Forebitter Crew

The Forebitter Crew is an acapella group from the Friesland province of the Netherlands.  The group was formerly known as The Forebitter Men, but with the inclusion of women in the group they updated the name.

Our repertoire is almost exclusively in English and consists of Shanty’s, Seasongs and (Irish) Folksongs, in other words, Maritime Folksongs.

We expressly call ourselves a “Group” because our illustrious past examples also had no intention of being a “chorus”.

We sing casually and with great passion, largely a cappella, partly with musical support.

We would like to let you sail with us on our trips. We throw the ropes loose, set the sails and choose from a wide range of water, so that you can listen to the specific sound of The Forebitter Men in peace.

We hope you got an idea of ​​who The Forebitter Men is. We like to stay in a “Small café on the harbour” but we don’t sing about it!

The crew on the sailing ships in the 19th century was often a mess, who usually had to carry out their work under harsh conditions, led by the shanty-man, who indicated the rhythm and pace of the work.

Think of hoisting the sails, working on the capstan, pumping, etc. The Forebitters (narrative songs full of melancholy and longing), but also the Seasongs and the various Folk songs were usually played with full dedication in the sparse free time on deck. at the forebitts, (the bollards of the ship) sung.

We practice weekly in the district center Bilgaard, De Hooidollen 17 in Leeuwarden on Monday evenings from 7.45 pm to 9.45 pm.

Have you become enthusiastic about The Forebitter Crew?  We could use a few more members!