Who did George Kooymans co-found Golden Earring with? Details explored as singer-guitarist dies at 77

George Kooymans, the Dutch guitarist and vocalist, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 77. He died from the effects of ALS, which he was diagnosed with in 2021, according to the Dutch News.

Kooymans was best known for his work in the Dutch rock band Golden Earring, which he co-founded with his neighbor Rinus Gerritsen, who plays bass and is the only remaining original member in the band.

The rock band was formed in 1961 in The Hague and was originally called ''the Tornados."

More about George Kooymans and Golden Earring

Kooymans' family shared the news of his passing in a statement, in which they said, as per Consequence:

''We say goodbye to a great musician and composer whose work extended beyond Golden Earring. George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, but above all, a friend.''

The band, Golden Earring, disbanded in 2021 following George's diagnosis, and their last concert was in 2019 at Ahoy, Rotterdam. In addition to George and Gerritsen, the group also consisted of Barry Hay, the lead vocalist and frontman of the band, and Cesar Zuiderwijk, the drummer.

Golden Earring rose to popularity with their 1973 international hit song, Radar Love. The track went to number one on the Dutch chart, reached the top ten in the United Kingdom. Their other hits included the 1984 When the Lady Smiles and the 1982 Twilight Zone.

Cesar Zuiderwijk, the band's drummer, said this in response to the news of George's death, as per Ultimate Classic Rock. He said:

''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.''

Limore Noach, director of the ALS Netherlands Foundation, also expressed his condolences on the news of the passing of George, according to NL Times. They said:

''Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the other band members, and we wish them much strength. When it became known that George Kooymans had ALS and could no longer perform, it was heartwarming to see how the whole of the Netherlands rallied in support.''

Golden Earring will be playing a series of five farewell concerts at the Rotterdam Ahoy in 2026.

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