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George Kooymans
1948 - 2025
George Kooymans
1948 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1948
DIED
2025
George Kooymans Obituary
He was the guitarist for the Dutch rock band Golden Earring for 60 years, playing on songs like their 1974 hit "Radar Love."
Kooymans is being remembered for writing Golden Earring's 1982 single "Twilight Zone," on which he sang co-lead vocals.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns)
49 Entries
P.M.
October 2, 2025
Rest easy dear Sir. Thank you for the amazing music.
From an Irish fan.
Forrest Taylor
September 4, 2025
George´s music entered my life about six months after my mother passed away from ALS in 1973. I entered Grade 12 three weeks later. In my Datsun 1200 at the North Vancouver A&W drive in as I awaited my food, fully reclined in the bucket seat, Radar Love came over my FM car stereo and I was hooked for life. I set out to find them in the import section of the record stores, after finding out they were from Holland. I soon had Miracle Mirror, Eight Miles High, On The Double, and compilations that included titles such as: She Flies On Strange Wings. I wondered how I had never heard any of these on the radio ? Their music belonged with the best out there.
In a long-gone record store. a visiting relation held up Prisoner of the Night, and asked if I had this one? "I do now," I replied! "Thanks." I thought that album was their best yet - until shortly thereafter Twilight Zone was released in North America.
I collected everything I could find. Somewhere along the line I heard their earliest work such as: Please Go! Sound of the Screaming Day, Daddy Buy Me A Girl, Just A Little Bit of Peace in my Heart. There was such a range over the years from Lento to Allegro. A touching melody relates the debut of a grand piano adored on stage; years later, old and worn, the piano is carried out to her final retirement:
"Her study was her destiny
Children used to say
You are still a queen for us
So teach us how to play"
It was as much of a contrast from the 1970 album often called The Wall of Dolls, as the flip side on the single Radar Love was: The Song Is Over, sung by George, which now comes across in an eerie prescient way.
The technology changed and it started to become easier to keep track of new releases and obtaining them. Golden Earring kept producing new albums. A fellow traveller from Holland sent me several CDs when I found out about them and a friend picked some up for me while visiting Holland. I kept searching for those missing albums with amazing songs like Jessica, Another 45 Miles To Go, I Do Rock And Roll! And I finally "saw" the band for the first time on Laser Discs! I had never seen a performance before.
In 2015 I discovered a newly released single, Je Regrette, while I was working for the week in Toronto. I learned how the band was still performing more than 200 days per year and was so impressed, as I was by George´s three solo albums. Millbrook USA was also very impressive (2003). I finally got the "complete" set of studio and live albums, and the final single: "Say When." I had no idea they had released so many singles and learned there was no missing albums!
Then I heard the news. George had ALS. I know very well what he must have gone through. I still remember my mother feeling every itch and scratch and only we could help her as she couldn´t move. I am so sad. I agree with everyone else who has noted how under-rated Golden Earring was here in North America, but drew adoring crowds in Europe. This is truly the end of an era and George will be missed, as will Golden Earring. My condolences to George´s family and friends, and to Rinus, Barry, and Cesar.
Forrest Taylor
West Vancouver
British Columbia
Canada
Steven Newman
August 24, 2025
I'm a big fan of Golden Earring. These are my buddies Eelco, the husky, named after slide guitarist Eelco Gelling from all those great GE albums of the 70's and 80's my cat Sueleen.
John
August 23, 2025
I got to see Golden Earring in the 70's and early 80's, both times their shows were outstanding! I always loved George's guitar playing and believe he is one of the greatest rock guitarists. So sorry to hear of George's passing. RIP George, and best wishes to your family.
How you can show support
Janette O´Brien
August 21, 2025
I listened to Radar Love again and again during my teen years. My favorite song growing up. I will always remember him and his music.
Thomas Kiepke
August 18, 2025
Thank you for your music, which still accompanies me today. RIP
J Sieglaff
August 10, 2025
This brings back so many great memories. Golden Earring was my favorite band growing up and it makes me remember my youth. Thanks for sharing your life with us, it means the world to me.
Garvin Terrell, U.S.A
August 8, 2025
Rest in peace and may God bring comfort and blessings to you and your family during this difficult time.
Bob baalham
August 7, 2025
With just a little bit of piece in my heart is arguably the best song ever written. Listening to Dutch music on pirate radio informed me of the person id turn out to be.
Bob baalham
August 7, 2025
With just a little piece of love in my heart is arguably the best song ever written. And I got to see you in both tours of Britain. Thanks George.
Tracy Smith
August 7, 2025
So many fond memories of the 1970´s and 80´s, enjoying the awesome music of Golden Earring. Rest in peace, George!
Bob baalham
August 7, 2025
Listening to Dutch bands on my tranny as a teenager informed me to be the person I'd become. Thank you George
JK
August 7, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss. My dad had ALS and really struggled. I´m glad he doesn´t suffer anymore. Listening to Golden Earring brings back so many wonderful memories and emotions. He will be greatly missed.
John Tyson
July 31, 2025
Thank you George Kooymans for your great music with the Golden Earring been a fan living in Netherlands for many years saw several of your concerts Twlight Zone Radar Love amazing rock hits here in the USA as DJ at our Moose Lodge here music from the Golden Earring I always play Rest in Eternal Peace John Auburn California
Teresa Kofoed
July 31, 2025
You wrote one of the best songs ever from my childhood. Thank you, God bless you and my you rest in eternal peace. Love. Teresa
Steven Newman
July 30, 2025
My kitty Sueleen and I are mourning the death of one of the best rock guitarists and my favorite band Golden Earring's demise. Saw them on their last U.S. tour in '85 and they were on top of their game. This band released classic album after classic album and in my estimation are the most underrated rock band ever. R.I.P. to a true legend.
David Wilson
July 29, 2025
You'll always be one of my favorite guitarists, George. As an American fan who has bought every Golden Earring album I can find (even back to the beginning), I try to spread your band's gospel far and wide. Thank you for all the wonderful music down through the years and the memories that go with it. You are greatly missed, sir. Rest in peace.
Tom kallid
July 28, 2025
Thanks for all you've done for rock history. You will always be remembered Buckeye Tom from Ohio
Diana Elliott
July 27, 2025
Sad to hear about Golden Earring guitarist George Kooymans. I was glad to have seen em with the Doobie Brothers at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO, way back in 1975. It was a terrific concert. Golden Earring kicked it out, especially with "Radar Love" among other tunes. That song was the greatest, and then later Twilight Zone. Twilight Zone always did fit well. This place is a madhouse! He will be missed!
Prayers and condolences out to his family and his friends.
RIP George!
Diana-CO
Brian Boad
July 27, 2025
Met him and the band in the late 60's. The band was playing in Seattle at a place called the Trolley. No big hits then but some great music and fun to chat with.
Tammy Varnadore
July 26, 2025
Thank you George for the awesome music that helped shape my teenage years. Rest in Paradise..much love
Mr.Jr.
July 26, 2025
My Condolences.
Cindy Binkley
July 25, 2025
I first saw Golden Earring in 1976 in Allentown, PA. Always loved his voice and the way he played his guitar. His talent will surely be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
Love,
Cindy.
Gary & Gayle Corcoran
July 25, 2025
May God bless your family and help you get through this most difficult time. So very sorry for your loss.
Gary & Gayle Corcoran
July 25, 2025
Terribly sad to read this. My husband loved the music of Golden Earring.
He experienced Leukemia- and , their music got him through all he had to go through. He said it was going to the Twilight Zone.
and, the bone marrow biopsies were like" when the bullet hits the bone- such pain. To this day he listens to that music- and all it's memories.
Even the nurses were in awe of his listening to Golden earring.
SO sad for your loss- faithful fans, Gary & Gayle
Marcel J Tremblay
July 25, 2025
RIP . Amen
Anthony Clarke
July 25, 2025
Just a wonderful musician- met him a few times in the Hague where we lived and where they rehearsed at Okkenburg - RIP George xxx
Zoanne Hampton
July 25, 2025
gone but never forgotten your music will live on forever in my heart
Steve Goeller
July 25, 2025
An underrated guitarist, singer and songwriter. I saw Golden Earring at Madison Square Garden where they opened for The Who and basically KILLED IT! God Blass Him and remember to Herrizen De Nederlanders.
Linda Power-Donnelly
July 25, 2025
I had the pleasure of seeing Golden Earring at a little venue just outside of London in 1972. I wasn't expecting this, but I recognized the band name and already had heard your songs and I liked them. What I saw was the beginning of my lifelong appreciation of your music!! I saw the band many times in Kansas City as well. My unexpected show in London was great and I will always hold a special remembrance and have it in my heart forever. Hope you play again as heaven surely has opened its gates to you. So play on with the greatest musicians that were already holding a spot for you! RIP
Debbie Layman
July 25, 2025
Thank you for the amazing music. RIP
Ronni
July 25, 2025
Growing up in the '70s going there and you want one of my favorite bands especially radar Love I did get a chance to see him when I moved to Austin in the early 80s about 82 my first night they were at a place called Austin Opry House and I managed to get tickets and went and saw him and then I'll tell you what they put on a hell of a show I'd see them again if I ever had the chance but it was about a 400 mi ride so I didn't make it. If you didn't see them live you missed a real good band
Christine Sanders
July 25, 2025
Thank you George for your music that will live on forever. RIP.
Sandra Cantrell
July 25, 2025
May your music and lyrics live on rezt n peace
Greg Kidd
July 25, 2025
Saw Golden Earring way back when Radar Live was climbing up the charts at the Cape Cod Coliseum , USA. Very entertaining show.
A great songwriter and a brilliant guitarist. RIP
hansko mislzig visser
July 25, 2025
mijn condoleances aan familie en vrienden,
in de studio zei Dolf wel eens: zing als george kooymans, niet als joe cocker. en dat terwijl wij heeeeeel andere muziek maken.
met respect!
droevig dat u niet meer kon spelen, op het laatst, rock in peace.
Hansko, ( ook gitarist en zanger)
David M Bliss
July 25, 2025
Thank you George for all the great music.
Lynne Sullivan
July 25, 2025
Loved your music. May you rest in peace.
Tina
July 25, 2025
Always love listening to your music Rest in Peace
keith
July 25, 2025
RIP and Godspeed!!!
You will always be remembered!!!
Charles Nice
July 25, 2025
Thank you George for the music and memories!!!
United States Fans TF
July 25, 2025
In Loving Memory of
George Golden Earring
Radar Love
W. F. Mathisen
July 25, 2025
You were a big influence to very large group who wanted that sound. That helped open the door for so much more!
As David Gilmore would say, Shine on you crazy diamond!!!
WF Mathisen
Austin, Texas
Kimberly
July 24, 2025
Thank you for the music. Rest in peace my friend.
Cindy
July 24, 2025
Thank you for all the years of music. You will live on in your songs.
Lora Wingate
July 24, 2025
RIP My thoughts and prayers to his friends and family and his fans. He had some great songs.
John Burdick
July 24, 2025
Thank you for the music in an age where so much good music came out. Radar Love and Twilight Zone were both such great hits! May you rest in the loving arms of the Lord. Thank you again for the wonderful memories
Leigh A Delgado
July 24, 2025
Good memories! He is in a better place now
Judith Walker
July 24, 2025
Thank you for your music may you rest in peace. From the USA.
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