Golden Earring Biography

Golden Earring is a Dutch Rock/Pop Group that was founded in 1961 in The Hague as the Golden Earrings (the 's' was later dropped). They had chart success with the songs "Eight Miles High" in 1969, "Radar Love" in 1973, and Twilight Zone in 1982. Current members of Golden Earring are Barry Hay (vocals, guitar, flute and saxophone), George Kooymans (vocals and guitar), Rinus Gerritsen (bass and keyboard) and Cesar Zuiderwijk (drums).
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Golden Earring was formed in 1961 in The Hague by 13-year-old George Kooymans and his 15-year-old neighbour, Rinus Gerritsen. Originally called The Tornados, the name was changed to Golden Earrings when they discovered that "The Tornados" was already in use. The name Golden Earrings was taken from a song, originally sung by Marlene Dietrich in 1947 and a hit for Peggy Lee in 1948, with which they opened their concerts. Initially a "teenybopper" band, Golden Earrings had their first chart success with their debut single Please Go, recorded in 1965. It reached number 9 on the music charts in the Netherlands. Unsatisfied with Dutch recording studios, the band's manager and co-discoverer Freddy Haayen arranged for the next single to be recorded at Pye Studios in London. The record cut at Pye, That Day, reached number two on the Dutch charts, having been prevented from rising to number one by The Beatles' "Michelle".

In 1968, the band earned their first number one hit in the Netherlands with the pop song "Dong Dong Diki Diki Dong". This was followed by the success of their psychedelic album Eight Miles High, which featured an eighteen-minute version of the title track, itself a cover of The Byrds hit. The live version, which could last 45 minutes, was considered by some to be a highlight in their first and second American tours.

Golden Earring embarked on their first major US tour in 1969 - 1970. Due to American influences, their music evolved towards hard rock, and they performed along with Led Zeppelin. Between 1969 and 1984, Golden Earring completed thirteen US tours. During this period, they performed as the opening act for Santana, the Doobie Brothers, Rush and .38 Special; and in the early seventies, when "Radar Love" was a hit, had Kiss and Aerosmith as their opening act. They enjoyed a brief period of stardom but were unable to secure further chart success until 1982's "Twilight Zone", which was followed by "When The Lady Smiles" in 1984. After a rather disappointing reaction in the US to the latter, Golden Earring turned their focus towards Europe where they continue to attract SRO crowds. Golden Earring has recorded over 30 gold and platinum albums and singles, and a number of artists have covered their hit, "Radar Love".

Ticket to a concert of the Golden EarringGolden Earring is known for powerful live performances, performing over 200 concerts a year, and have made a number of live albums of which including Live, recorded at London's Rainbow Theater in 1977, 2nd Live, 1981, Something Heavy Going Down, 1984 (also released on DVD as Live from the Twilight Zone.

Golden Earring is also recognized for the close harmony vocals of Hay and Kooymans. While Barry Hay is the frontman, singing most of the lead vocals and playing rhythm guitar and flute, George Kooymans sings some lead vocals as well.

Golden Earring has kept the same line-up since 1970, and, along with the Rolling Stones, is one of the two longest existing rock bands.

While Golden Earring has faded from the international scene, they sill maintain a core group of loyal fans, and their music is still played on US radiostations. However a new American tour is something the band is undecided about, although their 2003 record Millbrook USA was recorded in Millbrook, NY at the studio of fellow-musician Frank Carillo.

GOLDEN EARRING PICTURES

GOLDEN EARRING BIOGRAPHY