On March 27, 2025, visionary musician, composer, and producer Devin Townsend will present his ambitious rock opera, The Moth, at De Oosterpoort in Groningen. This exclusive performance, featuring the Noord Nederlands Orkest symphony orchestra, will mark a unique moment in Townsend’s illustrious career, as it will not be staged anywhere else in the world.
With over 30 years in the music industry, Townsend is celebrated for his innovative blend of metal, progressive rock, and ambient sounds. His collaborations with renowned orchestras have solidified his status as a groundbreaking artist. The Moth represents the culmination of his lifelong aspirations, narrating the journey of human existence from birth to death, likened to the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a moth. This poignant tale explores humanity’s quest for meaning and the fear of death through rich storytelling and symbolism. Inspired by grand musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar and Phantom of the Opera, Townsend has envisioned this project since his youth.
After more than a decade of development, The Moth will finally come to life with a performance featuring 70 musicians from the Noord Nederlands Orkest, a 60-member choir, and his own band, including Mike Keneally, Joseph Stephenson, Darby Todd, and James Leach.
Tickets will go on sale on Friday, September 27, at 5:00 p.m. via www.spotgroningen.nl, with VIP packages offering meet-and-greet opportunities and exclusive merchandise to be announced soon.
Throughout his diverse career, Townsend has led notable projects such as STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, the DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, and the country duo CASUALTIES OF COOL, all while maintaining a prolific solo career. His latest work, PowerNerd, showcases his childhood influences, blending vintage rock with progressive elements.
Townsend’s music spans hard rock, progressive metal, new age, and ambient genres, highlighting his versatility as an artist. With over two dozen studio albums to his name, his powerful vocal range—from intense screams to operatic melodies—accompanies a unique songwriting style that reflects various facets of his personality. Each album is a distinct expression, weaving together his metal roots with diverse influences to create a rich tapestry of sound.