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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

After 5,000 kilometers, Ukrainian drummer Tania's drum kit returns to Brussels: 'New chapter'

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Belgian rock band Louves completed a 5,000-kilometer road trip to Kyiv to retrieve a drum kit for their Ukrainian drummer.
  • The drummer, Tania, had left the instrument behind two years prior when fleeing the war.
  • The journey offered the band a stark look at daily life in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.

Belgian rock band Louves has returned to Brussels after an emotional 5,000-kilometer road trip to Kyiv and back, successfully retrieving a cherished drum kit for their Ukrainian drummer, Tania. Tania was forced to leave the instrument behind two years ago when she fled her home country due to the war.

For her, it feels like she can start a new chapter.

— Ashley De BusscherGuitarist Ashley De Busscher on the significance of retrieving the drum kit for their Ukrainian drummer.

The journey, undertaken by band members Ashley De Busscher and Gordon, was more than a logistical mission. It provided a confronting glimpse into the realities of daily life in Ukraine. They traveled from Brussels to Tania's parental home in Boyarka, a town near Kyiv. Tania herself flew to Poland and then took a train to meet them, marking her first return to Ukraine since her departure.

"The reunion was incredibly emotional," said singer Ashley De Busscher. "It was very special to be able to see Tania's home up close." As they neared Kyiv, the visible signs of war intensified. The band noted they were the only car with a foreign license plate, saw increasing numbers of military personnel, and heard air raid sirens during their overnight stay.

It was very special to be able to see Tania's home up close.

— Ashley De BusscherSinger Ashley De Busscher describing the emotional experience of visiting Tania's hometown.

Tania had saved for years for her drum kit, which was nearly new when she had to abandon it. "She had to give up so much to build a new life," De Busscher explained. "Having her own drum kit back in Brussels feels like a new start for her."

The closer we got to Kyiv, the more visible the war became. We were the only car with a foreign license plate, saw more and more soldiers, and heard several air raid alarms during our overnight stay.

— Ashley De BusscherSinger Ashley De Busscher detailing the increasing signs of conflict as they approached Kyiv.

The return trip was tense at times. After just one night in Kyiv, the band decided to drive directly to the Polish border, a decision that proved prescient as Ukraine faced one of its heaviest attacks on Kyiv shortly after. "That was a bit of a shock," De Busscher admitted, recounting Tania's experience hearing sirens and seeing distant explosions throughout the night. Border crossings also presented challenges, with the band undergoing extensive checks and scans on their return journey.

She had to give up so much to build a new life. Having her own drum kit back in Brussels feels like a new start.

— Ashley De BusscherSinger Ashley De Busscher explaining the personal importance of the drum kit for Tania.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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