Kooymans, from The Hague, was in his mid-teens when he helped found what became Golden Earring in the early 1960s: The band’s name was inspired by an instrumental of the time, Golden Earrings. “George bore this devastating and debilitating illness with exceptional strength and dignity,” a statement from Golden Earring reads in part. George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, but above all, a friend.”With more than 20 top 10 singles in their native country, Golden Earring had more success at home than overseas. Golden Earring shared bills with Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin among others and toured with such stars as Aerosmith, Rush and the Doobie Brothers. Golden Earring continued to tour and record in the 1990s and beyond.

Source: The Times July 24, 2025 15:24 UTC