Walter Grootaers
Walter Grootaers (January 27, 1955) is a Belgian rock singer and TV host. He gained his initial fame as the lead singer of the popular Dutch-language rock band De Kreuners. He also became a recognizable face on television, appearing as a panel member in game shows and hosting big budget game shows, several music-themed. Grootaers was also active in municipal politics, supporting the liberal party Open VLD.
Frank Zappa
Grootaers is a huge fan of Frank Zappa, of whom he owns all his records. [1] [2] Originally, his band De Kreuners was strongly influenced by Zappa's style. Interviewed by Humo in 2003 and by Tom Vets for Gazet van Antwerpen (5 October 2024), Grootaers said: "In the early days, the band was more cabaret-esque, because Frank Zappa was one of my examples. But we quickly evolved more to De Kreuners like the people know them today." [3]
Johan Vandendriessche, a session saxophonist for De Kreuners, also contributed to The Purple Cucumber, a 1995 tribute concert to Zappa, where The Muffin Men and Robert Martin also performed. [4] [5]
References
- ↑ https://focus.knack.be/muziek/walter-grootaers-over-kate-tempest-ik-plaats-haar-in-het-rijtje-van-van-morrison-en-joost/
- ↑ https://www.limburger.nl/regio/maastricht/vlaamse-rockveteranen-weten-niet-van-ophouden-de-kreuners-stoppen-niet-ze-sterven-uit.../22219387.html/
- ↑ https://www.gva.be/media-en-cultuur/bv-en-co/walter-grootaers-genezen-van-kanker-brengt-soloplaat-en-biografie-uit-ik-probeer-mijn-lichaam-weer-fit-te-krijgen/37465461.html/
- ↑ https://jazzinbelgium.be/nl/personen/muzikanten/440/johan-vandendriessche/
- ↑ https://www.united-mutations.com/var_art/purplecucumber.htm/
