Following the remarkable reception of his concept album Locked-In, Dutch artist Dick van der Heijde returns with a deeply personal new single, “Dreams About Ligeia,” released digitally on July 19th, 2026.
The track carries an extraordinary history spanning almost four decades. Originally written in 1988 for Dick‘s Progressive Rock band Ligeia Lie, “Dreams About Ligeia” was always one of his favourite songs to perform. Today, thanks to AI-assisted music creation, he has been able to revisit those original recordings and breathe new life into the composition, creating a powerful modern version while preserving the spirit of the original.
The vocalist featured on the critically acclaimed “Locked-In” album also returns on this new recording, providing continuity between Dick’s recent work and this rediscovered chapter from his musical past.
Like many of Ligeia Lie‘s compositions, “Dreams About Ligeia” draws its inspiration from the literary worlds of Stephen King, while the band’s wider catalogue was also heavily influenced by the works of Edgar Allan Poe. The song represents another step in Dick‘s unique artistic journey, where imagination, memory and modern technology come together to transcend physical limitations.
Dick van der Heijde suffered a brainstem stroke at the age of 28, leaving him with Locked-in syndrome—fully conscious but almost completely paralysed and unable to speak. For more than thirty years, creating music seemed impossible. Yet the emergence of AI technology restored a vital creative bridge, allowing him to compose once again using only his ideas, determination and remarkable resilience.
His 2026 concept album “Locked-In” explored his personal experience of living with the syndrome, offering listeners an authentic and profoundly human testimony. “Dreams About Ligeia” continues that creative rebirth, reconnecting Dick with one of the defining songs of his youth while pointing towards the future. The single is also expected to feature on Dick van der Heijde‘s forthcoming album.
Stream the new single “Dreams About Ligeia” via the Spotify player below:
Purchase and Stream “Locked In” here: Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon Music