Hubbry Logo
BLØFBLØFMain
Open search
BLØF
Community hub
BLØF
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
BLØF
BLØF
from Wikipedia

BLØF is a Dutch rock band founded in Vlissingen, Zeeland, by bassist Peter Slager. It currently consists of Slager, Paskal Jakobsen (lead vocals and guitar), Bas Kennis (keyboards), and Norman Bonink (drums). Former members are drummers Henk Tjoonk and Chris Götte. The band's four members write the music together, but Slager is solely responsible for lyrics.

Key Information

BLØF has been recognised as "by far the most successful Dutch-speaking group of all time" and "the most successful Zeeland group".[1] They were the fourth Dutch band to attain 40 hit singles on the Dutch Top 40, and they have two number-one songs: "Holiday in Spain" with American band Counting Crows (five weeks, 2004) and "Zoutelande" with Belgian singer Geike Arnaert (ten weeks, 2018).

The band's first hit was "Liefs uit Londen", in 1998. Drummer Chris Götte was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2001 and succeeded by Bonink. In 2006, they became the first rock band to play in Bhutan, and their concert was the biggest in terms of attendance that the country had seen to date.[2] BLØF has also won eight Edison Awards, including "Best Band in the Netherlands" five times.

Biography

[edit]

Beginnings

[edit]

BLØF was founded in 1992 by Peter Slager and originally consisted of Slager on bass guitar, Paskal Jakobsen on guitar, Bas Kennis on keyboards, and Henk Tjoonk on drums.

They recorded their 1994 debut album, Naakt Onder De Hemel, in just one week.[3] The self-produced, self-promoted album was a hit in their home province of Zeeland, and the single "Aan de Kust" became a local hit, despite receiving little airplay on national radio stations.[citation needed] The album was well received by critics, and through this positive attention, the band secured a national distribution contract with EMI Music,[4] Keyboardist Kennis credits their early success partly to the rudimentary website they had in 1995, giving fans access to the band and a direct way to find out about their music and tour dates.[5] For this album, BLØF received a "Best New Talent" award, and with the prize money, they worked on their second record, Helder, which came out in September 1997.[citation needed]

Initial success with EMI

[edit]

In 1997, internal struggles almost led to the band's breakup and saw drummer Tjoonk fired and replaced by Chris Götte.[6] With the help of ex-Doe Maar manager Frank van der Meijden, the band landed a recording contract with EMI. The first single released after these changes, "Liefs uit Londen", was a national success. It became the band's first hit on the Dutch Top 40, reaching No. 13. The song was inspired by the childhood board game Reis om de Wereld ("journey around the world").[7]

Breakthrough

[edit]

In 1998, BLØF released XXL Live Met Het Zeeuws Orkest, a live album recorded with an orchestra from Zeeland. With the help of Peter Bauwers (2 Unlimited) and Ronald Vanhuffel, they published the studio album Boven. In 2000, the band received an Edison Award for Best Dutch Band.[8] They followed up in 2001 with Watermakers and once more received an Edison for Best Dutch Band.[8]

On 17 March 2001, drummer Chris Götte was killed in a motorcycle accident while on his way to the venue where the band was scheduled to perform later that day; he was 38.[9] The band took a hiatus from performing, and one year later, they released the live CD Oog In Oog — Live I in Ahoy, the last concert with Götte. Norman Bonink, who had previously played with Frank Boeijen, took over on drums.[10] The band's next album, Blauwe Ruis, released in 2002, was dedicated to Götte and his family, and the singles "Dichterbij dan Ooit" and "Blauwe Ruis" dealt with his death.[11]

In 2003, BLØF issued their next record, Omarm. A year later, the American rock band Counting Crows toured with BLØF, and together, they re-recorded the Counting Crows song "Holiday in Spain", with lyrics in both English and Dutch, which gave BLØF exposure in the United States. The collaboration was a request from Universal Records, but BLØF had been longtime fans of Counting Crows, and Adam Duritz specifically requested a bilingual version of the song.[1]

In 2005, BLØF travelled around the world in order to be exposed to new cultures and inspirations for a new album. These efforts saw the release of Umoja in 2006, which aimed to raise awareness of the Millennium Development Goals. The band collaborated with artists from the 12 countries they visited.[12] The project resulted in a book, Umoja Travel Lodge, concerts in the Netherlands, and a DVD of those concerts, together with a number of international musicians from the project. The band later stated that they greatly underestimated the amount of work involved with a project of that scale. They played the first rock show in the history of Bhutan, which in 2006 was the largest concert in terms of attendance that the country had seen up to that point.[13]

BLØF's next album, Oktober, came out in October 2008, with enough additional material for a follow-up, April, which was released in early 2009. Their subsequent record, titled Alles Blijft Anders, came out in February 2011.

In 2016, Slager issued the solo album Slik.

In April 2017, BLØF put out AAN, a record featuring a collaboration with rapper Typhoon and a tribute to Thé Lau, the frontman of the Scene and close friend of Jakobsen's, who had died in 2015. "Zoutelande", a Dutch cover of the German song "Frankfurt Oder" by Bosse, was rerecorded as a duet with Belgian singer Geike Arnaert. It reached No. 1 in January 2018 and stayed there for more than ten weeks. Later in 2018, BLØF released the single "Omarm me" in collaboration with Dutch rapper Ronnie Flex. The surprise success of "Zoutelande" led to BLØF headlining Pinkpop Festival in 2018.[14]

BLØF celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2022, with Slager attributing their survival to a lack of financial disputes. While Slager is entitled to 62.5% of the band's revenue per Dutch copyright law as the band's sole lyricist, he divides all compensation equally among the four members.[15] That year, they released their 14th studio album, titled Polaroid.[16]

Legacy

[edit]

BLØF is considered the most successful Dutch-speaking musical group of all time and the most popular group from the province of Zeeland. From 1998 to 2014, they recorded one hit on the Dutch Top 40 every single year. With "Horizon" in 2021, they became the fourth Dutch band to achieve 40 placements on the Top 40, after BZN, Golden Earring, and Normaal.[1]

Criticism

[edit]

The band has also carried a negative reputation among some Dutch people, specifically facing criticism for Slager's lyrics[clarification needed].[17] In 2015, Vice wrote that "since Kane no longer exists, BLØF has been the most hated band in the Netherlands."[18] A television special by the news programme EenVandaag, celebrating the band's 20th anniversary, was scrapped because the director invoked a popular Twitter account criticising BLØF's lyrics, which caused the band's manager to reject those questions.[17] The Dutch nightlife website Partyscene in 2018 named BLØF the second-most hated Dutch act, for their "crooked lyrics" and "the rutting bluster of singer Paskal".[19] De Volkskrant reported on renewed hate for BLØF and other pop artists following the surprise success of "Zoutelande" in 2018.[20]

However, Slager won the Lennaert Nijgh Prize (for best Dutch lyricist) in 2017, and the jury said that "He takes a subtle approach, making many of his texts multi-interpretable. The very fact that everyone can have their own experience with a text by Peter plays an important role in BLØF's success."[21] Slager has responded to his critics, saying, "Whether I succeed is not up to me", and noted that his upbringing in Zeeland has influenced his recurring usage of maritime symbolism.[22]

Band members

[edit]

Lineups

[edit]
(1992–1997)
  • Paskal Jakobsen - lead vocals, guitar
  • Bas Kennis - keyboard, backing vocals
  • Peter Slager - bass, backing vocals
  • Henk Tjoonk - percussion, backing vocals
(1997–2001)
  • Paskal Jakobsen — lead vocals, guitar
  • Bas Kennis — keyboard, backing vocals
  • Peter Slager — bass, backing vocals
  • Chris Götte - percussion, backing vocals
(2001–present)
  • Paskal Jakobsen — lead vocals, guitar
  • Bas Kennis — keyboard, guitar, backing vocals
  • Peter Slager — bass, backing vocals
  • Norman Bonink - percussion, backing vocals

Discography

[edit]
  • Naakt onder de hemel (1995)
  • Helder (1997)
  • Boven (1999)
  • Watermakers (2000)
  • Blauwe Ruis (2002)
  • Omarm (2003)
  • Umoja (2006)
  • Oktober (2008)
  • April (2009)
  • Alles Blijft Anders (2011)
  • In Het Midden van Alles (2014)
  • De Grasbroek Sessies (2015)
  • Aan (2017)
  • Polaroid (2022)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
BLØF is a Dutch rock band founded in 1992 in Vlissingen, Zeeland, by bassist Peter Slager. The current lineup features Slager on bass, Paskal Jakobsen on lead vocals and guitar, Bas Kennis on keyboards, and Norman Bonink on drums, with prior drummers including Henk Tjoonk and Chris Götte. Since their formation, BLØF has released twelve studio albums and achieved over thirty entries on the Dutch Top 40 chart, establishing themselves as one of the most successful Dutch-language acts in the Netherlands. The band has earned eight Edison Awards, including multiple recognitions as Best Band, along with six 3FM Awards, reflecting their enduring popularity and commercial impact in Dutch music. Their breakthrough included collaborations like "Holiday in Spain" with Counting Crows, and later international traction in Belgium via the hit "Zoutelande" featuring Vonneke Bonneke. BLØF's music blends pop-rock elements with introspective lyrics often drawing from personal and regional themes, sustaining a dedicated fanbase through consistent touring and thematic projects like the global Umoja initiative.

History

Formation and early years

BLØF was founded in 1992 in , , by bassist Peter Slager, who assembled the initial lineup around himself on , Paskal Jakobsen on guitar and lead vocals, Bas Kennis on keyboards, and Henk Tjoonk on . The band emerged from the local music scene in the region, focusing on rock-oriented material with lyrics written in Dutch by Slager. During their formative period, BLØF conducted grassroots performances at venues in Zeeland, building a regional following through informal gigs and self-produced cassette demos that showcased their foundational sound. These early efforts emphasized collaborative songwriting among the members, with Slager handling lyrical duties, prior to any formal recording contracts. The first significant lineup change occurred in 1997, when drummer Henk Tjoonk departed amid reported tensions with the other members and was replaced by Chris Götte. This adjustment marked the end of the band's original configuration while maintaining continuity in its core instrumentation and Zeeland roots.

Signing with EMI and initial releases

Following the modest regional success of their independent debut album Naakt onder de hemel in 1995, BLØF attracted sufficient critical attention to secure a recording and national distribution contract with Music, marking their entry into the major label system and enabling wider promotion beyond . This deal facilitated professional production resources and broader marketing, transitioning the band from self-managed local performances to structured industry support. The partnership's first fruit was the September 1997 release of Helder, recorded amid significant internal turmoil that nearly ended the group, including the dismissal of original Henk Tjoonk due to conflicts over direction and commitment. Tjoonk's replacement, Chris Götte, joined in 1997, providing rhythmic stability but highlighting lineup instability during this formative phase. The album featured pop-rock tracks emphasizing piano and melody, with EMI's backing allowing for enhanced studio polish compared to the raw, week-long sessions of their prior effort. Initial singles from Helder achieved modest national charting, such as "Liefs uit Londen," which entered the in February 1998, peaking at number 12 and spending 21 weeks on the chart, bolstered by rotation on stations like 3FM. A live version of "Aan de kust" followed, reaching number 25 in May 1998 and further demonstrating growing radio appeal. These tracks, while not immediate blockbusters, cultivated a dedicated following through consistent Dutch airplay, which emphasized the band's accessible lyrics and Zeeland-rooted themes. To capitalize on this exposure, BLØF undertook extensive touring from to 1999, progressing from provincial clubs to mid-sized venues nationwide, refining their live energy and fostering grassroots loyalty amid the drummer transition's challenges. This period culminated in the 1999 album Boven, whose singles maintained similar moderate performance, solidifying EMI's investment in the band's gradual national ascent without yet achieving widespread commercial dominance.

Breakthrough and mainstream success

BLØF achieved their breakthrough with the album Watermakers, released in 2000, which included singles like "Dansen aan zee" and "Hier" that entered the Dutch charts. That year, the band received the for Best Dutch Group, recognizing their rising prominence in the . In 2001, following the death of original drummer Chris Götte in a motorcycle accident, Norman Bonink joined as replacement, providing stability during the band's commercial ascent. The single "Ze is er niet" from this period also charted successfully, contributing to their growing catalog of Top 40 entries. Subsequent releases, including Blauwe Ruis in 2002 and Omarm in 2003, solidified their pop-rock status with additional hits, leading to sold-out tours across the Netherlands. By 2005, BLØF had accumulated numerous chart successes, culminating in the greatest-hits compilation Het Eind van het Begin. The band earned further Edison Awards in 2001, 2003, and 2004 for Best Band, reflecting sustained domestic popularity without yet pursuing significant international ventures.

International projects and later career

In 2005, BLØF embarked on an extensive world tour to collaborate with local musicians, culminating in the 2006 album Umoja, which featured recordings made across various countries and incorporated global influences into their rock sound. The project, named after the word for unity, included contributions from artists encountered during travels to regions such as , emphasizing cross-cultural musical exchanges rather than commercial expansion. This initiative also led to the establishment of the Umoja Foundation, which has funded projects in , , and . To mark their 20th anniversary in , BLØF released the compilation Hier - Het Beste Van 20 Jaar BLØF, a spanning their , accompanied by a major concert at Amsterdam's on November 3, attended by thousands and highlighting their enduring domestic popularity. The event and release underscored the band's longevity without significant lineup changes since the early 2000s, focusing on live performances of reinterpreted hits rather than new international ventures. In recent years, BLØF has maintained activity through selective releases, including the September 2024 single "Levenslang," co-written and co-produced by Dutch artist , representing their first original material in over two years and signaling continued creative output amid a shift toward intimate, reflective songwriting. The track, distributed via , previews potential future work while aligning with the band's pattern of sporadic output post-2010s, prioritizing quality over volume in a landscape dominated by streaming metrics.

Musical style and influences

Core elements and evolution

BLØF's foundational sound centers on pop-rock, driven by guitar riffs, bass lines, drums, and keyboards that add melodic depth and emotional layering to their compositions. Bassist Peter Slager's Dutch-language form a core element, drawing from personal experiences to craft introspective narratives on , farewell, reflection, and everyday human connections, fostering relatable emotional resonance rather than ideological or political commentary. This approach prioritizes universal , evident in songs evoking memories and personal space, as Slager has described creating lyrical openings for listeners' own stories. In their output, the band's style remained straightforward rock, emphasizing raw energy and accessible hooks in albums like Naakt onder de hemel (1995), Helder (1997), and Boven (1999), which built regional popularity through direct instrumentation and unadorned emotional delivery. The early introduced subtle expansions, but a pivotal shift occurred with Umoja (2006), where elements—gathered from recordings across six continents with local artists—infused global rhythms and textures into the pop-rock framework, broadening melodic horizons without abandoning core structures. Subsequent albums reflect matured , refining the blend of energetic rock with folk-tinged subtlety and deeper lyrical vulnerability, as in later releases prioritizing emotional maturity over experimentation, sustaining listener connection through consistent amid evolving production. This trajectory, grounded in over two decades of chart performance and live data, underscores a deliberate avoidance of transient trends in favor of enduring personal storytelling.

Notable collaborations and experiments

BLØF's Umoja album, released on March 3, 2006, represented a significant experimental venture, with the band traveling to various countries to record with local musicians and integrate global rhythms, percussion, and vocal styles into their framework. This multinational collaboration produced 13 tracks emphasizing unity—umoja meaning "togetherness" in —and incorporated elements from , , and traditions, such as Senegalese mbalax influences on certain songs. The project extended beyond music to establish the Umoja Foundation, which funds initiatives in regions visited, including water and energy projects in , , and . In September 2024, BLØF collaborated with producer and songwriter on the single "Levenslang," their first new release in over two years, co-written and co-produced to blend introspective lyrics with layered electronic textures and pop sensibilities. Released on September 12, the track featured Sings' production expertise in crafting melodic hooks and subtle synth arrangements, allowing BLØF to adapt their established sound to modern studio techniques without abandoning core guitar-driven structures. This partnership highlighted the band's ongoing responsiveness to evolving production trends, as evidenced by Sings' prior work with artists like . Additional experiments include vocal collaborations, such as with of on select recordings, where her ethereal delivery contrasted BLØF's rhythmic energy to explore atmospheric variations. These joint efforts consistently prioritized organic integration of external talents, fostering sonic diversity through direct, location-based or studio-driven interactions rather than superficial trends.

Band members

Current members

The current lineup of BLØF has remained stable since 2001, consisting of Peter Slager (bass, backing vocals, primary lyricist), Paskal Jakobsen (lead vocals, guitar), Bas Kennis (keyboards, guitar, backing vocals), and Norman Bonink (drums, percussion). This configuration succeeded the departure of previous drummers, with Bonink's integration marking a period of continuity that has supported the band's prolific output of studio albums and tours. Peter Slager, who founded BLØF in 1992 in , , provides the rhythmic foundation on bass while contributing lyrics that often draw from personal and regional themes, anchoring the group's songwriting process. Paskal Jakobsen delivers the lead vocals and handles primary guitar duties, shaping the band's melodic and emotional core. Bas Kennis adds textural depth through keyboards and secondary guitar, along with backing vocals that enhance harmonic layers. Norman Bonink, joining in 2001, drives the percussion and drums, ensuring dynamic live performances and studio recordings. The members' shared roots in have sustained a cohesive, unpretentious approach to production.

Former members and lineup changes

BLØF's original lineup, formed in 1992 in Middelburg, , included drummer Henk Tjoonk alongside bassist Peter Slager, guitarist and vocalist Paskal Jakobsen, and multi-instrumentalist Bas Kennis. Tjoonk departed in 1997 amid reported internal conflicts and disagreements with other members, which nearly dissolved the band. His exit marked the first significant personnel shift, prompted by tensions during the group's early professionalization rather than external factors. Tjoonk was succeeded by drummer Chris Götte in 1997, who contributed to subsequent recordings and tours as BLØF transitioned toward greater commercial success. Götte's tenure ended abruptly on March 17, 2001, following his death in a motorcycle accident. This unforeseen event necessitated another change, with Norman Bonink joining shortly thereafter to stabilize . These pre-2001 alterations occurred during phases of intensifying touring and recording demands, reflecting adaptations to escalating professional pressures rather than ongoing instability. Post-2001, the core quartet has experienced no further departures, fostering continuity that has supported the band's endurance over three decades.

Discography

Studio albums

BLØF's debut studio album, Naakt onder de hemel, was released independently in 1995. The band's second album, Helder, followed in 1997 after signing with , marking their entry into major label distribution. Subsequent releases included Boven in 1999 and Watermakers in 2000, reflecting early experimentation with pop-rock elements. Blauwe Ruis arrived in 2002, contributing to the band's rising profile. Omarm, their sixth studio , was issued in 2003, featuring contributions following the death of drummer Chris Götte. Umoja (2006) achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 1 on the Dutch albums chart and spending 53 weeks in the top rankings. Oktober was released in 2008, with additional material leading to April in early 2009. Later studio efforts encompassed In Het Midden Van Alles in May 2014, which maintained chart presence throughout the year, Aan in 2016, Alles blijft anders in 2018, 3Ø - We doen wat we kunnen in 2021, and Levenslang on September 12, 2024. These releases, totaling over a dozen by the mid-2020s, underscore consistent productivity amid lineup stability post-2001.

Notable singles and compilations

BLØF has achieved numerous entries on the chart, with standout singles including "Liefs uit Londen" from 1997, "Mooie dag" from 2002, and "Alles is liefde" from 2007, all ranking among their most recognized releases based on chart longevity and popularity. Their collaboration "Holiday in Spain" with topped the Dutch charts in 2004, marking one of their earliest number-one successes. In 2018, "Zoutelande" featuring held the number-one position on the for ten weeks, becoming another chart-topping hit. More recently, BLØF released the single "Levenslang" on September 13, 2024, co-produced and co-written by , signaling continued activity in standalone releases outside full albums. For compilations, the band issued "Hier - Het Beste Van 20 Jaar BLØF" in 2012 to commemorate two decades, featuring curated selections of prior hits without overlapping full studio album content. This release highlighted their enduring catalog, drawing from tracks like "Aan De Kust" and "Wat Zou Je Doen?" to encapsulate career milestones.

Reception and legacy

Commercial performance

BLØF has achieved substantial commercial success in the Netherlands, with estimated album sales exceeding 1.3 million units across their discography. Their highest-selling release, Umoja (2006), moved 210,000 copies and received 3× Platinum certification from NVPI. Other key albums, including Boven (1999), Blauwe Ruis (2002), and Helder (1997), each sold 160,000 units, earning 2× Platinum status. The band has topped the multiple times, with Umoja reaching number one and charting for 53 weeks, Alles Blijft Anders (2011) also hitting the summit, and several others peaking in the top positions. On the singles charts, BLØF secured two number-one hits: "Holiday in Spain" (with ) in 2004 and "Zoutelande" in 2018, the latter holding the top spot on the for ten weeks. Live performances underscore their drawing power, with repeated sold-out shows at Amsterdam's , capacity 17,000, including concerts in 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2022. This consistent arena-level attendance, alongside ongoing tours scheduled through 2025–2026 and recent releases like Polaroid (2022), demonstrates sustained market viability into the .

Critical assessments and criticisms

Critics have lauded BLØF for their melodic accessibility, with hooks that blend pop-rock sensibilities and emotional resonance, often highlighting albums like Umoja (2006) for their polished production and choruses. Live performances have drawn consistent acclaim for their high energy and audience engagement, as evidenced by enthusiastic reviews of concerts where the band's tight instrumentation and improvisational flair shine, such as their 2018 show at in . These strengths have positioned BLØF as a reliable entertainer in the Dutch music scene, appealing to broad audiences through straightforward rock structures rather than experimentation. Conversely, bassist Peter Slager's lyrics have encountered niche backlash from purists and some listeners for perceived obscurity and incomprehensibility, with detractors labeling them as "wartaal" (nonsense) or semi-intellectual posturing that prioritizes vagueness over clarity. For years, the band's songtexts were met with light mockery in certain circles, deemed too enigmatic to convey meaningful narratives, as noted in cultural analyses of their oeuvre. This sentiment echoes in user forums and reviews where tracks are critiqued for failing to match the music's appeal, contrasting with the band's commercial polish. Vocalist Paskal Jakobsen has himself admitted to not fully grasping all lyrics, underscoring the interpretive ambiguity that fuels such dismissals. These artistic critiques remain subjective and fringe, lacking the weight of widespread consensus; BLØF's endures without ethical controversies or systemic failings, with negativity often tied to tastes favoring lyrical literalism over . Mainstream outlets have rarely amplified such views, reflecting the band's entrenched popularity in the , where detractors represent a minority amid prevailing acceptance.

Cultural impact in the Netherlands

BLØF, hailing from in the province of , embodies regional pride as the province's most prominent musical success story, having elevated local talent to national stature since their formation in 1992. Their achievements have reinforced 's , linking the band's coastal origins with broader Dutch appreciation for provincial heritage and perseverance. Central to their societal footprint is the annual Concert at SEA festival, founded by the band in 2005 on the coast at Brouwersdam, which has evolved from a single-day event into a multi-day gathering attracting up to 40,000 attendees daily. This initiative promotes Dutch music, regional , and , featuring BLØF alongside diverse acts and solidifying the band's role in sustaining live music traditions tied to Zeeland's seaside locale. The band's three-decade longevity underscores merit-driven endurance in Dutch pop-rock, influencing domestic artists through consistent output and domestic focus rather than international pursuits. Their sustained touring and album releases inspire regional musicians, countering notions of limited evolution by demonstrating adaptive relevance within the national scene.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.