Bintangs
The Bintangs from Beverwijk were originally named Rocket Dynes and Black Phantoms. They didn’t only become known for their rough, smoky Hoogoven-born sound, but also for their great number of line-up changes. In the 60’s, especially in the province of Noord-Holland, they had a firm following, which, in the cities of Beverwijk and Haarlem, manifested itself in posters plastered on many walls and even a gigantic gas tank with their name painted on it. Once at the Kennemer Theater, which was the place for open-air appearances at the time, the whole floor was crushed and demolished into pieces by the over-enthusiastic fans. Despite this, the Bintangs (Malay for “stars”) remained one of the most underrated groups in the Netherlands.
This is the most complete summary of the group’s members: Drums: Nono Piepelenbos (59) Rob Wijsters (59-60) Fred Maas (60) Gerry Ottenvanger (60) Leo van Olfen (60) Jimmy Jansen (60-63) Henk van Besu (63-66) Peter de Leeuwe (66-67, ex-Hottlets & Moans, to Los Zomos & Ekseption) Frans Kroon (67, ex-Hamlets) Henk van Norden (67-68) Hermke Klaasen (68, ex-Blues Vocation) Harry Schierbeek (68, to Kraayeveld) Aad Hooft (68-74, to Oscar Benton) Harry Schierbeek (74).
Guitar: Klaas Holtkamp (59-60, ex-Sky Rockets) Meine Fernhout (59-68, ex-Garred Boys) Piet Maas (60-62) Peter de Leeuwe (65, ex-Hottlets, to Moans and back as drummer) Jan Wijte (65-66 and 69-70) Gus Pleines (68-69) Rob van Donselaar (70-74, to Benton) Jack van Schaik (74).
Solo Guitar: Arthy Kraayeveld (59-68, ex-Garred Boys) Jan Wijte (68-69) Arthy (69-70, then to Kraayeveld) Jan Wijte (70-72) Rob ten Bokum (72-74, ex-Panda, to Blue Eyed Bluesband) Jaap Castricum (74-75, to Dais and Arthy Kraayeveld) Ben de Bruin (75, ex-Rob Hoeke and Flash & Dance Band), Albert Schiebeek (ex-Kraayeveld).
Keyboards: Jan Wijte (67-69) Rob van Donselaar (69-74) Jaap Castricum (74-75). Bass: Frank Kraayeveld (69-70, ex-Sky Rockets) James Schab (60-62) Ronald Krom (70-74, ex-Turquoise) Frank Kraayeveld (74).
Vocals: Arthy (59-60, 62-64, 67-68 & 74) Rob Wijsters (60-62) Wil Nimisz (64-66) Gus Pleines (66-72, ex-Hottlets) James Walker (67) Frank Kraayeveld (67-70) Nico Taihutu (68, ex-Blues Vocation, to Uzi) Rob Kruisman (72-74, ex-Panda and Modesty Blaise, to Supersister), Gus (74). Harmonica: Wil Nimisz (64-66) Gus Pleines (66-67, 68-72 and 74) Jan Wijte (67-68).
Flute: Jan Wijte (66-72, to Cockney Pride) Charles van der Steeg (72-74, ex-John the Revelator) Rob Kruisman (72-74). Diversen: Fred Maas (perc, 60-62) Bill Tromp (perc, 60-62) Rob van Donselaar (steel, 69-70) Charles van der Steeg (s, 72-74, to Cuby & The Blizzards) Rob Kruisman (s, 72-74).
1965 You can't judge a book by looking at the cover/I'm a man
Muziek Expres Opart 1002
1966 Walking the boogie/Groovin' 1008
Splendid sight/60 $ boss Yep 1012
1967 Pileworks/See me waiting girl Injection TAR 61003
Please do listen/No blame 61009
1969 Smokestack lightning/Blues on the ceiling Decca AT 10379
Riding on the L & N/Down south blues 10402
LP Blues on the ceiling XBY 846514
1970 Travelling in the USA/Hound is on the run AT 10416
He didn't wanna go home/The dying of Mr.Fernandez
10425
Liontamer/Too much 6100006
LP Travelling in the USA 6419001
1971 I'm on my own again/Demons 6100033
The bride/Hold it Susie/Juvenile junkie 6100057
1972 You got love/Hello goodbye 6100068
We're gonna make it/Well then it's alright
6100082
LP Ridin' with the Bintangs 6454420
1973 Hey dupes/Blue funk Warner Bros WB 16263
LP Down south blues Decca PD 12032
1974 Wait/I been hoodood Negram NG 410
1975 Open and busted/Insight inside out RCA YHPBO 0901
LP Genuine bull AYDL 10982
1977 Diane/Big black tank (limited edition)
LP Travelling in the USA (re) Decca 6440677
LP Bintangs PHILIPS 6410 955
1979 LP NIGHTFIGHTERS ARIOLA 200525
1980 LP MICKEY FINN ARIOLA 202119
1981 LP STILL GOING STRONG ARIOLA 204348
[08-11-1969]^12*9 RIDIN' ON THE L & N Bintangs
[31-01-1970]^9*9 TRAVELLING IN THE USA Bintangs
[27-06-1970]^35*2 HE DIDN'T WANNA GO HOME Bintangs
[15-05-1971]^32*4 I'M ON MY OWN AGAIN Bintangs
Compact Discs:
Live-File 2-CD Universe CDSP - 8808 1986 (1985)
Travellin' In The USA/Ridin' With The Bintangs Decca 836356-21988 - 1988 (1972-77 comp.)
Ruby Red Hot Bananas/Pias - 9970572 1995 (1995)
Dynamite Night Bananas/Sony - 483937-2 1996 (1996)