Golden
Earring is first to do
what
others only talk about
The
Cleveland Press, Friday, July 19,1974
"We're really going to blow them off the stage"
In my eight years of covering the national rock music scene, that's the quote I've heard most often.
It usually
comes from the manager of an opening act who's desperate for publicity.
The manager explains his act is much stronger than the headliner. It never
is.
Golden
Earring is the exception. You can count on one hand the number of rock groups
in the world capable of topping tons explosive new group from Holland.
Currently
on its first major tour in the U.S., Golden Earring has been the opening
act for a number of top recording groups. From the reviews I've read, no
one has been able to follow them.
Among
the groups the Earring has upstaged are ZZ Top, Procol Harum, J. Geils,
Marshall Tucker, the Doobie Brothers and last Friday night at the Allen,
prevent Station.
Combining
electrifying theatrics and acrobatics with a very sophisticated blend of
rock 'n' roil. Golden Earring put together the finest stage show by a new
act that I ever saw.
In fact,
I'd have to think awfully hard to come up with an "old" act that
is capable of giving a better performance.
Each
musician in Golden Earring is a star. Together, they're dynamite. The audience
is given a double treat of watching a spectacular show and listening to
some classic rock.
Flutist
Barry Hay has to be made out of rubber. Besides bending his body in every
position imaginable while singing, he's, brilliant on guitar, sax and any
percussion Instrument that's available.
I usually
hate drum solos, but Cesar Zuiderwijk made me love them. During an extended
version of the group's smash hit, "Radar Love," Cesar showed what
drummlng's all about. He completed his already spectacular show with an
unbelievable eight-foot leap over his drums.
Just when
I thought nothing could top Cesar's performance, bassist-keyboardist Rinus
Gerritsen put on a demonstration that I still don't believe I saw,. He made
his bass guitar do everything but talk, and completed this super solo by
deservedly collapsing flat nn his back.
It was
the only time during the group's 50 minutes of playing that one of the four
musicians wasn't moving.
Guitarist
George Kooymans - who executed a variety of leaps and glides throughout
the performance - ended the show with a Beatles' version of "Money" that included a few Chuck Berry hops far good measure.
Fans in
the audience went wild. We all stood and screamed for more, but the Earring
already had played longer than the time limit set for an opening act. The
fans remained standing and lit matches in appreciation. It was quite a sight.
At this
point I felt very sorry for Brownville. There was no way that they were
going to follow this act. They should he credited for trying, however.
They did
everything from passing out party favors to having motorcycles revving up
on stage to get the audience to respond. Nothing worked. Like their two-million
selllng hit says, they would have been better off "Smokin' in the Boys'
Room."
If you're
lucky enough to catch the Golden Earring in concert, better clip out the
photo on this page see what the musicians look like. on stage - like the
other photo from last week's concert shows-they're a blur.
But the
music is the most important thing, and Golden Earring's MCA Track album "Moontan" is audible proof that this will be the next supergroup.
Golden Earring's show was essentially professional and confident.
Rolling
Stone 1/8/74
Cesar
Zuiderwijk Sky-high leap from behind the drum kit during Radar Love. He
looks like a Nureyev ejecting from a jet plane,
Rolling
Stone 1/8/74
The atmosphere was electric
N.M.E. Rainbow Concert on May 24
Do
yourself a favour and go and see the band next time they're in this country.
Let
It Rock Dec./73
Ear Ole are a hand I've never witnessed before. They are above all, totally professional.
N.M.E.
30/3/74
The
Dutch have a reputation for taking their pleasures seriously and in generous
quantities - Golden Earring are no exception.
Sounds
3/6/73
Thanks
to Gerard Schelling - GEM Research©2003