Giant Sand returns to NL in October for two live performances

Giant Sand is the long-running musical project of Howe Gelb, an endlessly inventive singer, guitarist, and songwriter who carved out a unique place in the American indie and alt-country scene. Originally from Pennsylvania, Gelb found inspiration in the dry, open landscapes of Tucson, Arizona, where Giant Sand was born in the early 1980s. From the beginning, the band defied categorization—melding rock, country, punk, and experimental elements into a sound as loose and unpredictable as the desert itself.

More a collective than a fixed lineup, Giant Sand has always revolved around Gelb's restless creativity. Over the years, the band has included a rotating cast of talented collaborators, with names like John Convertino and Joey Burns (later of Calexico) among its alumni. The music has ranged from gritty desert rock to intimate, jazzy ballads, always anchored by Gelb’s offbeat lyrics and laid-back delivery. This shape-shifting quality has kept Giant Sand fresh across dozens of albums and decades of touring.

Though Gelb officially retired the Giant Sand name in 2016, he couldn’t stay away for long. A new incarnation of the group emerged in 2018, reinterpreting early material and continuing the tradition of sonic exploration. With a mix of longtime bandmates and fresh faces, the revived Giant Sand has proven that their blend of eccentric Americana still resonates with fans old and new.

This October, Giant Sand will return to the Netherlands for two live performances. Expect a rich mix of old favorites and reimagined classics—delivered with the spontaneity and spirit that have made Gelb and his ever-evolving band a beloved cult presence for over 30 years.

05/10: Nijmegen, NL - Doornroosje
18/10: Utrecht, NL - Ramblin' Roots