Dutch 1980s heart throb Henny Vrienten of Doe Maar dies, aged 73
Henny Vrienten, lead singer of mega popular Dutch 1980s band Doe Maar, has died at the age of 73.
Doe Maar (the name means ‘just do it’ but said in a sulky manner) had a string of hits in the early 1980s, including De Bom, Nederwiet, Is dit alles and Doris Day.
The band, which broke up in 1984 and reformed several times for one-off concerts, had a particularly large following among teenage girls. They are considered to be one of the most successful Dutch bands of all time.
In later years Vrienten worked with Golden Earring guitarist George Kooijmans and Boudewijn de Groot as the Vreemde Kostgangers. He also composed soundtracks for films and documentaries and was most recently involved in a new musical, De Koning van Amsterdam, which is due to premier later this year.
Concent organiser Mojo, which announced his death, did not give a cause. Vrienten had been unwell for some time and in last September the band cancelled plans for a farewell tour because of his illness.
Heartbroken at the news of Henny Vrienten passing away. This man, his band, his music is a BIG part of my life. I loved him dearly…. Dag lieve Henny…. Rest In Peace…. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/qwIKSmCbeC
— ♎ / (@MissWoessie) April 25, 2022
Just in a couple of days, Jan Rot, Arno Hintjes, Henny Vrienten RIP my teenage years hereos are up in the sky, learning to fly
— frankbenneker (@frankbenneker) April 25, 2022
Henny Vrienten… https://t.co/G71qMP9Frw
— Jeanette from the Netherlands♀️ (@BetuwsBesje) April 25, 2022
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