Music icon dies after long health battle as tributes flood in | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV
George Kooymans, the co-lead singer and guitarist of the Dutch rock band Golden Earring, who are best known for their hit Radar Love, has died at the age of 77 after a long battle with ALS. His family confirmed the news in a statement released by their lawyer. “We say goodbye to a great musician and composer whose work extended beyond Golden Earring. George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, but above all, a friend,” it read. Golden Earring formed in 1961 and officially disbanded after George’s ALS diagnosis was made public on 5 February 2021. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a rare progressive disease that weakens muscles and eventually affects breathing.
Missing You singer John Waite was one of the first to pay tribute on Facebook. “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of George Kooymans, legendary guitarist and founding member of Golden Earring. George bravely battled ALS, a relentless and devastating disease, until the end. His talent, creativity, and impact on rock music will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those touched by his music. May he rest in peace,” he wrote.
Devastated fans also took tothe social media platform to pay tribute to the star. “Once again, an icon from the rock world has left us… RIP George Kooymans… Golden Earring, an important band for the Dutch and international music scene. Thank you for the music,” one wrote.
“Oh no! Another one of the greats has left us. Such a great band and a great guitarist. May he rest in peace,” a second added. A third chimed in: “Golden Earring was one of those under rated bands that put out great music for decades. George was such a multi-talented musician.”
“RIP George Kooymans (Golden Earring). One of the best songwriters in Dutch history IMO. The creativity, continuity, variety, personality…..The list is too long: She Flies on strange Wings, Back Home, Twilight Zone, Another 45 Miles, Going to the Run, Radar Love, Just a little bit of Peace in my Heart, Bombay, When the Lady smiles, I can’t sleep without you etc etc,” a fourth shared.
Meanwhile a fifth added: “George Kooymans RIP … sad news again!! …. Legendary guitar player and singer …Golden Earring !!!! No words a true loss …..”
Golden Earring were formed in The Hague in 1961 by George and bassist Rinus Gerritsen. They went on to become the Netherlands’ most successful rock band.
Radar Love was a huge hit in both Europe and the US in 1973. In 1982 their track Twilight Zone, written by George, reached the US Top 10 ensuring the band achieved global fame.
Their final concert took place on 16 November 2019 in Ahoy, Rotterdam and following George’s retirement in 2021 in light of his diagnosis the band refused to replace him preferring instead to wind down the group. “We are a group of friends of four men who are irreplaceable. A new band member? That wouldn’t fit,” they said at the time.
The band have announced a tribute to George featuring the surviving memebers and guest musicians will take place on 30 January 2026 to honour his legacy and raise funds for ALS research.
