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Barry Hay

Barry Andrew Hay (born 16 August 1948) is an Indian-born , and , best known as the , frontman, , flautist, and occasional saxophonist of the from 1967 until the band's disbandment in 2021. Born in , , , Hay moved to the at the age of eight and began his music career in the mid-1960s with local beat groups before joining (then known as the Golden Earrings), where he helped shape the band's transition from to a signature sound in the early 1970s. Under Hay's leadership, achieved international success with hits such as "" (1973) and "" (1982), becoming one of the longest-running rock bands in history with over 50 years of activity and 25 . The band disbanded in February 2021 following co-founder ' diagnosis with (ALS), which Kooymans succumbed to on 23 July 2025. In addition to his work with , Hay has pursued a solo career, releasing albums including Only Parrots, Frogs and Angels (1972), Victory of Bad Taste (1987), and Fiesta de la Vida (2022), while also voicing the character Rock Zilla in the My Dad the Rockstar.

Early life

Birth and family background

Barry Andrew Hay was born on 16 August 1948 in , , . He is the son of Philip Aubrey Hay (1923–1980), a Scottish commissioned officer in the , and Sofia Maria Sluijter (1922–2004), a woman born in , (present-day ). The family's colonial connections stemmed from the presence in , where Hay's maternal lineage originated amid the pre-independence era. Hay's mother, who was Jewish, survived by hiding her identity and enduring internment in the in the ; her own mother, Flora, and brother, Marcus, were killed in Auschwitz. Her father, Salmon Sluijter, also survived the war. During his early childhood in , prior to turning eight, Hay experienced a multicultural environment shaped by British colonial life in .

Relocation and education

In 1956, at the age of eight, Barry Hay relocated with his mother from , , to the , after his parents divorced; they initially settled in before moving to . Upon arriving in the , Hay was enrolled in an English-language to facilitate his adjustment to the new environment. He later attended secondary school and took courses at the Royal Academy of Art (Koninklijke Academie van Beeldende Kunsten) in after graduation. During his teenage years in the , Hay developed early interests in both music and art, influenced by his schooling and surroundings; he began experimenting with sounds inspired by artists like and , while his art education nurtured creative expression.

Career

With Golden Earring

Barry Hay joined the Dutch rock band —then known as the Golden Earrings—in the summer of 1967, replacing original lead vocalist Frans Krassenburg. The band, formed in 1961 in , had begun as a beat group influenced by acts, but Hay's arrival marked a shift toward a more international sound, with the group dropping the "s" from their name in 1969 to become simply . Under Hay's leadership as frontman and co-songwriter—often collaborating with guitarist —the band evolved from their beat roots into a outfit, incorporating heavier riffs and progressive elements while maintaining catchy hooks. This transformation fueled their breakthrough with the 1973 single "" from the album , which topped the Dutch charts and reached No. 13 on the US , establishing their international presence through radio play and tours across and . The song's success propelled extensive touring. Golden Earring continued to build on this momentum with further hits, including "Twilight Zone" in 1982, which peaked at No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart, reviving their American popularity via MTV exposure. Two years later, "When the Lady Smiles" from the album N.E.W.S. became another European smash, hitting No. 1 in the Netherlands and charting across the continent, though it garnered less US traction. Hay's contributions as lead vocalist, lyricist, and occasional multi-instrumentalist were central to these successes, spanning over five decades of the band's career, which included relentless global tours logging thousands of shows. The band's run ended in 2021 after 60 years, prompted by Kooymans' diagnosis of (ALS), a progressive affecting muscle control, which forced their retirement without replacement of the co-founder. Hay, who had served as the group's enduring voice and creative force since 1967, reflected on the decision as a "death blow" to the lineup that had defined rock.

Solo career

Barry Hay launched his solo career amid Golden Earring's rising prominence with the release of his debut album Only Parrots, Frogs and Angels in 1972, an eclectic collection blending pop rock, progressive rock, and psychedelic influences that allowed him to experiment beyond the band's sound. Recorded at Phonogram Studios in Hilversum, the album featured acoustic-driven tracks and marked Hay's initial foray into personal artistic expression during the group's early fame. After a 15-year hiatus from solo releases, Hay returned in 1987 with Victory of Bad Taste, a rock-oriented effort characterized by and (AOR) styles, incorporating original compositions alongside covers from artists like and . Issued on Ring Records and distributed by , the album highlighted Hay's continued evolution as a performer while overlapping with Golden Earring's active period, and included contributions from bandmate . In 2008, Hay explored jazz-infused territory on The Big Band Theory, collaborating with the to merge , , and elements through reinterpretations of classics such as "" and "." Released on , this project showcased Hay's versatility in arranging standards for orchestral settings, further diversifying his independent output. Hay's most recent solo-influenced endeavor came in 2019 with For You Baby, a collaborative with JB Meijers featuring cover versions of songs by , , , and others, including a duet with Danny Vera on "." Produced under Amnac Music and licensed to , the record emphasized Hay's interpretive approach to established material, reinforcing his role in personal musical projects outside .

Collaborations and other projects

In 2016, Hay formed the side project Barry Hay's Flying V Formation, a collaboration with fellow musicians including Pablo van de Poel of DeWolff, bassist Daim E. de Rijke, keyboardist Huub van Loon, and drummer Jan Rooymans. The group released a self-titled that year, featuring rock tracks like "The Machine" and "Turn Around," followed by a 2017 single covering ' "." Intended as a one-off endeavor, the project allowed Hay to explore ensemble performances outside his primary band commitments. Hay continued collaborative musical efforts with guitarist JB Meijers, releasing the album Fiesta de la Vida in 2022. This 14-track record draws on Latin influences, inspired by Mexico's Día de los Muertos holiday and featuring contributions from the Tierra ensemble, blending Hay's vocals with Meijers' guitar work in a festive, rhythmic style. Beyond music, Hay ventured into for dubs of animated films. In 1989, he provided the voice of Charlie B. Barkin in the version of . He reprised similar work in 1992, voicing the eccentric bat Batty Koda in the dub of . In the 2000s, Hay voiced Rock Zilla in the dub of the (2003–2005). In 1999, Hay appeared in a minor acting role as himself, portraying a musician, in the Dutch comedy film An Amsterdam Tale, directed by Dick Maas.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Barry Hay has been married to Dutch model and painter Sandra Bastiaan since February 22, 1992, when the couple wed in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prior to this marriage, Hay had a previous relationship, though details remain limited in public records. Hay is the father of two daughters. His eldest, Isabella Maria Hay (also known as Bella), was born on October 6, 1990, from his earlier relationship. His younger daughter, Gina Louise Hay, was born on May 6, 1999, to Hay and Bastiaan in .

Residences and later activities

In the later stages of his life, Barry Hay has maintained dual residences between the and , reflecting his deep connection to both his Dutch heritage and the island where he has spent significant time since 2007. He relocated to that year with his wife Sandra and their two daughters, initially settling on a hillside property at Coral Estate that offered panoramic views and a sense of serenity, before moving elsewhere on the island. This arrangement allows him to balance time in with extended stays in , where he describes the lifestyle as embodying "freedom" and a welcome escape from the demands of his earlier career. During his time in Curaçao, Hay hosted a weekly titled Oorverblindend on Dolfijn FM, which aired live for two hours every at 1:00 a.m. CET starting around 2008, when he was not touring with . The show focused on music selections, personal anecdotes from his experiences in the industry, and interactions with listeners, providing a platform for Hay to share insights in a relaxed, conversational format. As a pensionado under Curaçao's regulations, which prohibit formal employment, this endeavor aligned with his non-professional pursuits on the island. Following the disbandment of in February 2021—prompted by co-founder ' ALS diagnosis—Hay transitioned to a more low-key existence, primarily centered on his residences and personal well-being up to 2025. He has spoken of embracing retirement in as a period of tranquility, supported by his family, with no major concerns reported in that timeframe. Updates on his activities remain sparse beyond occasional media appearances, indicating a deliberate shift toward and reflection in his later years.

Discography

Solo albums

Barry Hay's debut solo album, Only Parrots, Frogs and Angels, released in 1972 by Polydor, features eight acoustic-oriented tracks that showcase his songwriting in a folk-rock style, diverging from the harder rock sound of his work with . The album, recorded at Phonogram Studios in , includes introspective pieces like the title track and "Sunny Day," emphasizing Hay's vocal delivery and guitar work, with contributions from session musicians. It achieved modest commercial success, failing to crack major charts but earning praise for its intimate, unpretentious vibe in niche reviews. Fifteen years later, Hay returned with Victory of Bad Taste in 1987 on Records, a nine-track effort blending rock energy with humorous, satirical lyrics, often featuring Golden Earring bandmates like on guitar. Standouts include covers such as ' "" and originals like "," which highlight Hay's playful edge and strong production by Fred Haayen. The album's witty title reflects its irreverent tone, but it similarly saw limited chart impact, appreciated more by fans for its lighthearted rock anthems than broad appeal. In 2008, Hay explored jazz-rock fusion with The Big Band Theory, a collaboration with the Metropole Orchestra released by , incorporating live-recorded elements from performances to blend arrangements with rock standards. The 13-track collection reinterprets songs like "" by and "" by , emphasizing orchestral swells and Hay's charismatic vocals. Critics noted its ambitious scope but mixed Hay's presence within the ensemble, with the album receiving moderate reception for revitalizing classic material in a sophisticated setting. Hay's most recent solo-led project, For You Baby (2019) on , pairs him with guitarist JB Meijers for 12 blues-infused covers, including Bob Dylan's "" and Elton John's "," infused with Latin flavors and acoustic warmth. Recorded in a stripped-down style, it highlights Hay's interpretive skills and Meijers' Telecaster prowess, earning positive nods for its relaxed, heartfelt renditions that appeal to enthusiasts. The marked a collaborative yet Hay-centric return, resonating well in live settings without chasing mainstream charts.

Collaborative works

In 2016, Barry Hay formed the side project Barry Hay's Flying V Formation, a rock band featuring younger musicians including guitarist Pablo van de Poel of DeWolff, bassist Daim de Rijke, keyboardist Huub van Loon, and drummer Jan Rooymans. The group released a self-titled debut album on May 13, 2016, via V2 Records, blending influences with covers and original tracks such as "" and "." The project toured select venues that year, emphasizing Hay's mentorship of emerging talent in the rock scene. Hay collaborated with guitarist and producer JB Meijers on two albums, beginning with For You Baby in 2019, which included covers like "" featuring a with Danny Vera, alongside original material showcasing Hay's vocal style over Meijers' arrangements. Their partnership continued with Fiesta de la Vida, released on April 22, 2022, recorded in the and incorporating reggae, pop, and rock elements in covers of songs by artists such as ("") and Roy Orbison (""), as well as new compositions by Hay and Meijers. The album's title track, co-written by the duo, reflected a celebratory theme, and it was promoted with live performances, including at . This collaboration marked Hay's post-Golden Earring creative output, highlighting his adaptability in joint productions. Hay has made notable guest appearances on other artists' recordings, including vocals on "Sail Away to Avalon" from Arjen Anthony Lucassen's Ayreon project album Into the Electric Castle (1998), contributing to the progressive rock opera's narrative-driven sound. Additionally, Hay provided spoken word vocals on "Ozymandias" from The Bullfight's album Some Divine Gift (2022), a spoken word project featuring various international guest artists. No major new collaborations were reported between 2023 and 2025.

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