Soulwax’s Abbey Road Rave: Watch the ‘After Hours’ Documentary
Soulwax’s Historic Abbey Road Rave: Documentary Captures World-First Event & Full Setlist
Belgian electronic music duo Soulwax have released a documentary detailing their groundbreaking ‘After Hours’ rave held at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios on February 21, 2026. The event, a five-hour set performed by 2manydjs with friends, marked the first time the famed recording studio opened its doors to the public for a rave. The documentary and the full setlist are now available to view online, offering a glimpse into a unique moment in music history.
The rave was accessible to a select group of 300 fans who won a ballot to attend, and featured the debut of a brand fresh track, ‘Perfect We Are Not’, recorded the day prior in Abbey Road’s Studio Two. The track was pressed to vinyl immediately after recording and played as the opening song of the 2manydjs set. Soulwax documented the entire process, from the initial concept to the final beat, in the newly released film, Abbey Road After Hours.
A New Sound System & Historic Venue
The event wasn’t just about the location; it also showcased Soulwax’s DEEWEE Soundsystem, inspired by New York’s legendary Paradise Garage. This custom-built system was integral to the immersive experience offered to the lucky attendees. Abbey Road’s Studio One, renowned for hosting recordings by The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and countless other musical icons, provided a fittingly historic backdrop for the event.
The Dewaele brothers, who comprise Soulwax, expressed their enthusiasm for the project prior to the rave. “It’s hard to say whether we have a perverse or healthy attraction to crazy ideas, that’s for other people to decide, really,” they said, according to reports. “So to be approached with a crazy idea is one thing, but to be approached with a crazy idea by the most iconic recording studio in music history is even more attractive.” They also voiced hope that this wouldn’t be the last rave held within the walls of Abbey Road.
Beyond the Rave: Recent Projects & Continued Momentum
The Abbey Road rave arrives as part of a busy period for Soulwax. Last October, they released All Systems Are Lying, their first studio album in over seven years. The duo described the album as “a rock album made without any electric guitars,” emphasizing their aim to capture the energy of a live band playing electronic instruments. The album was preceded by a series of double A-side singles, including ‘All Systems Are Lying’/‘Run Free’ and ‘Gimme A Reason’/’Meanwhile On The Continent’.
Following the album release, Soulwax embarked on a 2026 tour, with performances at venues including O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester and O2 Academy Brixton in London. They also released ‘Nite Version’ remixes of their recent singles and a single titled ‘New Earth Time’.
A Legacy of Remixes & Recognition
Soulwax, also known as 2ManyDJs, have a long and celebrated history of remixing and DJing. In 2022, they recounted a particularly memorable experience involving David Bowie, who hailed their mixes as “dynamite combinations.” Bowie even participated in their online forum under the username “David Bowie,” engaging with the duo directly.
The brothers later created a Bowie mix and accompanying film, DAVE, as Radio Soulwax, further solidifying their connection with the iconic artist. “It’s still weird that we talk about Bowie as if we’d known him but we only met him once,” Stephen Dewaele told NME. “It seems like such a weird world now.”
You can watch the documentary exploring the Abbey Road After Hours rave here and view the full setlist here.
