Hugo Matthysen en De Bomen

Hugo Matthysen
Born	(1956-01-30) January 30, 1956 Ekeren, Belgium
Occupation(s)	Singer, guitarist, columnist, author, Master of Philosophy, actor
Years active	1978–present
Known for	Member of Beri-Beri; "De Hermannen"; comedic rock band "Hugo Matthysen en De Bomen"; radio show Het Leugenpaleis; TV show Het Peulengaleis; children's series Kulderzipken and Dag Sinterklaas; character Clement Peerens; comedic TV show Anneliezen
Notable work	Kulderzipken, Dag Sinterklaas, Het Leugenpaleis, Het Peulengaleis

Hugo Matthysen (born 30 January 1956 in Ekeren) is a multifaceted Belgian artist from the Flemish region, recognized as a singer, guitarist, columnist, author, Master of Philosophy, and actor residing in Hove, Antwerp.

Biography

Matthysen collaborated with Bart Peeters and Jan Leyers in 1978 as part of the cover group Beri-Beri.

By 1984, he frequently appeared alongside Bart Peeters and Marcel Vanthilt on Peeters' show Villa Tempo, performing as "De Hermannen," a trio distinguished by their unique style inspired by German vocalist Heino and their surreal comedic sketches. During this period, Matthysen also began contributing columns to the magazine HUMO and established the comedic rock ensemble "Hugo Matthysen en De Bomen." In 1989, he regularly participated in the absurdist program Lava created by Kamagurka and Herr Seele.

Together with Bart Peeters, Matthysen developed the radio show Het Leugenpaleis for Studio Brussel, which was subsequently adapted into the television format Het Peulengaleis. He authored children’s television series including Kulderzipken and Dag Sinterklaas and wrote the theatrical production Frankenstein by Smrntwsk Alleen (1989). He also contributed lyrics for the band De Nieuwe Snaar.

The early 1990s saw the launch of Dag Sinterklaas, a series aimed at Flemish children that explored the everyday life of Saint Nicholas and addressed inquiries regarding characters such as Zwarte Piet. This program is credited with averting racial disputes concerning Sinterklaas in Belgium, contrasting with developments in the Netherlands.

In 1990, Matthysen co-hosted performances at the festival Torhout-Werchter (currently known as Rock Werchter) alongside HUMO’s chief editor Guy Mortier.

His persona Clement Peerens became well-known through involvement with the band CPeX (Clement Peerens Explosition – featuring Ronny Mosuse and Bart Peeters) and the female group Hormonia. In summer 2008, Matthysen resumed live performances with Clement Peerens Explosition.

In 2010, he created the comedic television show Anneliezen.