Golden Earring – Buddy Joe: A Wild Ride Through ’70s Rock

Dutch Rock with an Edge

Before “Radar Love” made Golden Earring a global name, they were already lighting up Europe with fierce, fearless rock — and “Buddy Joe” was one of the songs that proved just how good they were. Released in 1972, it’s a high-octane story song full of swagger, mystery, and that unmistakable early-’70s grit.

The first time I heard it, I didn’t just listen — I felt it. The guitars snarled, the drums thundered, and George Kooymans’ voice pulled you straight into the action.

The Song That Set the Stage

“Buddy Joe” came from Golden Earring’s 1972 album Together, released during a creative streak that saw the band evolving from their psychedelic roots into full-blown hard rock. The track became a hit in the Netherlands and several European countries, long before the world caught on to their brilliance.

It’s easy to see why. The song has everything that made Golden Earring great — storytelling, riffs, and raw energy wrapped in a sound that felt both polished and dangerous.

The Story: A Rebel on the Run

Lyrically, “Buddy Joe” plays out like a short film — a tale of a wild, restless outlaw living life on the edge. He’s fast, fearless, and doomed in equal measure. It’s the kind of narrative rock that bands like The Who and Deep Purple were also exploring, but with Golden Earring’s unmistakable European flavor.

The chorus — “Buddy Joe, what have they done?” — hits with both concern and admiration, as if the band can’t quite decide whether he’s a hero or a warning.

The Music: Grit Meets Groove

Musically, “Buddy Joe” is pure Golden Earring — punchy guitars, rolling bass, and dynamic shifts that keep the listener hooked from start to finish. The riffs are muscular, the rhythm driving, and Barry Hay’s vocals bring just the right mix of attitude and urgency.

It’s the kind of rock song that makes you want to hit the gas just a little harder when it comes on the radio.

A Fan’s Reflection

I first discovered “Buddy Joe” years after falling in love with “Radar Love” and “Twilight Zone.” It was like finding a hidden gem — rawer, looser, but with that same unmistakable spirit.

There’s something timeless about it — the sound of a band chasing adventure and freedom, the same way their hero Buddy Joe does in the song.

Why Buddy Joe Still Rocks

More than fifty years later, “Buddy Joe” still captures the essence of Golden Earring: big riffs, big stories, and even bigger heart. It’s proof that the band’s greatness didn’t start with “Radar Love” — it was already burning bright long before.

For me, “Buddy Joe” is one of those perfect road songs — the kind that makes you feel alive, no matter where the journey takes you.