Outrospection

Hotel du Globe – Biography

Hotel du Globe is a Belgian alternative rock band originally formed in the early 1980s by singer Pierre Melchior and bassist Frédéric Floss. They were soon joined by Dimitri Koutcheriw on drums and keyboards, Philippe Verstraeten on guitar, and Eric Bayens on drums. Deeply influenced by the post-punk wave, their sound drew inspiration from iconic acts like Joy Division, The Human League, The Cure, B-Movie, and Simple Minds.

Their early songs blended sharp, atmospheric arrangements with metaphysical lyrics—echoing the existential concerns of their generation. After a final concert in 1987, the band quietly disbanded, unaware that decades later, Hotel du Globe would be reborn.

The COVID-19 pandemic, while a time of global uncertainty, became a creative turning point. In their own words: "We opened a window on the sky." That period of confinement sparked reflection and reconnection, ultimately leading to the idea of reforming the band.

Over 30 years after their last performance, the group revisited one of their signature tracks, "Eyes of the Shadow", a brooding, post-punk anthem that caught the attention of UK-based Glasstone Records. The label signed Hotel du Globe for mastering and distribution—making "Eyes of the Shadow" their first official single.

From this momentum came four new tracks, culminating in the EP "Introspection", released on August 28, 2023. For the recording sessions, the lineup expanded to include Geoffrey Lesire (Springclean) on guitar and Marc De Meersman—a returning member from 1985 who went on to join Vaya Con Dios—on drums. The band also welcomed Louise, a charismatic young vocalist whose deep, emotive voice adds a haunting new layer to tracks like "Strange Vision", "Back to the Past", and "The Next Day". To complete the circle, longtime friend and 1987 bandmate Jean-Didier rejoined the project, contributing his talent as both keyboardist and songwriter.

The EP quickly resonated, especially in the UK, where it gained significant airplay on major online radio stations and coverage in the alternative press. The buzz led to a nomination for Radio Wigwam’s 'Best International Bands' Award, where Hotel du Globe proudly finished 3rd at the 2024 London ceremony.

Building on this success, the band began work on their first full-length album, "Outrospection", released in September 2024, with a CD edition following in October. A fifth video, "Be Yourself", was released in September 2024, further expanding the visual and emotional universe of the album.

In November 2024, the band completed a successful 7-date tour across England, marking their first steps on UK soil. Encouraged by the warm reception, they’re set to return in August 2025 for a 3-date UK mini-tour, once again connecting with British audiences and showcasing their evolving sound.

Looking ahead, Hotel du Globe will be the support act for the iconic Wasted Youth during their European Tour in 2026, further solidifying the band’s return to the spotlight.

With Love. HOTEL DU GLOBE