Stephen van Haestregt

Stephen van Haestregt (born September 12, 1972 in Westdorpe, Zeeland) is a Dutch drummer, best known as the drummer of the Dutch symphonic metal band Within Temptation.

When he was 18 years old he moved to Utrecht, and two years later to Raamsdonksveer in North Brabant. He was giving his first little drum kit from his grandmother when he was 3 years old.

Van Haestregt followed drum lessons for only two years. He wanted to drum rock/metal, but his drums teacher wanted to teach him traditional drums. From then he was playing along with records from his favorite bands like Golden Earring, Iron Maiden, etc.

Van Haestregt made his first performances in the band Sacrament until they had a show with Paralysis. Then he joined them.

In 2000 he contacted Within Temptation, not as a drummer but as sound engineer of their new album Mother Earth. In 2002 Ivar de Graaf left the band Within Temptation, and caused them to look for a new drummer. Within Temptation was still in contact with Van Haestregt, and they got along quite well. He agreed to be their new drummer and 5 days later he made his first performance with the band on the German festival Rock im Park.