De Toppers concerts go ahead in 2027 without Gerard Joling
The singer, 66, announced his exit on Instagram on Tuesday, while the group's organisers say concerts go ahead in 2027 with a new line-up.
Singer Gerard Joling, 66, is leaving De Toppers after 21 years. He announced it on Tuesday in a video on Instagram. He says he wants to focus on his television work and his own concerts.
The organisation behind the group said on Tuesday that De Toppers will return in 2027 with a new line-up. A spokesperson said Joling's departure does not change the start of ticket sales or the planned concert dates. The group, which also includes René Froger, Jeroen van der Boom and Jan Smit, gives annual concerts in the Johan Cruijff Arena.
Joling said leaving was the right decision at this moment, but not an easy one. "That was not an easy decision. Months went into it," he said in the video. He said he is proud and grateful for his years with the group, and that he is unlikely ever to stand in such a big arena again.
His "full focus" is now on his solo concerts in Rotterdam Ahoy in February 2027, which he described as the biggest thing he will do next year. He thanked staff, colleagues, guest artists and the audience, and told his fellow Toppers: "Guys, go for it. Until next time, and make something beautiful of it."
Van der Boom, 54, wrote on Instagram on Tuesday evening that he knew nothing about the move beforehand and heard of it through the media. "Like for many, the news came as a big surprise to me," he wrote.
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De Toppers
De Toppers is a Dutch pop group, a band of singers who perform Dutch-language party and pop songs at concerts, festivals and events across the Netherlands. The name is used for the group as a whole, and its members change over time. Its live shows are a well-known part of Dutch entertainment and are often seen at large gatherings.