Arena Celebrates 30 Years of Neoprog With Electrifying Show in Zik-Zak, Belgium

Arena – 30 Years of Neoprog at the Zik-Zak (Ittre, Belgium – 13.05.2025)

Almost a year after seeing Clive Nolan perform with Pendragon at the Zik-Zak, we found ourselves once again in this venue  – a  music club nestled in the Belgian countryside south of Brussels. This time, it was for the anniversary concert of his other band: Arena. The 30th Anniversary Tour brought Arena to the intimate setting of Ittre, where the band delivered an impressive retrospective of three decades of progressive rock.

Arena was founded in 1995 by ex-Marillion drummer Mick Pointer and keyboardist/composer Clive Nolan, who has since remained the band’s creative core. Around five years ago, the band’s fourth vocalist Paul Manzi departed and he was replaced by Damian Wilson – the same Wilson who set the Loreley and Valkenburg ablaze last year, climbing anything climbable in the process. A fantastic singer and performer without a doubt – though he does tend to wrap up every song with a dramatic high note. Still, all Arena songs simply sound better with him. After John Carson, Paul Wrightson, Rob Sowden and Paul Manzi, it seems Arena has finally found their ultimate frontman.Even before the concert began, Damian was walking around the venue, greeting fans and even handing out the occasional hug. That genuine connection remained present throughout the show.

The set opened grandly with “Valley of the Kings”,  an epic from Songs from the Lion’s Cage, followed by the groovy and energetic “Paradise of Thieves”. Early on, Wilson’s voice seemed to need a little warming up — his first power notes were slightly cautious — but soon enough, it was full force: powerful, pitch-perfect and intense. During the concert he didn't just shine on stage — twice, he literally sang among the audience, a spontaneous and playful gesture that elevated the atmosphere.

Between songs, Nolan kept the flow going with entertaining commentary. With his dry British wit, he shared how John Mitchell once auditioned without anyone knowing who he was  and how Wilson eventually joined the band. These witty and personal anecdotes brought Arena’s history to life in a relatable way.

One of Arena’s greatest assets is guitarist John Mitchell, whose recognizable style — a mix of melody, control and emotional depth — lifts every track. His playing on “Serenity” was downright stunning, with a subtle Floydian touch that sent shivers down the spine. Mitchell isn't one to show off with speed or flash but a master of restraint and tone. Every note counts, every solo resonates.

The theatrical “Bedlam Fayre” brought the dark atmosphere of Pepper’s Ghost to life, followed by the introspective “How Did It Come to This?”. Songs from the recent The Theory of Molecular Inheritance proved that Arena still looks ahead in 2025: “21 Grams”, “The Equation”, “Time Capsule” and “Life Goes On” all sounded fresh and powerful and were well received.

The 20-minute “Moviedrome” was a musical masterpiece — layered, cinematic, full of tempo changes and tension. Afterward, fan favorites from The Visitor followed (“Don’t Forget to Breathe” and  “Serenity”) alongside tracks from the Manzi years like “The Tinder Box” and “What If?” Each song contributed to a rich and diverse set.

One notable absence: no songs from Contagion were played — still considered by many to be one of Arena’s magnum opuses, alongside The Visitor. A pity, as it would have made the setlist feel even more complete.

Besides Wilson and Mitchell, the other musicians also deserve praise. Clive Nolan is not only the band’s musical architect but performed live with infectious energy. His synth layers soared above the rhythm section adding grandeur and drama. Kylan Amos, the band’s bassist since 2005, delivered solid, melodic lines with a perfect sense of groove. Mick Pointer, the founding drummer, held everything together with a restrained but confident style that gave the rest of the band space to shine.

During last year’s Visitor tour, I found myself missing the band’s original vocalist. But today I can confidently say: with Damian Wilson, Arena has its best singer ever. Not only vocally outstanding, but as a charismatic presence on stage, he clearly elevates the entire band. A concert is more than just music – it’s about the energy between band and audience and in that Wilson is a true master.

The evening ended as only Arena can: with “Crying for Help VII”. The room went silent as the iconic “Help me…” echoed through the venue, followed by the entire crowd bursting into loud, emotional singing. Even the “Oooh oohhh” parts were chanted in unison — a true moment of connection between fans and band. A perfect ending.

After two hours Arena left the stage.. But the night wasn’t quite over: Damian Wilson and Clive Nolan returned to the room to sign albums, take pictures and chat with fans — all while the crew loaded the tour bus for the next stop: Paris.

The tour is still in full swing with upcoming shows in France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia — and it wraps up with four shows in the Netherlands. On May 31st, this celebration of 30 years of Arena concludes at Boerderij, Zoetermeer — a venue that feels like a symbolic final chapter for this remarkable musical journey.

With thanks to Ela Williamson for her help with this review.