Edward Reekers: The Dutch Progressive Rock Legend and Voice Actor

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Edward Reekers was born on May 24, 1957, in Hengelo, Netherlands, destined to become one of the most recognizable voices in Dutch progressive rock. From an early age, Reekers displayed an exceptional vocal talent that would eventually make him a household name across Europe and beyond.

Growing up in the Netherlands during the golden age of progressive rock, Reekers was heavily influenced by the complex musical arrangements and theatrical performances that defined the genre. His passion for music was evident from childhood, and he spent countless hours honing his craft, developing the bright yet warm vocal tone that would become his signature.

The Kayak Years: Rise to Fame

Edward Reekers' breakthrough came in 1978 when he joined the Dutch progressive rock band Kayak, replacing Max Werner who had transitioned to drums. What makes this story remarkable is that Reekers had been a devoted Kayak fan for years before joining the band. In an almost fairy-tale turn of events, he sent in a demo tape with little expectation, only to receive a life-changing phone call that would transform him from fan to frontman.

The "Ruthless Queen" Success

With Reekers as their new lead vocalist, Kayak immediately struck gold with their hit single "Ruthless Queen," which became their biggest European success. The accompanying album, "Phantom of the Night" (1979), achieved gold status in the Netherlands and established Reekers as a major force in progressive rock.

During his initial tenure with Kayak (1978-1982), Reekers contributed to several landmark albums:

• Phantom of the Night (1979) - Featuring the hit "Ruthless Queen"
• Periscope Life (1980) - Recorded in Los Angeles
• Merlin (1981) - Showcasing Reekers' versatility
• Eyewitness (1981) - Live album capturing the band's energy

Multiple Returns to Kayak

Reekers' relationship with Kayak was complex, marked by multiple departures and returns. After the band's initial breakup in 1982, he rejoined twice - first in 2003 as a temporary replacement, then from 2005 to 2013 as a permanent member alongside female vocalist Cindy Oudshoorn.

Ayreon Collaborations

Beyond Kayak, Edward Reekers became an integral part of Arjen Anthony Lucassen's Ayreon project, one of the most ambitious progressive rock/metal ventures in music history. His contributions to Ayreon albums showcase his ability to adapt his voice to complex science fiction narratives and elaborate musical arrangements.

Reekers appeared on numerous Ayreon releases, including:

• The Final Experiment (1995)
• Actual Fantasy (1996)
• Into the Electric Castle (1998)
• Universal Migrator Part 1: The Dream Sequencer (2000)

Arjen Lucassen praised Reekers' professionalism, noting that he "sings everything in one take, exactly the way I had in mind," making him a regular fixture in the Ayreon universe.

Voice Acting and Dubbing Career

Parallel to his music career, Edward Reekers built an impressive reputation as a voice actor and dubbing specialist. His warm, versatile voice made him the go-to choice for numerous high-profile projects in the Netherlands.

Notable Voice Acting Work

Reekers' voice acting portfolio includes some of the most beloved characters and commercials in Dutch media:

• Commercial work: The singing voice behind Dutch Merci commercials since the 1980s
• Disney films: Dutch dubbing for various animated features
• Harry Potter series: Voice work in the Dutch versions
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Dutch voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi
• Sesamstraat: Various character voices including Kingston Livingstone III

His expertise in dubbing foreign films demonstrates the remarkable parallel between singing and voice acting - both requiring precise timing, emotional depth, and melodic sensibility.

Solo Career and The Liberty Project

Throughout his career, Edward Reekers maintained a solo presence with several acclaimed albums. His discography spans decades and showcases his evolution as both a songwriter and performer.

Solo Albums

• The Last Forest (1981) - His debut solo effort
• Stages (1993) - Showcasing vocal maturity
• Child of the Water (2008) - A return to form
• The Liberty Project (2023) - His ambitious final work

The Liberty Project deserves special mention as Reekers' most ambitious undertaking - a double concept album exploring themes of freedom and human potential. The project featured an all-star cast including Steve Hackett, Arjen Lucassen, and Damian Wilson, representing the culmination of his artistic vision.

Legacy and Final Years

Edward Reekers' impact on progressive rock extends far beyond his recordings. He bridged the gap between classic 1970s prog and modern symphonic rock, influencing countless musicians and vocalists throughout Europe and beyond.

His versatility as both a rock vocalist and commercial voice actor made him uniquely recognizable to Dutch audiences. Many people knew his voice from commercials and film dubbing without realizing they were listening to a progressive rock legend.

In 2024, Reekers publicly announced his battle with terminal lung cancer, showing characteristic grace and dignity in facing his final challenge. He passed away on October 7, 2025, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire progressive rock fans worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Edward Reekers' most famous song?

"Ruthless Queen" with Kayak is widely considered his most famous and commercially successful song, reaching gold status in the Netherlands and becoming a European hit.

How many times did Edward Reekers join and leave Kayak?

Reekers had three separate periods with Kayak: 1978-1982, 2003 (temporary), and 2005-2013, making him one of the band's most important long-term members.

What characters did Edward Reekers voice in Dutch media?

He voiced Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, various characters in Harry Potter films, and was the singing voice of Dutch Merci commercials for decades.

What made Edward Reekers special as a progressive rock vocalist?

His combination of technical precision, emotional warmth, and versatility across different musical styles made him stand out. He could handle complex prog arrangements while maintaining accessibility and commercial appeal.