DI-RECT

Marcel Veenendaal, the 44-year-old lead singer of Dutch band DI-RECT, says he turns down invitations to take part in The Passion every year, telling Het Parool he dismissively calls the event 'Depression'. In a separate interview with VPRO 3voor12, he reflects on his turbulent past, describing it as 'hell, but beautiful'. The interviews paint a picture of a rock frontman wary of mainstream TV spectacle.