Diana Ross @ Ziggo Dome - 11 August 2024
The surprise of 2024 was Diana Ross' return to The Netherlands. Only 10 months before in October 2023, she had performed at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. That month, I went to see her at Royal Albert Hall in London and at Sportpaleis in Antwerp.
This would be the first time to visit the Ziggo Dome. My friend Nancy was very enthusiastic in joining me on this adventure. I found us good seats with a view that matched the mid-stalls experience at Royal Albert Hall.
In the early evening hours preceding the hottest day of the year in The Netherlands, Nancy drove us to a parking spot close to Ziggo Dome. Traffic was being coordinated by staff in fluorescent vests, joking with us and directing us in the oppressive heat.
A football match between Amsterdam's Ajax and Northern Heerenveen had just ended in Ajax's favour. While we walked the pedestrian's bridge across the highway towards the Dome, thousands of Ajax's fans, coming from the adjoining Johan Cruijff Arena, in red and white striped shirts - or shirtless, due to the heat - walked our way on the left, as we, Ross fans, dressed in colourful and thin fabrics walked on the right towards the Dome. Both parties feeling cheerful and relaxed, observing each other's attire with fascination.
It's kind of a surreal experience, how 17,000 people gradually enter a venue, and you never have the feeling of being trampled by an endless crowd. I had expected the Ziggo Dome to be a rather impersonal pop venue. But it actually felt pleasant and welcoming. Friendly staff. Nice lighting. And the acoustics: very good. I was able to get in touch with my Ross-friend Francesco, who was seated front row. We managed to meet at the main reception hall, and Francesco came up to say hello to Nancy. It only happened three times in the past 20 years, that one of my main friends got to meet my ‘Ross’-friends. This time, it felt more precious than ever.
Miss Ross was in great form and radiated fun. It keeps amazing me how she brings such refreshing energy into the room. It's like she's carried by the audience's enthusiasm. But it's something else. Like Oprah once said 'she's a force of nature.' Owning the gift to make thousands of people happy the moment she appears on stage. She and her band gave us a wonderful show. Her son Ross was seated with his family at the side of the stage, and during ‘Upside Down’ her grandsons were invited to come and dance with their grandmother. Rhonda did a duet with her mother and performed a few songs of her own. It gave the show an extra dimension, to see Diana’s family so involved and caring. An unforgettable evening that left us full of impressions and now, with wonderful memories. ‘I’ll be back!’ Diana said at the end of the show. Let’s hope so!
