SUNDAY July 19, 2026
Fred & the Healers is a Belgian blues and blues-rock band led by guitarist and singer Frédéric Lani, founded in 1994 in Wallonia. Their musical style combines the electric Chicago blues of the 1950s and 1960s with the British blues boom of the 1960s and the rock/blues-rock of the 1970s. Contemporary influences from roots music and modern blues also shape their sound. The group is known for its energetic trio format, which centers on guitar, bass, and drums. In their repertoire, they deliberately choose original compositions over covers, although they sometimes pay tribute to their heroes like Rory Gallagher or Stevie Ray Vaughan. Their music has been described as powerful, melodic, and raw at the same time, with plenty of room for improvisation and virtuoso guitar playing. Over the years, they released albums such as First (1997), Electerrified (2001), Red (2004), Hammerbeatmatic (2014), and No Escape (2025). Their career took a break in 2004, but they returned in 2012 with a new lineup. Highlights include performances at leading festivals like Werchter, Dour, and Montreux Jazz, and their support gig for Bon Jovi in ​​2001. Fred & the Healers are considered one of the most important representatives of Belgian blues-rock, with over 800 concerts at home and abroad and a loyal audience that appreciates their fiery live energy.
A MURDER IN MISSISSIPPI
After an incredibly busy festival summer in 2025 (with performances at venues like Dranouter, Gooikoorts, Na Fir Bolg, and the Gentse Feesten) and a tour supporting Sam Bettens (K’s Choice), A Murder in Mississippi's fan base continues to grow. The Ghent-based sextet released their third album, Reverie, in the fall of 2024: a rich mix of Americana, bluegrass, folk, polka, and country, with occasional hints of blues and gospel. Their music will make your demons dance and sweep you away on an irresistible musical journey along the banks of the Mississippi. The band has previously played sold-out venues and renowned festivals throughout Europe – from Roots & Roses and Bluegrass La Roche to the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, the Nijmegen Four Days Marches, and the Tough Enough Festival at the Botanique. What can you expect? A six-piece band that translates their love of roots music into a unique sound full of original songs: from soft, harmonious ballads to stirring melodies that immediately catapult you to the open plains of North America.
Get ready for an energetic and heartwarming show with
Crony & Chum, a four-piece band from Tienen/Hoegaarden.
Originally started as a brother-sister duo, Niel (guitar & vocals) and Sarah (vocals & percussion) Verdeyen have expanded their musical journey with Gilles Markvoort (bass) and Jorgen Marcelis (drums).
Their music is a fresh blend of blues, rock, indie, and country… with a repertoire that includes both originals and surprising covers, they bring every show to life with their passion and energy.
Expect sharp riffs, powerful vocals, and a dynamic, energetic stage performance
🎸 QUIZ TIME at Rock Meldert! 🎶
​ On Sunday, July 19, 2026, we welcome our headliner to the Rock Meldert stage!
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🤘 But... we can't reveal their name until April 2026.
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👉 Until then, we challenge you: which band do you think it is? Submit your guess ! Only and exclusively ! via the contact page of our website: https://www.rockmeldert.be/contact-8
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💡 From all correct answers, we will raffle a free combo ticket for Rock Meldert (July 18 & 19, 2026) worth €35.00 in April/May 2026!
So... do you think you know? Let us know, and you might be rocking along for free!
We'll be closing Rock Meldert 2026 on July 19, 2026, with
THE ADVANTAGE: a seven-piece cover band from Tienen, founded in 2010 as a one-off event. By recruiting a number of experienced musicians, the band has gradually evolved into an unpretentious yet rock-solid rock band that guarantees a great atmosphere at festivals. THE ADVANTAGE brings a unique blend of rock and pop from the past 50 years, always with their own unique touch. Having fun on stage and sparking that spark with the audience—that's what they stand for.