R.I.P George Kooymans, singer-guitarist of Golden Earring

[FrankO]

Three days ago, co-founder of the Dutch band Golden Earring passed away, after he had been diagnosed with ALS at the end of 2020. When he was 13 years old he formed Golden Earring with his neighbor friend Rinus Gerritsen. In later years Barry Hay and Cesar Zuidwijk filled up the remaining parts of the band, which remained the same until they split after Kooymans was forced to retire in 2021.

He wasn't just a great guitarist, but a fantastic vocalist as well and co-wrote some of their greatest hits, like Radar Love, Twilight Zone, When the Lady Smiles, Another 45 miles, Sound of the Screaming Day and Just a little Bit of Piece in my Heart.

They were great live performers and George Kooymans will be sorely missed.

[Herlock Sholmes]

I heard the song Radar Love by the American rock band White Lion in around 1990 but I knew that it was a cover version. This led me to investigate Golden Earring. A really good band and maybe one that hasn’t received the recognition that they deserved Frank.

A sad loss.