Rinus Gerritsen

Marinus Gerritsen (born 9 August 1946) is a Dutch bassist. Best known for being a founding member of Dutch group Golden Earring, he is also a producer of artists like Herman Brood.

Career In 1961, Gerritsen and his neighbour George Kooymans formed a rock duo. They originally called themselves "The Tornados", but changed their name to "The Golden Earrings" when they learnt of The Tornados, a UK instrumental group who had just had a hit with "Telstar". The name "the Golden Earrings" was taken from an instrumental called "Golden Earrings" performed by the British group the Hunters, for whom they served as opening and closing act. Initially a pop-rock band with Frans Krassenburg on lead vocals and Jaap Eggermont on drums, the Golden Earrings had a hit with their debut single "Please Go", recorded in 1965. After two albums, Barry Hay joined on lead vocals permanently, and by 1970, Sieb Warner had been replaced by Cesar Zuiderwijk, and the principal lineup (that would last for fifty years) was finalised.

They achieved worldwide fame with their international hit songs "Radar Love" in 1973, which went to number one on the Dutch chart, reached the top ten in the United Kingdom, and went to number thirteen on the United States chart, "Twilight Zone" in 1982, and "When the Lady Smiles" in 1984. Rinus also writes articles for Dutch music magazine De Bassist.

Steve Harris of Iron Maiden counts Gerritsen as an important influence.

On 5 February 2021, the band's manager announced to the Dutch press that their active career was over due to George Kooymans' serious illness.

Personal life Marinus Gerritsen was born in The Hague in 1946. He has a brother, Rob, who is three years older and is the manager for Golden Earring, doing bookings and administration for the band. He lives with his wife in The Hague.

Equipment His first own bass guitar (brand name Darwin bass) was built by his father. Gerritsen was the first Dutch pop musician to own a Danelectro bass guitar. He has also used a Vox Humana RG Longscale Bass, Vox Humana Semi-Hollow Bass Guitar, Rickenbacker 4001, Fender Jazz Bass, and the Fender Jazz Bass V.