George Jan Kooymans (born March 11, 1948) was a Dutch singer‑guitarist, composer, and co‑founder of the legendary rock band Golden Earring. Starting the group in 1961 with his neighbor Rinus Gerritsen (then called The Tornados, later The Golden Earrings), Kooymans became the band’s creative backbone, steering them through five decades and over 25 studio albums. He penned their two biggest international hits “Radar Love” (1973) and the U.S. Top 10 hit “Twilight Zone” (1982). After being diagnosed with ALS in 2020, he retired in early 2021, bringing an end to the band’s performances. Beyond Golden Earring, Kooymans collaborated in projects like the Dutch supergroup Vreemde Kostgangers and produced music for artists including Anouk, leaving behind a deep legacy as a musician, family man, and friend. George Kooymans passed away on July 22, 2025.
The continuing story of Radar Love
Here are their two biggest international hits:
"Radar Love" is a classic single released in 1973. Rolling Stone magazine named "Radar Love" one of the top driving songs. The song has also been described as "road rock" and "driving fast rock."
"Twilight Zone" is an '80s classic track from Golden Earrings 16th studio album Cut, released in September 10, 1982. The listening takes me back.
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