Sharing a love for music with his neighbor Rinus Gerritsen, George Kooymans decided to start a band. Although they first called themselves the Tornados in the early 1960s, they soon learned there was another band with the same name. Needing to change, they landed on Golden Earring. And for the next five decades, the group performed all over the world, recording hits like “Twilight Zone” and “When the Lady Smiles.” Kooymans eventually left the group in 2021 after being diagnosed with ALS. Sadly, the famed musician passed away at 77.
The news of Kooymans’ passing away came as a shock to many of his former bandmates. When hearing the news, his bandmate, Barry Hay, admitted he was one of the strongest people. “We always said we would keep going until one of us fell over. I didn’t expect George to be the first. Kooymans was always the toughest of the four of us.”
While the band eventually dissolved, drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk looked back on his time with Golden Earring with fondness. He even declared it one of the best moments of his life. “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.”
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Golden Earring Preparing For Farewell Concert To Celebrate Legacy And George Kooymans
An attorney for Golden Earring first broke the news of Kooymans’ death in a short statement. “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.”
Although members of the band took a moment to honor their late friend, Kooymans’ legacy went far beyond the stage. An advocate for those also suffering from ALS, the director of the ALS Netherlands Foundation, Limore Noach, recalled how all of the Netherlands showered the musician in love and support throughout his battle. “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.”
As for the remaining members of Golden Earring, they prepared to take the stage one last time for a farewell concert that would celebrate the legacy of the band. Featuring several guest stars, proceeds from the show were intended to support ongoing efforts to fight ALS.
(Photo by Stefan M. Prager/Redferns)
