Farewell to a Legend: George Kooymans of Golden Earring Dies at 77
It’s a truly emotional moment in the world of music. Today, we remember and pay tribute to George Kooymans — the legendary guitarist, vocalist, and co-founder of the iconic Dutch rock band Golden Earring — who has passed away at the age of 77. His family shared the heartbreaking news, confirming that George died after a long battle with ALS, a progressive and currently incurable neurological disease that he had been diagnosed with four years ago.
George Kooymans wasn’t just a musician — he was a visionary and a pioneer. At just 13 years old, he teamed up with his neighbor Rinus Gerritsen and a few friends to form a band. That small neighborhood project eventually evolved into what the world came to know as Golden Earring. Their first single Please Go marked the beginning of a journey that would span over six decades, touch millions, and inspire generations.
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Golden Earring became a staple in the global rock scene, especially after the release of Radar Love in 1973 — a track that still echoes across classic rock stations worldwide. That driving beat, the memorable riff, the sense of freedom it captured — it all came from the creative mind of George Kooymans. The band achieved international success, particularly in the United States during the '70s — a feat not many Dutch bands could claim. With more than thirty gold and platinum albums to their name, Golden Earring wasn’t just a band — it was a phenomenon.
George’s illness in 2021 marked the end of an era. The band decided they could not and would not continue without him, underscoring just how vital he was to its soul. As a tribute, all Dutch radio stations played Radar Love simultaneously — a powerful gesture of respect and admiration.
Just recently, Golden Earring announced farewell concerts planned for January 2026. These were organized with Kooymans’ blessing, and unsurprisingly, tickets sold out within the hour. A portion of the proceeds will go toward ALS research — one last act of giving from a man who always put music and meaning first.
George Kooymans’ funeral will be held privately, but his legacy lives on — not only in the timeless music he created, but in the hearts of fans across the globe. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and above all, a true friend and artist. Today, we say goodbye to a rock legend, but we’ll keep listening. Because legends like George Kooymans never truly go silent.
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