markt Bloody Belgium book presentation with Q&A / artist talk
• 07/04 - DEADLETTER
• 16/05 - Steve Ignorant plays Crass Feeding of the 5000 Taqbir Club Brat
• 28/05 - Artist talk & Q&A with Craig Leon, producer of the first album by The Ramones

Many more screenings, book presentations, workshops and other events are yet to be announced. Keep an eye on our calendar!