Jan Smeets stops as Pinkpop’s festival director. “After fifty years, ‘Mister Pinkpop’ is taking a step back and is going to enjoy his free time and what he has built up with the festival,” Pinkpop announced on Friday evening.
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The organization of Pinkpop is continued by the permanent team in combination with MOJO, which has been responsible for the programming since 1986. Smeets does not let go of the festival completely; he continues to assist the team as an advisor. “I may officially stop as director, but you are certainly not rid of me,” said 75-year-old Smeets.
Shortly after the announcement, Smeets shared a farewell video. “Keep in mind that you will meet me inappropriately”, says Smeets, who remains involved in the festival in Dutch Limburg as a consultant.
Due to the corona crisis, Pinkpop was canceled this year and that gave the former festival director time to think about his future. “I have done it with a lot of passion for fifty years and now it is time to hand over the baton,” says Smeets, who has been suffering from health problems for some time.
The 50th edition of Pinkpop, the last of Smeets as festival director, was celebrated in a big way last year. For example, a special coin was introduced and there is a Pinkpop anniversary tile on a platform at Landgraaf station. Smeets was also put in the spotlight. He was promoted to Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau, received the Buma Golden Harp and received a bust at the festival site.
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