Golden Earring was a Dutch rock band formed in 1961 in The Hague by childhood friends George Kooymans and Rinus Gerritsen. Known for their energetic sound and eclectic style, Golden Earring became one of the longest-running rock bands in history, spanning multiple decades. The band achieved international fame with hits like “Radar Love,” “Twilight Zone,” and “When the Lady Smiles,” and became the most successful rock band in Dutch history. Their music blended elements of hard rock, psychedelic rock, and new wave, and their adventurous style and persistent evolution influenced many bands, both in Europe and abroad.
Early Formation and Rise to Popularity
Golden Earring was initially formed as The Tornados in 1961, but after learning that another band had already claimed that name, they changed to Golden Earrings, later shortened to Golden Earring in 1969. The original lineup consisted of guitarist Kooymans, bassist Gerritsen, vocalist Frans Krassenburg, and drummer Jaap Eggermont. The band first gained attention with their debut single “Please Go” in 1965, which became a hit in the Netherlands. They followed up with a series of successful singles and gradually transitioned from a pop-rock style to a more psychedelic sound.
Their early success in the Netherlands was solidified with the release of the album “Eight Miles High” (1969), which included a 19-minute cover of the Byrds’ song of the same name, demonstrating their willingness to experiment with extended jams and psychedelic influences.
Breakthrough with “Radar Love” and International Success
Golden Earring achieved international fame with the release of “Radar Love” in 1973, a song that became an instant rock anthem. Known for its driving beat, memorable bassline, and Kooymans’ electrifying guitar work, “Radar Love” reached the top 10 on the charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The song was hailed as one of the greatest driving songs of all time and became a staple of rock radio worldwide.
The accompanying album, “Moontan” (1973), is considered one of Golden Earring’s finest works and showcases their blend of hard rock and progressive influences. “Radar Love” remains one of their most recognizable songs and helped solidify Golden Earring’s reputation outside of Europe.
Continued Success with “Twilight Zone” and “When the Lady Smiles”
In the early 1980s, Golden Earring enjoyed a resurgence with the release of “Twilight Zone” (1982), inspired by the television show of the same name. Written by Kooymans, the song features suspenseful lyrics and a dark, cinematic feel, complete with a now-famous bassline by Gerritsen and atmospheric production. The song was another hit in the United States, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its accompanying music video was frequently played on MTV, giving the band further exposure.
Their success continued with “When the Lady Smiles” (1984), a provocative song that became another significant hit in the Netherlands and several European countries. Although its video faced some censorship issues in the United States due to its controversial themes, the song remains one of their signature hits.
Musical Style and Influence
Golden Earring’s style was eclectic, evolving over time from psychedelic rock and hard rock to include new wave and pop rock elements, which helped keep their sound fresh and appealing across decades. Their music often featured powerful guitar riffs, prominent basslines, and memorable hooks, giving them a unique, recognizable sound. Kooymans’ songwriting and vocal style, combined with the solid rhythm section of Gerritsen and drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk, made the band a powerhouse in live performances and recordings.
Their long-standing lineup stability (Kooymans, Gerritsen, Zuiderwijk, and vocalist Barry Hay, who joined in 1967) was unusual in rock music, contributing to their longevity and cohesive sound. The band’s willingness to experiment with different styles and their commitment to constant evolution influenced many European rock bands, as well as later American acts who appreciated their blend of hard rock with melodic and progressive elements.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Golden Earring was one of the first Dutch rock bands to achieve success outside of the Netherlands, opening doors for other European acts in the international rock scene. “Radar Love” became an enduring rock classic, covered by artists from various genres, including U2, R.E.M., and White Lion. The song’s presence in movies, commercials, and television shows has helped keep it popular across generations.
Golden Earring’s influence is seen in the music of other Dutch rock and hard rock bands like Focus and Kayak, as well as later European hard rock and metal bands. Their ability to consistently produce high-energy music with commercial appeal while maintaining artistic integrity helped them stay relevant for over 50 years, a rare accomplishment in rock history.
Later Years and Retirement
Golden Earring continued to perform and release music into the 21st century, maintaining a dedicated fanbase in the Netherlands and parts of Europe. They released their final studio album, “Tits ‘n Ass,” in 2012, which received critical acclaim and commercial success in the Netherlands, reaching number one on the Dutch album charts. The band continued to tour and play sold-out shows until their retirement in 2021, following Kooymans’ diagnosis with ALS.
The band’s farewell marked the end of an era in Dutch rock music, as they were one of the few rock bands to sustain such a lengthy and successful career. Golden Earring’s lasting impact on rock music is a testament to their talent, resilience, and ability to connect with audiences through timeless songs and electrifying performances.
Honors and Recognition
Golden Earring’s contributions to rock music have earned them a prominent place in the history of Dutch and European rock. “Radar Love” is regularly listed among the greatest rock songs of all time and remains a beloved classic rock anthem. Their legacy is celebrated by rock fans worldwide, and their influence on rock, particularly within Europe, is significant.
Official Golden Earring YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxF2eqmXsD7R0aOQVwhBuAw
References
- Eder, Bruce. “Golden Earring Biography.” AllMusic. Available at: AllMusic.com
- Greene, Andy. “Golden Earring Retires After 60 Years.” Rolling Stone, 2021. Available at: RollingStone.com
- Coen, Enno. The Golden Years of Golden Earring: A Dutch Rock Legacy. Amsterdam University Press, 2018.
- “Golden Earring: Dutch Rock Icons.” Dutch Music Archives. Available at: DutchMusicArchives.org
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