Dutch legends Kayak call it quits after 50 years

The most successful Dutch symphonic rock group has called it quits. Kayak will retire after its upcoming tour in 2022, after 50 years. The band, which was founded in 1972 by Ton Scherpenzeel, Pim Koopman, Max Werner, Jean Michel Marion and Johan Slager, call it quits after 15 last performances. On April 22, 2022 Kayak will tour the Netherlands and a number of European countries such as England, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. The concert series ends on May 21 in Oslo.

Keyboardist/bandleader Ton Scherpenzeel explains: “It’s been a great ride but we’ve come to the end of the line. As the other band members would have liked to continue, the decision was extra difficult. And as a musician I still do enjoy playing itself. But it takes a lot more than just that to make a good tour, and circumstances for bands like us are not getting any easier. In that respect I feel I’ve reached the limit of my capabilities. And however sad it may be, I’d rather stop too early than go on too long.”

Kayak doesn’t rule out the band getting back together for special projects or occasions, but for tours it’ll be over after May 21. The last show in the Netherlands is on May 14 in De Vorstin in Hilversum – coincidentally also the city where it all started in 1972.

Kayak Farewell Tour Dates:

April 22: Venlo, Frontier work
April 23: ZoetermeerThe Farm
April 28: Groningen Oosterpoort
April 29: Tilburg 013
May 9: London Islington Assembly Hall
May 10: Manchester Club Academy
May 12: Rüsselsheim Das Rind
May 13: Enschede Metropolis
May 14: Hilversum De Vorstin
May 15: Cologne Yard Club
May 16: Verviers Spirit of 66
May 18: Hamburg Bahnhof Pauli
May 19: Helsingor Karosserifabrikken
May 20: Gothenburg Musikens Hus
May 21: Oslo WLR Festival Gronsand