George Kooymans, guitarist of Dutch rock band Golden Earring, dies at 77
George Kooymans, the co-lead singer and guitarist of the Dutch rock band Golden Earring, has passed away at 77 years of age. An attorney for the band has stated that Kooymans passed away due to his suffering from ALS.
“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,” a statement read.
Golden Earring is considered one of the most successful Dutch rock bands of all time. The band had worldwide success in the 70s and 80s; their biggest hit “Radar Love” went to number 10 in the United Kingdom and number 13 in the United States. Other successful hits included “Twilight Zone” and “When the Lady Smiles.”
It was reported in 2021 that Kooymans had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that eventually leads to a loss of voluntary movement.
Golden Earring was formed by Kooymans with his neighbor Rinus Gerritsen in 1961 in The Hague when Kooymans was 13 years old. Eventually, 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. The band is scheduled to play five farewell concerts at the Ahoy in Rotterdam in 2026.
Kooymans also released two solo albums with Jojo (1971) and Solo (1987). He released an album with musician Frank Carrillo in 2022.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the other band members, and we wish them much strength,” said Limore Noach, director of the ALS Netherlands Foundation said in response to the news. “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.”
In September last year, numerous artists paid tribute to the musical legacy of the Hague-based band during the concert De Earring & Ik at Rotterdam Ahoy. The event raised more than 58,000 euros for the ALS Netherlands Foundation.
