“The music-scene is changing all the time. Hypes stumble over new hypes. But bands like Bintang’s go always in a straight line, no matter what happens. Sometimes in- and sometimes out of fashion! Music must go directly into the heart of people, otherwise it’s useless.”

Frank Kraaijeveld: Rockin’ The Blues 

The Bintangs are a Dutch rhythm and blues band. Founded in 1961 in Beverwijk as an indorock band, they soon began playing a rougher, rhythm and blues-inflected style. The band had a four-year hiatus in the 1980s but reunited and are still active. The band has gone through many members (in 1985 they were in their 33rd lineup), with Frank Kraaijeveld (bass and vocals) as a constant element. They scored one hit, in 1970, and though commercial success has eluded them nationally and internationally they remain a popular live act. The next several years saw the Bintangs release several albums and singles, some recorded in the United Kingdom. The Bintangs performed for the celebration of the University of Groningen's 366th birthday in 1979, they were the oldest surviving Dutch band. A 1981 commemorative compilation album, Still Going Strong, was released on Ariola, but achieved no commercial success.

(Frank Kraaijeveld / Photo by Andre Meijer)

Bintangs were inducted into the Dutch Blues Hall of Fame in 2019. In the year that the Bintangs celebrate their 65th anniversary (1961–2026), the oldest surviving rock band in the Netherlands is saying goodbye to the stage. Led by co-founder Frank Kraaijeveld, the band is making their final push for this anniversary: ​​the farewell tour "BINTANGS BYE BYE." During this tour, the Bintangs will visit several favorite venues and festivals to bid farewell to their loyal fans in their familiar, energetic, and honest way. Their final concert will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Podium Victorie in Alkmaar — a spectacular finale for a band that has defined the Dutch rock and blues scene for over six decades. During that time, they released three albums, including the latest "Heroes, Beggars and Kings" (2024), and proved that their blend of blues, rock, ballads, and rhythm & blues is still very much alive.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What does the blues mean to you?

At first, I started BINTANGS in 1961. It started as an Indo-rock band. In 1963 we changed into a Rhythm and Blues Band, influenced by the Rolling Stones. And after 65 years in Bintang’s I’ve seen the world change a couple of times. The blues is one of the pin-points in my life, especially the rhythm and blues part.

How do you describe band’s sound and songbook? What characterize The Bintangs music philosophy?

The Bintangs have always been a raw and energetic band. We love the rock-side of the blues. We made more than twenty albums and a lot of singles. The philosophy is enjoying the vibes of the rhythm and blues from ballads, blues to rock.

Why do you think that the Dutch Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

I think the Dutch Blues Scene is based on the tradition of a great group of devoted followers. There’s a huge fan-base in Holland!

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

My first great memory is that Bintang’s played with the Rolling Stones in Holland at their second concert in 1966. It was in the 'Brabant Hallen' in ’s Hertogenbosch. I will never forget this. One of the other great experiences is the fact that Bintangs recorded two albums in the seventies in the famous Rockfield Studio’s in Wales.

“I think that a lot of the inspiration in Holland came from the British Blues/Rock wave in the sixties. Bands like the Rolling Stones, John Mayall, Fleetwood Mac had their own way of playing the blues. A lot of Dutch bands were inspired by that wave. But these bands (including Bintangs) put their own stamp on the blues.“ (Photo: Frank Kraaijeveld with the Bintangs, c.1969)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

Nowadays there’s a hype in Holland called 'Tribute Bands’. They play the songs from their heroes without any shame. They even try to look like their heroes. That’s really bad for creativity!

What were the reasons that made the Netherlands in the 60s to be a European center of Blues/Rock researches and experiments?

I think that a lot of the inspiration in Holland came from the British Blues/Rock wave in the sixties. Bands like the Rolling Stones, John Mayall, Fleetwood Mac had their own way of playing the blues. A lot of Dutch bands were inspired by that wave. But these bands (including Bintangs) put their own stamp on the blues.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

The music-scene is changing all the time. Hypes stumble over new hypes. But bands like Bintang’s go always in a straight line, no matter what happens. Sometimes in- and sometimes out of fashion! Music must go directly into the heart of people, otherwise it’s useless.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Always believe in what you do. I’m 81 years old now, but I still have the spirit like the time I was 16!

How did the idea of farewell tour “Bintangs Bye Bye” come about?

This year (2026) Bintang’s will stop after 65 years. We wil do a BYE BYE TOUR that will stop in oktober with a big concert in Alkmaar. We enjoyed every moment of it!

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(Frank Kraaijeveld with the Bintangs, 2025 / Photo by Marjolein Jansen-van Nigtevegt)