On August 2, 2025, Will Tura, the emperor of the Flemish song, turned 85. Will stopped performing in 2023, after a rich career of more than 60 years. His music undoubtedly belongs to the musical Flemish heritage. Meanwhile, 4 generations know the musical gems such as Eenzaam zonder jou or Mooi, ’t leven is mooi.
In 2019, a number of West Flemish musicians joined forces and under the name El Bandido, named after the well-known Tura hit from 1966, they toured Flanders to pay a musical tribute to Tura, that boy from the distant Westhoek who left his mark on Flemish music forever.
Songs such as Vergeet Barbara, Airhostess, Draai dan 797204, Met Rock ’n roll in m’n hart and Hoop doet leven, set the room on fire. Ik mis je zo and Het kan niet zijn then provide a lump in the throat for many a spectator. And then there are also some hidden gems such as Wat vliegt de tijd and Linda.
El Bandido takes the audience on a one-and-a-half-hour journey through Turaland and they also bring an old acquaintance along. None other than Blue Jerry, who was the permanent guitarist for Will Tura for more than 50 years, still felt the musical jitters and is back on stage together with El Bandido. He lets Eenzaam zonder jou sound once again just as he did more than 1000 times in the past.
In short, the one and only real Vlaamse Will Tura tribute band El Bandido brings an homage to the greatest Flemish singer. An unforgettable and at times nostalgic evening for the true Tura fans. But actually a must-see for young and old.