Summary
George Kooymans, co-founder and lead guitarist of the iconic Dutch rock band Golden Earring, has died at 77 following a battle with ALS. Best known for co-writing and performing hits like “Radar Love” and “Twilight Zone,” Kooymans helped define the sound of European rock for over five decades. His innovative guitar work, powerful songwriting, and leadership made Golden Earring one of the Netherlands' most successful musical exports. Diagnosed with ALS in 2021, Kooymans retired from music, but remained an enduring influence. Tributes are pouring in globally, and a benefit concert is being planned in his honor. His legacy lives on through timeless music and his impact on generations of rock musicians.
George Kooymans, renowned guitarist, vocalist, and co-founder of the iconic Dutch rock band Golden Earring, has died at the age of 77. Known around the world for co-writing and performing the timeless hit “Radar Love”, Kooymans passed away on July 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Kooymans was not just a gifted musician—he was a pioneer of European rock, a master songwriter, and a driving force behind one of the Netherlands’ most successful musical exports. His death marks the end of a historic era in classic rock music.
A Lifetime Devoted to Music
Born on March 11, 1948, in The Hague, Netherlands, George Kooymans picked up the guitar as a teenager and soon began playing with local musicians. In 1961, he co-founded what would eventually become Golden Earring, along with bassist Rinus Gerritsen.
Initially named The Tornados, the band evolved through several lineup changes before settling into its classic form: Kooymans (guitar/vocals), Barry Hay (lead vocals), Cesar Zuiderwijk (drums), and Gerritsen (bass). This quartet would go on to dominate European and international rock charts for decades.
Kooymans’ guitar work was innovative, powerful, and distinctive. He seamlessly blended bluesy riffs, psychedelic textures, and sharp hard rock edges, helping shape the band’s unique sound. His contributions to songwriting and arrangement were central to Golden Earring’s longevity.
The Rise of Golden Earring
Golden Earring became household names across Europe by the early 1970s. Their breakthrough came with “Radar Love” in 1973, a song written by Kooymans and Barry Hay that would become a global hit. With its propulsive rhythm, cryptic storytelling, and unforgettable guitar solos, the track reached No. 13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and quickly earned a spot in rock radio’s permanent rotation.
“Radar Love” became more than a hit—it became a cultural touchstone, synonymous with driving playlists and classic rock collections. Kooymans’ guitar playing on the track, full of momentum and precision, remains a masterclass in tension and release.
In 1982, the band again captivated audiences with “Twilight Zone”, also written by Kooymans. Inspired by espionage fiction, the song reached No. 10 in the U.S. and gained heavy rotation on the newly launched MTV, thanks to its cinematic music video.
From their hard-hitting live shows to their forward-thinking approach to rock storytelling, Golden Earring stood out as one of the few European rock bands to consistently chart in the United States—a feat that made Kooymans an international star.
A Songwriter of Depth and Range
While Kooymans was celebrated for his guitar work, his talent as a lyricist and composer deserves equal recognition. He wrote the majority of Golden Earring’s songs, often infusing them with narrative complexity, philosophical undertones, and sharp emotional contrasts.
Whether channeling existential angst in “Twilight Zone” or capturing the thrill of restless youth in “Radar Love,” Kooymans wrote music that resonated across generations. His solo work, including his 1971 album Jojo, revealed a more intimate, folk-influenced side of his artistry, showcasing his versatility.
He also wrote for and collaborated with other Dutch artists, further enriching the Netherlands’ vibrant music scene.
Battling ALS with Grace
In 2021, Kooymans publicly revealed his diagnosis of ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that gradually robs individuals of muscle control. His announcement led Golden Earring to make the difficult decision to retire after nearly 60 years of making music together.
Despite the heartbreaking nature of the illness, Kooymans remained a figure of quiet strength and dignity. Friends, bandmates, and fans rallied around him during his final years. In the Netherlands and beyond, his legacy became a rallying point for increased ALS awareness and fundraising efforts.
“He fought with grace and a quiet determination,” said longtime drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk. “We had over 50 years of unforgettable music together. George was not just a bandmate—he was a brother.”
A Legacy Carved in Sound
Over the course of his six-decade career, George Kooymans helped Golden Earring release 25 studio albums, with numerous live and compilation albums, multiple gold and platinum records, and countless sold-out performances worldwide.
His contributions extended beyond charts and accolades. He helped define a uniquely European rock identity that didn’t mimic American trends but stood shoulder to shoulder with them. In doing so, he inspired generations of Dutch musicians and earned global respect.
Golden Earring’s music continues to find new fans through streaming platforms and radio rotations. In particular, “Radar Love” has been covered by dozens of artists—from U2 and White Lion to Ministry—and was even voted the “best driving song of all time” in multiple polls.
Tributes Pour In
Following the announcement of Kooymans’ death, tributes began flooding social media from fellow musicians, fans, and cultural figures:
“A legend has left us. George Kooymans shaped the sound of European rock. His riffs were lightning bolts, and his lyrics were poetry.” – Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte
“Radar Love changed my life. RIP to the man who made road trips sound like revolutions.” – Rock DJ Eddie Trunk
Plans are underway for a tribute concert in early 2026, with proceeds going to ALS research. The event is expected to feature both Dutch and international acts honoring Kooymans’ impact.
Personal Life
Away from the spotlight, George Kooymans was known as a warm, grounded, and introspective man. He lived quietly with his family in Belgium in his later years and enjoyed photography, poetry, and cooking.
He is survived by his wife, Millie, two children, and grandchildren, who described him in a statement as “a gentle giant whose creativity knew no limits.”
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Final Notes: More Than a Rock Star
George Kooymans was not just a rock star—he was a cultural icon who wrote the soundtrack to millions of lives. From the Netherlands to the United States, his work with Golden Earring broke barriers and transcended language.
His death leaves a massive void in the world of music, but his sound—fierce, honest, and enduring—will never fade.
As “Radar Love” continues to play across generations, it carries with it the heartbeat of the man who helped bring it to life.
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