George Kooymans, co-founder of Golden Earring, passes away at age 77
George Kooymans, the esteemed co-founder and guitarist of the renowned Dutch band Golden Earring, passed away at the age of 77. His legacy includes co-writing the iconic hard-rock anthem “Radar Love” and contributing to the hit song “Twilight Zone.” Kooymans battled with ALS, which he was diagnosed with in 2020, ultimately leading to his retirement from the band.
The family of George Kooymans, along with his bandmates from Golden Earring, announced his passing due to complications from ALS. Despite his illness, Kooymans faced the challenges with remarkable strength and grace. The statement released by Golden Earring paid tribute to his exceptional talent not only within the band but also as a composer. Described as a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Kooymans left a profound impact on those who knew him.
Hailing from The Hague, George Kooymans played a pivotal role in founding Golden Earring during his teenage years in the early 1960s. The band drew inspiration for its name from a popular instrumental track of the time, “Golden Earrings.” Kooymans was an integral member of Golden Earring’s most recognized lineup, which included prominent figures such as drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk, singer-guitarist Barry Hay, and bassist-keyboardist Rinus Gerritsen. This lineup remained intact from 1970 until Kooymans’ departure.
Golden Earring found significant success in their home country of the Netherlands with more than 20 top 10 singles. While their popularity was predominantly within their homeland, the band garnered international recognition in the late 1960s. Their breakthrough came in 1973 with the global hit “Radar Love,” a song that has been covered by various artists and featured in popular films like “Baby Driver” and “Wayne’s World 2.” Notably, Rolling Stone magazine once ranked “Radar Love” among the greatest road trip songs ever composed.
Throughout their career, Golden Earring shared stages with legendary acts such as Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. They toured alongside renowned bands like Aerosmith, Rush, and the Doobie Brothers. The band saw mainstream success in the United States in 1982 with “Twilight Zone,” bolstered by MTV airplay. Additional popular tracks from Golden Earring include “When the Lady Smiles” and “Going to the Run.”
Even in the later years of the 1990s and beyond, Golden Earring continued to tour and release new music. The band reached a remarkable milestone in 2011 when they were commemorated with a special stamp by the Dutch postal service for their 50th anniversary, linked to their iconic hit “Radar Love.” Despite Kooymans’ absence, a farewell performance was already scheduled for the following year.
The music world has lost a true talent in George Kooymans, whose contributions to Golden Earring and the rock genre as a whole will be remembered for years to come. His legacy lives on through his music and the impact he had on countless fans and aspiring musicians alike. George Kooymans will be dearly missed but fondly remembered as a pioneering figure in the music industry.