Shocking Blue

Shocking Blue were a Dutch rock band from The Hague that existed from 1967 to 1974.

The initial line-up consisted of:

• Robbie van Leeuwen (vocals, guitar)
• Fred de Wilde (vocals)
• Klaasje van der Wal (bass)
• Cor van Beek (drums)

In 1968, Mariska Veres replaced Fred de Wilde as lead singer.

They had a hit world-wide with the song "Venus", which later brought success to British girl band Bananarama in the 1980s, and Japanese singer Yoko Nagayama in 1986.

Constant line-up changes eventually caused the break-up of the group in 1974.