It’s a sad day for music lovers worldwide, especially for fans of classic rock and Dutch heritage. We’ve just received the heartbreaking news that George Kooymans, the brilliant guitarist, soulful singer, and co-founder of the iconic Dutch band Golden Earring, has passed away today at the age of 77.
Kooymans was truly the musical heart and soul of Golden Earring, a band that not only stood the test of time but also became an enduring monument in the world of rock. For an astonishing sixty years, Golden Earring reigned as one of the Netherlands’ most successful groups, amassing an incredible thirty gold and platinum albums – a feat that speaks volumes about their talent and enduring appeal.
The Brain Behind the International Hits
When discussing Golden Earring, you inevitably mention their groundbreaking success in America during the 1970s. It was a massive achievement for a Dutch band to break into the notoriously tricky American market, and it truly captured the imagination of music fans everywhere. Their 1973 anthem, “Radar Love,” wasn’t just a hit; it became a staple, remaining one of the most played records on American radio stations for decades. And for those of us who follow the beloved Top 2000 chart, we know “Radar Love” has held a consistently high position for years, proving its lasting power.
George Kooymans wasn’t just a performer; he was the primary musical brain behind so many of Golden Earring’s unforgettable tracks. He penned classics like “Another 45 Miles,” the anthemic “Back Home,” the heartfelt “Just a Little Bit of Peace in My Heart,” and, of course, the internationally acclaimed “Twilight Zone.” If you haven’t recently, do yourself a favor and go listen to “Twilight Zone” again – it’s a masterclass in rock songwriting.
But Kooymans’ influence stretched far beyond his band. He had a keen ear for talent, famously discovering the captivating Dutch band Earth & Fire, for whom he also wrote their hit “Seasons.” Later, in the 1990s, he played a pivotal role in bringing the powerful voice of The Hague-born singer Anouk to the world’s attention. He and Barry Hay even contributed their musical prowess to her wildly successful debut album, “Together Alone.”
A Journey from The Tornados to Golden Earring Immortality
Born on March 11, 1948, in The Hague, George Kooymans’s passion for music ignited early. At just thirteen, in 1961, he teamed up with his childhood friend and bassist Rinus Gerritsen to form a band called The Tornados. They quickly discovered that another British band already bore that name, prompting them to cleverly rebrand as The Golden Earrings, a nod to a Peggy Lee song.
Their ascent was steady and impressive. By 1965, they scored their first top 10 hit in the Netherlands with “Please Go.” Just three years later, they hit the coveted number one spot with “Dong-Dong-Di-Ki-Di-Gi-Dong.” Kooymans and Gerritsen’s songwriting prowess was recognized early, earning them a Silver Harp award in 1969, a testament to their emerging talent.
Ozzy is al een band aan het samenstellen en heeft 1 van de allerbeste muzikanten van Nederland bij zich gehaald..#rip George Kooymans pic.twitter.com/h00c26hoVp
— Starbuck (@starbuck68) July 23, 2025
The late 1960s saw the band solidify its place at the pinnacle of the Dutch rock scene, dropping the “The” and the “s” to become simply Golden Earring. This era also saw the formation of their legendary, permanent lineup: Kooymans and Gerritsen were joined by the charismatic singer Barry Hay and the dynamic drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk. This quartet would go on to define the band’s iconic sound for decades to come. Kooymans and Hay often collaborated on the group’s music and lyrics, creating those timeless international hits we cherish, like “Radar Love” and “When the Lady Smiles.”
Beyond the Earring: Collaborations and Legacy
George Kooymans wasn’t one to rest on his laurels. His creative output extended to writing songs for other artists and bands, and his production skills were sought after by talents like Herman Brood, Patricia Paay, and Smyle. He also ventured into solo territory, releasing two albums: “Lovin’ and Hurtin'” in 1971 and “Solo” in 1987. The latter was released through Ring Records, a label he co-founded with Barry Hay, which also became a platform for other bands.
Boudewijn de Groot, Henny Vrienten, and George Kooymans played the Strange Boarders in the theatre
His collaborations continued into later years. Under the name Circle Brothers, Kooymans and Hay produced various acts. In 2010, Kooymans collaborated with American singer Frank Carillo on the album “On Location,” showcasing his versatility. A more recent project saw him form the group Vreemde Kostgangers in 2016, a trio with fellow Dutch legends Henny Vrienten and Boudewijn de Groot. They toured Dutch theaters and released two albums, further cementing Kooymans’ status as a prolific artist.
His contributions were widely recognized. In 2012, Kooymans was honored with the Eddy Christiani Award in Vlissingen, an award that celebrates guitarists who have made a george significant impact on the international pop music scene.
George Kooymans lived in Belgium with his wife, Melanie george Gerritsen, who is incidentally the sister of his bandmate Rinus Gerritsen. They had two children, Kid and Cassy, and Kooymans also maintained his studio there.
The music world was dealt a heavy blow in February 2021 when it was announced that Kooymans had been diagnosed with ALS, an incurable muscle disease. This devastating news meant he could no longer perform. For years, Golden Earring had lived by the motto: “We’ll keep playing until one of the four collapses.” With George’s diagnosis, that heartbreaking moment arrived. True to their word, the band immediately announced they would not continue without him. And so, after an incredible six decades, the legendary journey of Golden Earring came to an end. Today, as we mourn his passing, we celebrate the immense talent and unforgettable music George Kooymans leaves behind. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate through generations.
