| Normaal | |
|---|---|
Normaal in concert at Parkpop in 2006 |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Achterhoek, Netherlands |
| Genres | Rock, Hard rock, Country rock |
| Years active | 1975 - |
| Website | http://www.normaal.nl/ |
Normaal is a rock band from the Netherlands, more specifically from the Achterhoek region, and sing in the local dialect. The band started in 1975 as a reaction to disco and glamrock. They have since gained national fame, and have had more top 40 hits in the Dutch chart than any other band, despite never reaching number one. The music could be typified as "heavy country rock", and possibly as a rowdier version of ZZ Top.
The band have a very loyal following of 'Achterhøkers' who follow their tours. The concerts are usually performed in tents and are more focused on booze, girls and partying (which they call 'høken') than sound quality.
Their first and biggest hit was "Oerend Hard" ('Bloody Fast'), a song about two motor riders who "never heard of slow driving". Predictably, the song ends with them crashing, where after it is implied that both drivers have died in said crash. Several members of the band have been involved in serious motor accidents.
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In September 2006, Normaal released Hier is Normaal ("Here is Normaal"), followed by two concert tours. Not only their album, but both concert tours of that year were carbon neutral. The energy needed for all 44 concerts was compensated via investments in renewable energy projects in India. Normaal is the first Dutch band to have taken a stance against global climate change.
October 2007, organizers of two hugely successful concerts by Normaal enabled the band to donate $11,000 to Woodstock General Hospital Foundation. The idea came from a dairy farmer; Ben Van Haastert from Woodstock, Ontario. Haastert's wife Ankie and local friends assisted in planning. One concert was held in nearby London, Ontario (a neighbouring city with a larger population), and the other was held in Woodstock.