We mourn the loss of George Kooymans, a legendary co-founder of the iconic band Golden Earring, whose unique vocals and exceptional guitar skills significantly shaped the band’s distinctive sound. He passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the music industry.

The announcement of Kooymans’ passing was made through an attorney representing the band, which officially disbanded in 2021 following the devastating news of Kooymans’ ALS diagnosis. A heartfelt statement released by Kooymans’ family expressed, “We say goodbye to a great musician and composer whose influence reached far beyond Golden Earring.” They described him as a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and above all, a devoted friend.

Limore Noach, director of the ALS Netherlands Foundation, shared her condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the other band members, and we wish them much strength.” She recalled the overwhelming support that emerged throughout the Netherlands when news broke about Kooymans’ condition and his inability to perform, highlighting the deep connection he had with his fans and the community.

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Established in 1961 when Kooymans teamed up with his neighbor, bassist Rinus Gerritsen, Golden Earring enjoyed an impressive 50-year career, during which they released over 25 studio albums, showcasing their incredible talent and versatility.

While the band enjoyed immense popularity in their home country of the Netherlands, they reached their peak international success in the early 1970s with the hit “Radar Love,” which remarkably peaked at No. 13 on the U.S. charts and has since become a beloved classic rock staple. Additionally, Kooymans’ composition “Twilight Zone,” released in 1982, also achieved significant recognition, reaching No. 10 on the U.S. charts.

The Reasons Behind Golden Earring’s Disbandment

“We always mentioned that we would continue performing until one of us could no longer take the stage,” reflected Kooymans’ long-time bandmate, multi-instrumentalist Barry Hay, upon the announcement of Kooymans’ health condition in 2021. “I never anticipated that George would be the first to face this challenge. He was always the strongest among us.” This sentiment encapsulates the deep bond and mutual respect shared among the band members.

As reported by Dutch News, the remaining members of Golden Earring are currently organizing a farewell concert, which will feature a variety of guest musicians. The proceeds from this event will be directed towards supporting vital ALS research, reflecting their commitment to making a positive impact beyond their music.

In response to the news of Kooymans’ passing, drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk expressed a desire for solitude and reflection, saying, “What we want now is silence and to think back on everything he accomplished.” He added, “I had the privilege of playing with him for 50 years, and it truly was the best time of my life.” This sentiment underscores the profound influence Kooymans had not only on his bandmates but on countless fans around the world.