Golden Earring
Golden Earring was a Dutch rock band which formed in 1961. The band originally called themselves "The Tornados," but, upon learning there was already a band with that name, switched to "The Golden Earrings." They changed to "Golden Earrings" in 1967, and just "Golden Earring" in 1969. Although the band members are Dutch and speak Dutch as their native language, their songs are recorded in English. The band began playing popular rock 'n roll, but, in the late 1960s, expanded into psychedelic rock, hard rock, and progressive rock. Through the 1970s, the played less psychedelic rock, focusing more on hard rock and progressive rock. In the 1980s and 1990s they mostly played hard rock. They found international recognition in 1973 when their song Radar Love became a hit in several nations, and saw additional popularity in 1982 with the song, Twilight Zone. Throughout the band's career they released 25 albums and had 30 singles in the Dutch top ten charts. The band officially broke up on 2021-02-05 after founding member George Kooymans announced that he had ALS.
Personal
I remember the first time I heard a Golden Earring song. It was around 1996 and I was riding in a car with my father and brother at night. My father played the song Radar Love it in my brother's car at top volume. I remember immediately liking the song, though I misheard the lyrics as "red-eye love." I told my co-worker about the song, and he said he knew the song, and corrected me that it was "radar love." I also told my cousin Brian about it, who discovered the band's name. I remember thinking their name sounded dumb, but, wanting to have the song in my collection, I asked for it as a gift, and received the US re-release of Moontan. Later, I bought The Continuing Story of Radar Love. I never really sought out any additional music by the band.
Members
The band has rotated various members over the years, but the primary members were:
- George Kooymans - Guitar, vocals
- Rinus Gerritsen - Bass, keyboards
- Barry Hay - Vocals, bass
- Cesar Zuiderwijk - Drums
Discography
Studio Albums
| Released | Title |
|---|---|
| 1965-??-?? | Just Ear-rings |
| 1967-01-27 | Winter-Harvest |
| 1968-??-?? | Miracle Mirror |
| 1969-04-?? | On the Double |
| 1969-11-?? | Eight Miles High |
| 1970-09-?? | Golden Earring |
| 1971-09-?? | Seven Tears |
| 1972-06-?? | Together |
| 1973-07-?? | Moontan |
| 1975-03-?? | Switch |
| 1976-01-?? | To the Hilt |
| 1976-??-?? | Contraband |
| 1978-??-?? | Grab It for a Second |
| 1979-07-?? | No Promises...No Debts |
| 1980-10-?? | Prisoner of the Night |
| 1982-08-?? | Cut |
| 1984-03-?? | N.E.W.S. |
| 1986-05-?? | The Hole |
| 1989-05-08 | Keeper of the Flame |
| 1991-04-19 | Bloody Buccaneers |
| 1994-??-?? | Face It |
| 1995-??-?? | Love Sweat |
| 1999-04-12 | Paradise in Distress |
| 2003-02-?? | Millbrook U.S.A. |
| 2012-05-11 | Tits 'n Ass |
Songs
This is a list of some of my favorite songs by Golden Earring. For all her songs, see Golden Earring songs.
Media
Golden Earring, c. 1965.
Golden Earring, c. 1972.
Golden Earring, c. 1973.
Golden Earring, c. 2012.
Links
