George Kooymans, the guitarist, singer and songwriter who co-founded Golden Earring, died at 77 after complications of ALS, according to an announcement by his family and the band’s surviving members. His playing and songwriting helped shape the Dutch group’s sound and international profile, including on “Radar Love” and “Twilight Zone.”
Who was George Kooymans?
Born in The Hague on March 11, 1948, Kooymans began making music with childhood friend Rinus Gerritsen in 1961. The group first performed as the Tornados before becoming Golden Earring; the eventual name was inspired by the instrumental “Golden Earrings.” NOS’s obituary traces the band’s early years, while the Associated Press account explains the later name’s inspiration.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Moontan | $71.43 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Essential Earring - Limited 180-Gram Turquoise Colored Vinyl | $33.43 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
50 Years Anniversary Album | $51.41 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Bloody Buccaneers | $36.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Switch - Limited Remastered & Expanded 180-Gram White Colored Vinyl | $41.65 | Buy on Amazon |
Kooymans was not simply the band’s guitarist. He sang, wrote songs and helped steer its musical direction across decades of changing styles. NOS reports that Golden Earring accumulated 30 gold and platinum albums; AP notes more than 20 Dutch top-10 singles. Those figures come from different organizations and should be read as separate descriptions of the band’s success, not as directly comparable measures.
How did Golden Earring become internationally known?
From Dutch hits to “Radar Love”
The band first built an audience in the Netherlands. NOS records early chart success with songs including “Please Go” and “Dong-Dong-Di-Ki-Di-Gong.” Its international breakthrough came in 1973 with “Radar Love,” which appeared on the album Moontan. The song’s driving arrangement and Kooymans’s songwriting made it the group’s most enduring calling card abroad. NPO Radio 5’s career account connects the song with Moontan.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
“Twilight Zone” and a second US breakthrough
In 1982, Golden Earring scored another major US hit with “Twilight Zone.” Kooymans wrote the song and shared lead vocals. AP notes that the video received exposure on MTV, helping bring the band to a new audience.
Other songs associated with his work include “Another 45 Miles,” “Back Home” and “Just a Little Bit of Peace in My Heart,” as detailed by NOS. Together, these songs show a career broader than the two hits most often used to introduce Golden Earring to international listeners.
Rank #2
- Radar Love: Topped charts in multiple countries, including #1 in The Netherlands and Spain
- Back Home: Dominated charts in The Netherlands and Belgium, also made it to #6 in Switzerland
- She Flies On Strange Wings: Reached #1 in France and #4 in The Netherlands
- Just A Little Bit Of Peace In My Heart: Secured #2 spot in The Netherlands
- Weekend Love: Peaked at #3 in The Netherlands and #10 in Belgium
What did Kooymans do beyond Golden Earring?
Kooymans also worked as a songwriter and producer outside the band. NOS reports that he helped discover Earth & Fire and Anouk, wrote for other artists, and produced records for performers including Herman Brood and Patricia Paay. His solo releases included Lovin’ and Hurtin’ (1971) and Solo (1987); in 2010, he recorded On Location with Frank Carillo.
Later, he played in Vreemde Kostgangers with Henny Vrienten and Boudewijn de Groot. In 2012, Kooymans received the Eddy Christiani Award, now known as the European Electric Guitar Award, according to NOS.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
When was Kooymans diagnosed with ALS, and when did he retire?
AP reported that Kooymans was diagnosed with ALS in 2020 and retired from performing soon afterward. The illness became public in February 2021, according to NOS. The dates refer to different events: his diagnosis and his public disclosure.
Golden Earring’s statement, quoted by AP, said: “George bore this devastating and debilitating illness with exceptional strength and dignity.” The band also described him as “a great musician and composer, whose work extended beyond Golden Earring.”
Rank #4
When did George Kooymans die?
His death was announced in July 2025. AP reported on July 24 that he had died at 77 from complications of ALS, citing the family and surviving members of Golden Earring. Stichting ALS Nederland also reported his death from the consequences of ALS on July 23. The organization said a September 30, 2024 tribute event for the band raised €58,300 for its work; that is the amount reported by the foundation, not an independently audited total.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happens to Golden Earring after his death?
In July 2025, VPRO reported that the surviving members had announced farewell concerts for 2026 with Kooymans’s blessing. That was the plan announced at the time; it should not be read as a reunion performance by Kooymans.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteBest Value
- Exclusive: 2000 individually numbered white vinyl copies
- Remastered from original master tapes
- Includes inner sleeves and lyric sheet
- Features previously unreleased track 'Action Alice & Bow-Tie Basil'
- Celebrating 50 years of Switch
Kooymans’s story is inseparable from Golden Earring, but his contribution was larger than the band’s biggest records: he helped build the group from its beginnings in The Hague, shaped its songs as a writer and performer, and continued working with other musicians beyond its best-known international hits.
Sources: Associated Press; NOS; NPO Radio 5; Stichting ALS Nederland; VPRO 3voor12.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
