Going To The Run

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the classic track "Going to the Run" by Golden Earring from their 1991 album Bloody Buccaneers, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing. This song, a heartfelt anthem, carries a poignant story. Written by George Kooymans and Barry Hay, it’s a tribute to a Hell’s Angel who tragically died in an accident, capturing themes of freedom and loss. The song struck a chord, becoming a Top 3 hit in the Netherlands and earning a gold record for the album. Fans on the Golden Earring Fanclub Facebook group often share how the song’s emotional depth resonates, with one member recalling a 1991 concert where the band dedicated it to fallen friends, bringing the crowd to tears.

Another tidbit from the band’s history adds intrigue: the Russian heavy metal band Aria covered "Going to the Run" in 1999, retitling it "Беспечный ангел" (Carefree Angel) with adapted Russian lyrics by Margarita Pushkina. This cover, later included in a 2004 ballad compilation, shows the song’s universal appeal, crossing borders and genres. On Golden Earring’s X account, a 2020 post reflected on the song’s legacy, noting how fans still request it at shows, with Kooymans sharing in a rare interview that the song’s raw energy came from a single late-night studio session fueled by coffee and adrenaline.

Golden Earring began in 1961 in The Hague, Netherlands, when teenagers George Kooymans (13) and Rinus Gerritsen (15) formed a band called The Tornados. After discovering another group with the same name, they renamed themselves The Golden Earrings, inspired by an instrumental by the British band The Hunters. Starting as a pop-rock outfit with Frans Krassenburg on vocals, they scored an early hit with their 1965 single “Please Go.” Manager Fred Haayen pushed them to record in London’s Pye Records studios, resulting in their 1966 single “That Day,” which hit number two on the Dutch charts. By 1969, with drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk and vocalist Barry Hay joining, the lineup solidified, dropping the “s” to become Golden Earring. Their evolution from pop to hard rock, influenced by U.S. tours with acts like Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, cemented their global fame with hits like “Radar Love” in 1973.

Today, fans can connect with Golden Earring’s official website for updates, though the band disbanded in 2021 after Kooymans’ ALS diagnosis. Their Facebook page remains active, sharing throwback photos and tour memories, while Instagram posts vintage album art and fan tributes. The X account occasionally shares news, like the announcement of their final “One Last Night” concerts in January 2026 at Rotterdam Ahoy, featuring guest artists due to Kooymans’ absence. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, the Golden Earring Fanclub on Facebook is a lively hub where fans swap stories, rare vinyl finds, and concert clips. Another fan site, Golden Earring Museum, offers a deep dive into the band’s history with archived photos and memorabilia, perfect for diehards tuning in to THE ZOO.