George Kooymans, the renowned guitarist and co-founder of the Dutch rock band Golden Earring, has passed away at the age of 77. According to the Dutch publication AD, he succumbed to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that had forced him to retire from performing in 2021. His family released a heartfelt statement, expressing their sorrow and highlighting his legacy as a beloved musician and a treasured friend.
Kooymans was best known for his work on the iconic 1973 track “Radar Love,” which he co-wrote with singer and multi-instrumentalist Barry Hay. The song achieved significant success, reaching No. 13 on the U.S. Billboard charts and earning its place in popular culture through its inclusion in films such as “Wayne’s World 2” and “Baby Driver.” “Radar Love” continues to resonate with audiences, frequently played on classic rock radio and covered by several prominent artists, including U2, Ministry, R.E.M., and Def Leppard.
Reflecting on the song’s impact, Rolling Stone’s Rob Sheffield remarked, “This song was responsible for 80 percent of U.S. speeding tickets in 1974. (The rest were caused by ‘Takin’ Care of Business.)” He described “Radar Love” as an enduring driving anthem, praising its hypnotic bass line and memorable opening line: “I’ve been driving all night, my hands wet on the wheel.”
Legacy and Career Highlights
Kooymans co-founded Golden Earring in the early 1960s alongside neighbor and bassist Rinus Gerritsen. Over the span of more than five decades, the band released over 25 albums, achieving notable hits such as “Twilight Zone” and “When the Lady Smiles” in the 1980s. Their music, characterized by a blend of rock and pop, garnered a loyal following both in the Netherlands and internationally.
Golden Earring disbanded in 2021, following Kooymans’ diagnosis with ALS. The disease affects nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movements, leading to challenges with movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing. Hay, reflecting on their decision to continue performing until one of them could no longer do so, expressed his disbelief that Kooymans was the first to face this reality. “I didn’t expect George to be the first. Kooymans was always the toughest of the four of us,” he stated in 2021.
Tributes and Future Plans
As tributes pour in from fans and fellow musicians, the surviving members of Golden Earring are planning a farewell concert for January 2026. This event aims to raise funds for ALS research, honoring Kooymans’ legacy and continuing the fight against the disease. Drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk shared his sentiments with AD, stating, “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.”
Kooymans’ contributions to music and his lasting influence will be remembered by fans around the world. His work with Golden Earring not only defined a generation of rock music but also created a timeless legacy that will continue to inspire future artists.
