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SHOCKING BLUE
Holland
(Everlasting)
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Shocking Blue
Holland
Many don't know it, but the Hague (Holland) group Shocking
Blue were already making records before Mariska Veres entered as their singer
in 1968. During that initial period (1967-1968), the lineup was: Robbie van
Leeuwen (vocals, guitar, ex-Motions), Fred de Wilde (vocals, ex-Hu & Hilltops),
Klaasje van der Wal (bass) and Cor van Beek (drums, ex-Sect). In 1968, Fred
was replaced by Mariska, who had already made a solo single in 1965. She was
discovered by manager Cees van Leeuwen at the jazz festival in Loosdrecht. She
already had some group experience, with the Bumble Bees.
With "Venus", Shocking Blue scored an international
hit (number one in the U.S.). Their song "Venus" would go on to make
it to number one in the American Billboard chart two more times - in 1981 by
cover band Stars on 45 and in 1986 in a version by girlband Bananarama.
In the late 1980s Shocking Blue also served as an inspiration
for grunge band Nirvana who covered the band's song "Love Buzz" on
their 1989 debut album "Bleach".
Unfortunately, the decay of the group began shortly thereafter.
Constant changes in the lineup were to blame, for one thing: in 1970, Leo van
de Ketterij came on board, to boost the group as the second guitarist, but he
left less than a year later. Also in 1971 Klaasje, who departed to join Antilope,
was succeeded by Henk Smitskamp, ex-Sandy Coast. In 1973 Robbie withdrew himself
from the position as a lead guitarist, and on stage had to be replaced by Martin
van Wijk, ex-Jupiter.
In 1974, the group broke up. Robbie formed Galaxy Lin, a short-lived
jazz-rock outfit, and later - another studio outfit Mistral; Cor and Martin
went to Lemming; Mariska continued making a number of solo records. Henk went
on to join Livin' Blues.
In her recent interview on TV, Mariska declared she intended
to go on singing as long as she feels like it, and as long as people would want
her to. And we want!!! Happiness and good luck to you, Mariska!
P.S. Unfortunately, Mariska Veres suddenly died of cancer on Decmeber 2, 2006,
aged 59.
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Shocking Blue
Venus
A Goddess on a mountain top
Was burning like a silver flame
The summit of Beauty in love
And Venus was her name
REFRAIN:
She's got it yeah, Baby, she's got it
Well, I'm your Venus, I'm your fire
At your desire
Her weapon were her crystal eyes
Making every man mad
Black as the dark night she was
Got what no-one else had
Wa!
REFRAIN
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