Updated October 2026: This article was written in 2019. BLACK is still the hardcore stage at Defqon.1 and was there on all four festival days in 2025. Read about all the stages and their colors and about Defqon.1 2027.
After the 2014 edition of Defqon.1, changes were made to the festival. The festival grounds are of course updated every year, but 2015 was different for hardcore fans. BLACK, the hardcore stage, was moved into a tent instead of being an outdoor stage. It should be pointed out, though, that this only applied to the Sunday of Defqon.1.
How did people react?
As always when things change, opinions are divided. As the writer, I can give a subjective view of the whole thing. In my world it was a serious downgrade. My favourite edition of Defqon.1 is without a doubt 2014. That year was magical, partly because BLACK was outdoors, but also because it was the first and last time Q-dance had afterparties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And not only were there afterparties, they went on until 07:00 in the morning each day.
Well, the rose-tinted glasses might have some effect. But back to BLACK: the sound volume that year was also magically good, neither too loud nor too quiet. The size of the stage area was perfect too, so there was always room to dance or hakken.
Why is BLACK coming back outdoors?
It is probably a mix of factors. Q-dance has surely received a fair amount of pressure over the years to put the BLACK stage outdoors again. Concepts also need to be retested after a number of years to see how a change works out. That is why the Defqon.1 grounds never look exactly the same each year. Changes are needed to measure and then optimise things, so that it is as good as possible for the visitors while also being cost-effective.
When will we see BLACK outdoors for 3 days?
If BLACK gets a really huge turnout on Sunday, it will of course influence future decisions in a positive direction. So all Weekend Warriors who are passionate about hardcore music and everything that comes with it should pull themselves together!
PS: You will find me at the back, hakken 😉
