George Kooymans, Founding Member of Golden Earring, Dies at 76
via Inside Celebrities / ,Youtube
George Kooymans, the guitarist and co-founder of Dutch rock band Golden Earring, has died at the age of 77. Known for his distinct guitar work and vocals, Kooymans was a major force behind the band’s sound and success for decades.
His passing was confirmed by a lawyer connected to the group. The band, which officially ended in 2021 after Kooymans was diagnosed with ALS, shared a heartfelt message through his family:
“We say goodbye to a great musician and composer whose work extended beyond Golden Earring. George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, but above all, a friend.”
Limore Noach, director of the ALS Netherlands Foundation, also shared condolences:
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the other band members, and we wish them much strength. When it became known that George Kooymans had ALS and could no longer perform, it was heartwarming to see how the whole of the Netherlands rallied in support.”
From Neighborhood Jam Sessions to Global Hits
Golden Earring got its start in 1961 when Kooymans decided to form a band with his neighbor, bassist Rinus Gerritsen. What began as a local project grew into one of the most successful rock bands in Dutch history, releasing over 25 studio albums during a 50-year run.
While the band was always big in the Netherlands, it was the 1973 hit “Radar Love” that put them on the global map, reaching No. 13 on the U.S. charts. Nearly a decade later, they struck again with Kooymans’ song “Twilight Zone,” which climbed to No. 10 in the U.S. in 1982.
The Band’s End and a Final Tribute
Golden Earring officially called it quits in 2021 after Kooymans’ ALS diagnosis. His bandmates had always agreed they’d continue until one of them couldn’t. “We always said we would keep going until one of us fell over,” said longtime bandmate Barry Hay. “I didn’t expect George to be the first. Kooymans was always the toughest of the four of us.”
Now, the surviving members are planning a farewell concert, with guest musicians joining in and all proceeds going toward ALS research.
Reflecting on his friend’s passing, drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk shared:
“What we want now is silence and to think back on everything he did. I played with him for 50 years, and it was the best time of my life.”
