Gerard Joling neemt afscheid met grandioze slotconcerten in Ahoy
Rotterdam, woensdag, 3 juni 2026.
Gerard Joling, de iconische stem achter hits als ‘Ticket to the Tropics’ en ‘Maak Me Gek’, kondigt zijn laatste grote soloshows aan. Op 19 en 20 februari 2027 treedt hij op in Rotterdam Ahoy met ‘Only Joling – The final countdown’, een spectaculaire voorstelling die hij noemt de meest persoonlijke uit zijn carrière. Fans kunnen zich verheugen op een avond met een compleet liveorkest, verrassingsoptredens en klassiekers uit zijn veertig jaar durende loopbaan. Hoewel dit het einde betekent van zijn grote solo-optredens, blijft Joling actief met De Toppers en kleinere shows. De kaartverkoop start maandag, waarmee een einde nadert aan een goudkleurig hoofdstuk van de Nederlandse podia.
final solo concerts announced
Gerard Joling (66) has announced his farewell series of major solo concerts under the title ‘Only Joling – The final countdown’. The performances will take place on February 19 and 20, 2027, at Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands [1]. This marks the official end of his large-scale solo career after more than forty years in the entertainment industry [2]. The announcement was made public on June 3, 2026, generating widespread attention among Dutch audiences and media outlets [3].
grand spectacle planned
The upcoming concerts are described as an ‘over-the-top farewell show’ celebrating Joling’s extensive solo career [1]. He emphasized that this production will be the most personal and exceptional of his life [2]. Audiences can expect a full live orchestra accompanying him during the performance [4]. Special guest artists will also join him on stage, adding further significance to these final appearances as a solo performer [1].
legacy of music and television
Joling rose to fame in 1985 through his participation in the Soundmixshow hosted by Henny Huisman [4]. His breakthrough led to early chart successes including international recognition with albums like No More Boleros [4]. He represented the Netherlands at the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin with the song ‘Shangri-La’, finishing ninth overall [4]. Over time, he became widely known for hits such as ‘Ticket to the Tropics’, ‘Love Is in Your Eyes’, and ‘Maak Me Gek’ [1].
continued presence in entertainment
Despite ending his large solo tours, Joling clarified that he will remain active professionally [1]. He will continue performing with the popular group De Toppers alongside fellow entertainers [1]. Additionally, smaller engagements and bookings will still be part of his schedule moving forward [1]. Recently, he has been visible on Dutch television as both a presenter and jury member in various programs [4]. His social media activity includes regular vlogging content accessible to followers worldwide [1].
ticket sales and fan anticipation
Public ticket sales for the two-night event began shortly after the announcement, starting on Monday, June 8, 2026 [1]. Given the emotional weight of the occasion and its status as a historic moment in Dutch pop culture, demand is expected to be exceptionally high [2]. Fans across the country view attending one of these concerts as a chance to witness a pivotal cultural milestone firsthand [4]. The venue, Rotterdam Ahoy, is renowned for hosting major national acts and provides a fitting backdrop for this farewell tour [1].