Tielman Brothers

The Tielman Brothers was the first Dutch East Indies (Dutch-Indo) band to successfully venture into the international music scene in the 1950s. They were one of the pioneers of rock and roll in The Netherlands, later becoming famous in Europe for playing a kind of rock and roll later called Indorock, a fusion of Indonesian and Western music with roots in Kroncong.

History

The founders of the band are the children of Herman Tielman from Kupang and Flora Lorine Hess. Although not the first band, the Tielman Brothers were at the forefront of what was later called the Indorock scene.^[1]

1950s

In 1958 the band were part of the Dutch pavillion at the Brussels World Fair. They were the relief band. While the Hawaiian band took a break, the Tielman brothers were supposed to be on for just 15 minutes but took advantage of the opportunity. While on stage they excited the audience with their stage antics while tossing instruments to each other and playing the bass with their teeth etc.^[2]

1960s

In 1966, they were joined by George de Fretes who was with them for a short period of time.^[3][4]

Later years

In later years, the Tielman Brothers moved to Australia. The move possibly came about from what they felt was racism and them not getting due credit for their efforts in the music business.^[5]

In March 2014 the last remaining member, Reggy Tielman, died aged 80. His brothers Andy (in 2011),^[6] Ponthon (2000) and Loulou (1994) preceded him.^[7]

References