Dutch Rock

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The Netherlands have not really brought out many bands that have made a name for themselves around the world (Van Halen is NOT Dutch contrary to popular belief even though the Van Halen Brothers are from the Netherlands). However, there are two particular bands that brought success to the world.

Focus
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They formed in Amsterdam in 1969 by singer/keyboardist/flute player Thijs van Leer and guitarist Jan Akkerman who are both responsible for writing the band's songs. In 1971 in Europe, and the in 1973 in the US and Canada, they had a MASSIVE success with the song Hocus Pocus. The song is an interesting collage of Prog Rock and has informally been titled "The Yodeling Son." Just listen to the song, and you will see what I mean. (Good for irritating the neighbors too).

Golden Earring:

 They formed in The Hague (the ADMINISTRATIVE Dutch capital, by the way) in 1961 as The Golden Earrings. They dropped the definitive in 1967, and then began singular form of earring two years later. Their lineup consists of Indian born vocalist/guitarist Barry Hay, guitarist/vocalist George Kooyman, bass player/multi-instrument Rinus Gerritsen, and drummer Ceaser Zulderwijk.

Golden Earring had 30 top ten singles on the Dutch charts, but worldwide are best remembered for three hits. In 1973, they had a hit with Radar Love, a great trucking song in my opinion. It hit #1 in the Netherlands, was in the top 10 in the UK, and made it to 13 on the US Bilboard Chart. In 1982, on their record Cut, they released Twilight Zone. Their last known worldwide hit came two years later on their N.E.W.S. album, When the Lady Smiles, a bit of Dutch 38 Special, I suppose.

Apart from that, Golden Earring have not been much more popular, although I do hear their Naked Truth (unplugged) series is great.


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