Soulwax has offered a rare glimpse behind the curtain of their creative process and electrifying live performances with the release of a documentary detailing their unprecedented ‘After Hours’ rave at Abbey Road Studios. The event, held on February 21, 2026, marked the first time the iconic London recording space opened its doors to the public for a full-scale rave, a concept that initially seemed, as the Dewaele brothers put it, “a crazy idea.” The documentary, titled Abbey Road After Hours, chronicles the build-up to the event and features footage from the rave itself, including the debut of their new track, ‘Perfect We Are Not.’
The five-hour event was open to just 300 fans, selected through an online ballot, and showcased the Belgian duo’s signature 2manydjs set. What made the night truly unique wasn’t just the location, but the way Soulwax integrated new music into the experience. The day before the rave, they recorded ‘Perfect We Are Not’ in Abbey Road’s Studio Two, immediately pressing it to vinyl for its exclusive premiere as the opening track. This commitment to immediacy and a live, in-the-moment feel is a hallmark of their approach to music.
A New Track and a First-of-Its-Kind Event
The documentary details the logistical challenges and creative energy that went into transforming Studio One, typically reserved for recording history-making albums, into a pulsating dance floor. Soulwax too debuted their DEEWEE Soundsystem, inspired by New York’s legendary Paradise Garage, further enhancing the immersive experience for the lucky attendees. The Dewaele brothers, speaking before the event, expressed their enthusiasm for the unconventional opportunity, stating, “It’s hard to say whether we have a perverse or healthy attraction to crazy ideas…to be approached with a crazy idea by the most iconic recording studio in music history is even more attractive.”
Abbey Road Studios confirmed the event as a first, stating on their website that it was the first time they had opened Studio One to the public for a rave. The event’s success has sparked hope that it won’t be a one-off occurrence, with the Dewaele brothers expressing their desire for future raves within the studio’s hallowed walls.
Beyond Abbey Road: A Recent Creative Burst
The Abbey Road rave and documentary arrive on the heels of a prolific period for Soulwax. Last October, they released ‘All Systems Are Lying,’ their first studio album in over seven years. Described as a “rock album made without any electric guitars,” the double album represents an exploration of electronic instrumentation and a commitment to capturing a live, energetic sound. The album’s release was accompanied by a series of double singles – ‘All Systems Are Lying’/‘Run Free’ and ‘Gimme A Reason’/’Meanwhile On The Continent’ – as well as the single ‘New Earth Time.’
The band also released ‘Nite Version’ remixes of their recent singles, demonstrating their continued dedication to experimentation and reimagining their own work. They recently concluded a 2026 tour that included performances at O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester and O2 Academy Brixton in London, further solidifying their reputation as a dynamic and captivating live act.
A Longstanding Connection to David Bowie
Soulwax’s creative journey has been marked by collaborations and influences from across the musical spectrum. In 2022, NME reported on the duo’s connection to the late David Bowie, revealing that he was a fan of their work as 2ManyDJs, even praising their mixes as “dynamite combinations.” This admiration led to a unique creative exchange, with Soulwax creating a Bowie mix and accompanying film, DAVE, under their Radio Soulwax moniker.
Stephen Dewaele recounted a particularly surreal moment, recalling that Bowie himself had participated in their online forum under the username “David Bowie,” engaging with fans and offering feedback. “It’s still weird that we talk about Bowie as if we’d known him but we only met him once,” he told NME. “He was even on the forum on our little website as ‘David Bowie’ asking us questions, and we thought he was someone else!”
The documentary and the Abbey Road rave represent a continuation of Soulwax’s willingness to push boundaries and embrace unconventional ideas. The full documentary and the complete 2manydjs set from the event are available to view online, offering fans a chance to experience a truly unique moment in music history. The band has not yet announced further plans for similar events, but the success of the Abbey Road rave suggests that this may not be the last time they transform a legendary space into a vibrant dance floor.
Fans can stay updated on Soulwax’s future projects and tour dates through their official channels. The band’s continued exploration of sound and performance promises further innovative and captivating experiences for audiences worldwide.
What are your thoughts on Soulwax’s innovative approach to live music? Share your comments below and let us know what you suppose of the Abbey Road rave!
