We like a Dutch Topper

I cannot let a week focussing on Dutch music pass by without mentioning the incredible phenomenon that is De Toppers. Formed in 2005 by established "national treasures" the singers René Froger, Gordon Heuckeroth and Gerard Joling, this three-man extravaganza sold out a series of concerts in the gigantic 70,000-seater Amsterdam Arena stadium (home of AFC Ajax) for four years on the trot.

It's probably equivalent to a teaming of say, Paul Nicholas, Julian Clary and Bruce Forsyth selling out the O2!



With its irresistibly uber-camp combination of outrageous costumes, fireworks, glitter, dancing boys (and girls), and medleys of popular Dutch and English songs (inevitably of the cheesy variety), the Toppers Live! show is certainly nothing if not spectacular.



We always said we would love to go to one of their shows, but our personal favourite Gerard left the "band" last year just before they unsuccessfully entered this year's Eurovision Song Contest, and (despite his being replaced by Jeroen van der Boom) we're not sure whether the magic will be quite the same without his magnificent cape...

Gerard Joling - This is My Life (Toppers Live 2005)

Toppers - Hollandse medley

Toppers and Engelbert Humperdinck - Engelbert Humperdinck medley

De Toppers