NEXT Party: Piiit Brings Back a Queer Nightlife Classic

After two decades, Brussels’ iconic queer party NEXT is making a comeback. We caught up with Piiit, DJ and promoter, to dive into why now, what’s next (pun intended), and whether those legendary arrows are still pointing the way to a good night.

Why now?
“We’d been asked regularly for years to revive these parties, and it was never the right time. Then recently, someone who hadn’t experienced them but had heard so much about them wanted to interview us for a podcast on LGBTQIA+ life in the late 90s and early 2000s. There was also an extensive feature in the latest Fond Susan Daniel publication, which you can find on our website. Shortly after the reopening of Madame Moustache, I met the team, and their space was an obvious choice—quirky, warm, and known for eclectic programming, just like our parties.”

Same vibe or a 2024 remix?
“NEXT was born when it was impossible to find a queer party with an alternative musical programmation in Brussels. So Luuuk and I decided to spice things up. Our musical line-up has always been a mix of funk, pop, hip-hop, baile funk, reggaeton, and bangers—anything to move your body and make you smile. Today, despite numerous changes, this kind of party is still rare, so relaunching NEXT made sense. The musical selection will stay true to its spirit but will, of course, feature fresh tracks.”

Recreating the magic for a new generation
“The magic has always been created by the audience: a great mix of genders, styles, and ages, where allies were always welcome. We’ve always aimed to create a safe space, and Madame Moustache fits that vibe perfectly, with a quieter area upstairs as well.”

Piiit x Snooba: Back-to-back beats
“This isn’t the first time I’ve played with Snooba. In terms of eclecticism and synergy, he’s one of the best people to succeed Luuuk, who hasn’t been mixing for years but still supports NEXT. Snooba and I are very different, but that contrast will enrich our mix—and yes, it’ll definitely make you sweat.”

What’s with the arrows?
“The NEXT arrows were always part of the logo but became a core element of the flyers when we moved from Recyclart to La Raffinerie. We wanted to bring a quirky twist to traditional party flyers, without being tied to one style or gender. Fans loved the game of spotting the arrows, which weren’t always easy to find. I’ve kept photographing arrows ever since and now have a collection of over 150!”

Brace yourselves, Brussels—the arrows are pointing you back to the dancefloor. NEXT is back, and it’s ready to move a whole new generation.

 www.septantesept.be/next