GOLDEN EARRING Rock Netherlands / Holland
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."
George Kooymans, the celebrated Dutch guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of Golden Earring, has passed away at the age of 77 after a long and courageous battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). His death marks the end of an era for Dutch rock music and leaves a profound silence where once there was the fierce echo of electric riffs and melodic innovation.
Born in The Hague on March 11, 1948, George Kooymans began his musical journey in the early 1960s, co-founding Golden Earring (initially known as The Golden Earrings) at the tender age of 13. Over the decades, he would become the band's creative cornerstone, writing many of their biggest hits and contributing a distinctive guitar sound that fused raw energy with lyrical elegance.
Kooymans was the composer of "Twilight Zone," the band's breakthrough hit in the United States in 1982, and co-wrote the anthemic "Radar Love," a rock classic that still echoes through concert halls, car radios, and playlists across the world. His guitar work was both muscular and melodic, driving the band's success while influencing generations of musicians.
Throughout a career that spanned over 50 years, Kooymans remained dedicated to his craft, performing on stage with unrelenting passion and humility. In early 2021, he publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis, leading to Golden Earring’s decision to disband, a poignant closure for a group that had stayed together with its classic lineup for nearly five decades.
Beyond the stage, George Kooymans was a quiet and thoughtful man, known for his dry humor, love of Americana music, and deep friendship with his bandmates, especially Barry Hay, Rinus Gerritsen, and Cesar Zuiderwijk. He also released solo material and worked as a producer for other Dutch artists, always with a keen ear for authenticity and emotion.
George spent his final years surrounded by loved ones and supported by the deep admiration of fans in the Netherlands and far beyond. His bravery in facing ALS, a disease that robbed him of the ability to play but never his dignity or spirit, inspired many.
He is survived by his wife and family, and by the legacy of a band that put Dutch rock on the global map. George Kooymans may have left the stage, but his music will reverberate for generations to come.
"There's a feeling I get when I look to the West..."
"Golden Earring's 1975 compilation album, 'The Best Of Golden Earring 10 Years 20 Hits,' is a sonic journey through the vibrant '70s rock scene. Released by Arcade Records, the LP features iconic tracks like 'Radar Love' and 'Another 45 Miles,' showcasing the Dutch band's musical evolution. This collectors' gem, in 12" Vinyl LP format, transcends time, highlighting Golden Earring's enduring legacy in the annals of rock history."
The Best Of Golden Earring 10 Years 20 Hits 12" Vinyl LP
Golden Earring's 1976 album, "Contraband," epitomizes the 1970s rock scene. The LP, a blend of live energy and studio innovation, mirrors the era's musical evolution. Characterized by analog warmth, the production reflects meticulous attention. The album cover, a visual ode to 1970s European aesthetics, complements the LP's sonic journey. "Contraband" remains a cherished artifact, encapsulating the spirit of a musical epoch.
Contraband 12" Vinyl LP
Golden Earring's 1976 album, "To The Hilt," is a sonic masterpiece featuring a fusion of rock, prog, and hard rock. Produced by the band and Fred Haayen, it showcases meticulous sound engineering by John Kriek and Robert Ash. The iconic album cover, designed by Hipgnosis, reflects the surreal and hypnotic spirit of the music.
To The Hilt 12" Vinyl LP Album
Golden Earring's Live Vinyl 2LP Album, released in 1977 Germany, epitomizes the musical spirit of the era. Produced by John Kriek for Red Bullet Productions, the album seamlessly captures the raw energy of the band's live performance. With a striking cover illustration by Koos van Oostrom and photography by Paul Gerritsma and Dorine v/d Valk, it became a cultural touchstone, leaving an enduring legacy in the musical landscape of 1977.
Live ( Double LP ) 12" 2LP Vinyl
Golden Earring's 1980 release, "Prisoner Of The Night" (titled "Long Blond Animal" in the USA), epitomizes the dynamic crossroads of rock music in the early '80s. Meticulously produced, it blends the band's mature sound with Robert Jan Stips' unique contributions. From infectious energy to introspective moments, the album remains a sonic masterpiece, leaving an indelible mark on Dutch rock history and influencing subsequent generations.
Prisoner Of The Night 12" Vinyl LP
The Golden Earrings' 1967 release, "Winter Harvest," encapsulates the Nederbeat spirit of the late '60s. Recorded during 1965-66, the album, with the 'S' in the band's name, captures the essence of Dutch counterculture and musical experimentation. The LP's production reflects the technical challenges of the era, offering a raw, authentic sound. This timeless gem stands as a testament to the band's evolution and its role in shaping the dynamic cultural landscape of the 1960s.
Winter Harvest Nederbeat 12" Vinyl LP