Golden Earring is a Dutch rock band that has been making music for more than six decades. The band was formed in 1961 in The Hague, Netherlands, and has gone on to become one of the most successful and influential rock bands in Dutch history. Their unique blend of hard rock, progressive rock, and pop rock has won them legions of fans around the world, and their music continues to be celebrated to this day.
The original lineup of Golden Earring consisted of lead vocalist Frans Krassenburg, guitarist George Kooymans, bassist Rinus Gerritsen, and drummer Jaap Eggermont. They first gained national attention in the Netherlands with their 1965 single "Please Go," which became a hit and helped establish the band as a major force in Dutch rock music. They followed this up with a series of successful albums and singles, including "Dong-Dong-Di-Ki-Di-Gi-Dong," "That Day," and "Sound of the Screaming Day."
Barry Hay joined Golden Earring in 1967, replacing Frans Krassenburg as the band's lead vocalist. Krassenburg had left the band earlier that year, and Golden Earring was looking for a new singer. They found Hay, who had previously been a member of the band The Haigs, and he quickly became an integral part of the band's sound and success. Hay's distinctive vocals and stage presence helped to take Golden Earring to new heights of popularity in the Netherlands and beyond. He remains a member of the band to this day.
In the early 1970s, Golden Earring began to gain international attention with the release of their album "Moontan" in 1973. The album featured their biggest hit single, "Radar Love," which reached the top 10 in the United States and other countries around the world. "Moontan" also showcased the band's ability to mix hard rock with more experimental and progressive elements, and it remains a classic of the genre.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Golden Earring continued to release successful albums and singles, including "Twilight Zone," "When the Lady Smiles," and "Going to the Run." They also continued to tour extensively, building a loyal fan base around the world. In the 1990s and 2000s, the band continued to release new music and tour, although they slowed down somewhat in their output.
One of the hallmarks of Golden Earring's music is their ability to blend different styles and genres into their own unique sound. Their music often combines elements of hard rock, pop, blues, and progressive rock, creating a sound that is both catchy and complex. They also place a heavy emphasis on guitar work, with Kooymans and Gerritsen both being accomplished musicians in their own right.
In addition to their music, Golden Earring has also been known for their dynamic and energetic live performances. They have performed in front of huge crowds at festivals and stadiums around the world, and their live shows are often praised for their intensity and passion.
Despite their long and storied career, Golden Earring remains one of the most underrated and underappreciated bands in rock music. While they are well-known in their native Netherlands and have a dedicated following around the world, they have never quite achieved the level of success and recognition that their music deserves. Nevertheless, their influence can be heard in the work of many other artists, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of rock musicians.
Golden Earring, originally known as The Golden Earrings, changed their name to Golden Earring in 1969, dropping the "s" from their original name. The reason for the change was simply that the band members felt that the new name sounded more modern and streamlined.
The band had originally taken their name from a song called "Golden Earrings," which had been a hit for the American duo Peggy Lee and Victor Young in 1947. However, the band members felt that the name was a bit old-fashioned and did not reflect the more contemporary sound they were developing.
The decision to drop the "s" from their name was made during the recording of their album "Eight Miles High" in 1969. The album marked a departure from the band's earlier sound and was a more experimental and psychedelic effort. The new name reflected the band's desire to move forward and embrace new musical styles and ideas.
The change in name did not have a significant impact on the band's success or popularity. In fact, they went on to achieve some of their biggest hits and highest levels of success under the name Golden Earring, including their iconic song "Radar Love."
