The
History of THE
EXPLOSION ROCKETS
The band
started in 1959 by the name of THE JET BLACK ROBBERS. They played on a big
radio songcontest and ended as finalist, live on radio Luxemburg.
This picture has taken in the snackbar which was owned by the father of
drummer Wil van Gurp. On the left side of the picture is leadguitarplayer
Bart Strik and next to Bart the rhythmguitarplayer Jos van Muyen.
(click picture to
enlarge)
Robbie Boekholt gave Bart Strik the permission to use
the name of his band THE HURRICANE ROLLERS. Robbie was impressed to
hear Bart performing Robbie's composition ONCE. After Robbie
Boekholt left the old Hurricane Rollers, the band quitted so Robbie passed
on the name to Bart Strik.
On the left side of the picture Jeff van de Akker, alias Big Jeff.
He started as roadie, but after a little while he played the drums.
Then Tim Schouten took over the drums, so Jeff started as the leadsinger.
Bart and Tim left the Hurricane Rollers and started a new band
with leadsinger Savage Kalman.. They called themselves: SAVAGE
KALMAN AND THE EXPLOSION ROCKETS.
(
click
picture to enlarge)
SAVAGE
KALMAN AND THE EXPLOSION ROCKETS.
On rhythmguitar Jan v.d. Boom. Bart Strik a as leadguitarplayer and
en Tim Schouten on the drums.
The band had several bassguitarplayers next to this formation.
THE EXPLOSION ROCKETS gave a live performance in Felix Meurders, 100th
broad-cast from The Rock 'n' Roll-methode.
Several L.P.'s were recorded in this period and the band even played live
on T.V. on TROS TOP 50.
(click
picture to enlarge)
In 1984 Bart Strik met his drumplayer from the early
days, Wil van Gurp. Together with Wil van de Brink on bassguitar and
ex-roadie Peter de Vaan as rhythmguitarplayer / singer. The band
started all over again, however under the name THE EXPLOSION ROCKETS. But
then destiny stroke and Bart became seriously ill so the doctor advised
him to quit playing in the band.
(click
picture to enlarge)
In 1986 the reunion started. Wil van Gurp met Jos van Muyen in
Boekel (the first rhythmguitarplayer of Jet Black Robbers,
see top-picture). Jos also lives in Boekel. One evening together was
enough to restart THE EXPLOSION ROCKETS. After advertising for new
members, they started the band with the folowing members:
rhythmguitarplayer Thom Sens, leadguitarplayer Ad v.d. Burgt, singer John
Poot, bassguitarplayer Jos v. Muyen and on the drums Wil van Gurp.
(click
picture to enlarge)
More
about the history of THE EXPLOSION ROCKETS. Since 11-10-2001 the
tribute site is: Bart Strik - The Jazzmaster King (1945-1993) on line!
With unique pictures and information about: The Jet Black Robbers
1959-1962 The Hurricane Rollers 1962-1965 The Hurricane Rollers 1975-1977
Savage Kalman & The Explosion Rockets 1978-1981 The Explosion Rockets
1982-1984 The New Explosion Rockets 1985-1986 The Rockin' Devils 1986-1987
The Rhythm Kings 1992
(click
picture to enlarge)
The very last
performance of Bart Strik before he passed away, with an occasional
band in the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch in 1992. . .
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