In what can only be described as a devastating week for the music industry, it was announced that another of its favourite sons has died. Golden Earring co-founder George Kooymans passed away on 23 July 2025 from complications relating to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), at the age of 77.
The highly influential guitarist and vocalist formed Golden Earring as a 13-year-old with his 15-year-old neighbour Rinus Gerritsen in 1961. Originally called The Tornados, they changed the group’s name after discovering it was already in use.
Opting for the name The Golden Earrings, which was taken from an instrumental track by Cheshunt-based band The Hunters, Kooymans and Gerritsen, along with vocalist Frans Krassenburg and drummer Jaap Eggermont, made an immediate impact with their 1965 debut single, Please Go.
After two albums, Barry Hay was drafted in to replace Krassenburg on lead vocals. He was followed by Cesar Zuiderwijk on drums, to create the classic line-up which lasted half a century.
In 1973, Golden Earring found international success with the song Radar Love, reaching number 7 in the UK. Despite its popularity and acclaim, it only reached Number 1 in the Netherlands and 13 in the US.
The group did however, top the US Mainstream Rock Chart with their 1982 hit Twilight Zone, a song which received a rather peculiar cover by William Shatner on his 2011 album, Seeking Major Tom.
Releasing an impressive 25 studio albums and 74 singles, the group continued performing until 2021, when they officially retired due to George Kooymans’ illness.
Releasing numerous live albums, one of the standouts was the acoustic album The Naked Truth. Recorded in 1992 at the Café de Kroon in Amsterdam, it features a wonderful performance of Twilight Zone.
Diagnosed in 2020 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Kooymans had to battle the effects of the progressive loss of both upper and lower motor neurons that normally control voluntary muscle contraction. ALS is also known as motor neuron disease (MND) or Lou Gehrig’s disease in the US.
Born 11 March 1948, in The Hague, George Kooymans was married to Melanie, the younger sister of Golden Earring bassist Rinus Gerritsen.
“George bore this devastating and debilitating illness with exceptional strength and dignity,” A statement released shortly after his death said. “We bid farewell to a great musician and composer, whose work extended beyond Golden Earring. George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, but above all, a friend.”
Tributes have also been pouring in from fans and fellow artists alike, including Iron Maiden, who took to social media, saying:
“Iron Maiden are saddened to hear about the passing of George Kooymans. As many of you will be aware, Steve was a huge fan of George and Golden Earring, and our thoughts go out to all his family and friends during this difficult time. RIP”
A series of farewell shows by Golden Earring are scheduled to take place at Rotterdam Ahoy in January 2026. Announced earlier this year, these tribute concerts will feature guest performers, with the proceeds earmarked for ALS research. Further information can be found here.
Everybody at MetalTalk wishes to send out our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of George Kooymans.
RIP George Kooymans – 11 March 1948 – 23 July 2025.
