George Kooymans, the renowned guitarist and co-founder of the Dutch rock band Golden Earring, has passed away at the age of 77. He died this week due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), as reported by the Dutch publication AD. Kooymans had retired from performing in 2021 after being diagnosed with the progressive neurodegenerative disease.
In a heartfelt statement, his family remembered him as a talented musician and composer whose influence extended beyond his work with Golden Earring. “George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, but above all, a friend,” they said.
Legacy of “Radar Love” and Golden Earring
Kooymans played guitar and provided vocals for Golden Earring, a band best known for their iconic 1973 hit “Radar Love.” Co-written by Kooymans and lead singer Barry Hay, the song achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 13 on the U.S. Billboard charts. It remains a staple on classic rock radio and has been featured in films such as “Wayne’s World 2” and “Baby Driver.” Major bands including U2, Ministry, R.E.M., and Def Leppard have covered the track, which is often remembered for its driving rhythm and memorable lyrics.
Rolling Stone journalist Rob Sheffield famously remarked, “This song was responsible for 80 percent of U.S. speeding tickets in 1974. It remains one of the all-time coolest driving songs.”
Co-founding Golden Earring in the early 1960s with neighbor Rinus Gerritsen, Kooymans contributed to over 25 albums throughout the band’s career, which spanned more than five decades. Their other notable hits include “Twilight Zone” and “When the Lady Smiles.”
Band’s Future and Tribute Plans
Golden Earring disbanded in 2021 following Kooymans’ diagnosis. “We always said we would keep going until one of us fell over,” Hay reflected in 2021, expressing surprise that Kooymans was the first to face such a fate. “Kooymans was always the toughest of the four of us,” he added.
In a gesture to honor Kooymans, the surviving members of Golden Earring are planning a farewell concert scheduled for January 2026. The event aims to raise funds for ALS research. Drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk noted, “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.”
George Kooymans’ legacy as a pioneering musician will undoubtedly endure, with “Radar Love” standing as a testament to his artistry and influence in the rock music landscape.
