Hermanus "Herman" Brood, a Dutch artist of immense talent and multifaceted abilities, was born on November 5, 1946, in the charming city of Zwolle. During the 1970s and 1980s, he made a profound and lasting impact on the music industry, earning the esteemed title of "the greatest and only Dutch rock 'n' roll star" for his remarkable contributions to the field.
However, despite his remarkable success and achievements, Brood's life took a darker and more tumultuous turn as he struggled with addiction, a battle that ultimately consumed him and had a profound impact on his personal and professional life.
Tragically, Brood's life was cut short when he took his own life on July 11, 2001, leaving behind a legacy that was both enigmatic and controversial.
Noteworthy musician Brood embarked on a remarkable musical journey at the tender age of 12, when he first began to tickle the ivories on the piano. This marked the inception of his illustrious career, which would see him co-found the influential beat band The Moans in 1964. Over time, The Moans would undergo a transformation, metamorphosing into the iconic Long Tall Ernie and the Shakers. Additionally, Brood was approached with the esteemed opportunity to collaborate with the renowned Cuby and the Blizzards; however, his struggles with drug use ultimately led to his departure from the group. Throughout the subsequent years, Brood's life was marred by a series of unfortunate events, including repeated stints in jail for his involvement in the illegal distribution of LSD. Despite these setbacks, he managed to secure various short-term engagements with other notable bands, including The Studs, the Flash & Dance Band, and Vitesse.
In the year 1976, the notable musician Herman Brood embarked on a new venture by establishing his own group, which he aptly named Herman Brood & His Wild Romance. Coinciding with this endeavour, Brood collaborated with the renowned photographer Anton Corbijn, a partnership that would undoubtedly yield fruitful results.
The initial lineup of Herman Brood & His Wild Romance consisted of a talented group of musicians, including Ferdi Karmelk on guitar, Gerrit Veen on bass, Peter Walrecht on drums, and vocalists Ellen Piebes and Ria Ruiters. Together, they took to the stages of various clubs and bars, with a primary focus on performing in the city of Groningen.
Before long, the group released their debut album, titled Street, in the year 1977.
The enigmatic and controversial life of André Hazes, affectionately known as Brood, was marked by a perpetual struggle with addiction and a penchant for hedonistic excess, earning him the infamous moniker "the enfant terrible" among his contemporaries and fans.
Born into a family of modest means, Hazes' early life was marked by adversity and hardship, which would later serve as a catalyst for his creative expression and rebellious spirit.
As he entered the world of music, Hazes' raw talent and unbridled energy quickly made him a force to be reckoned with, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim within the Dutch music scene.
Despite his rapid rise to fame, Hazes' tumultuous relationship with addiction and his reckless lifestyle often took center stage, leading to a series of public scandals and controversies that would follow him throughout his career.
And yet, despite the turbulence and turmoil that surrounded him, Hazes' legacy as a cultural icon and trailblazing figure in Dutch popular music continues to be celebrated and debated to this day, serving as a testament to his enduring impact on the world of music and beyond.
