Shocking Blue

Musical Group

Forfans of 1960s psychedelic pop, classic rock listeners, and collectors of vintage rock singles.
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The Profile

Shocking Blue were a Dutch rock band formed in The Hague in 1967. They achieved international fame with the 1969 single "Venus" (a US #1 in February 1970). Singer Mariska Veres and guitarist/songwriter Robbie van Leeuwen were central figures. The group disbanded in 1974; Mariska Veres died on December 4, 2006.

Formed in 1967 in The Hague. Best known for the 1969 hit "Venus". Robbie van Leeuwen wrote most of the songs. "Love Buzz" was later covered by Nirvana. The band toured internationally (reviews cite tours with Ike & Tina Turner, Sly & The Family Stone, and Three Dog Night). Mariska Veres was described in reviews as half-Hungarian, half-German and pursued solo and reunion activities after 1974; she died in 2006.

Shocking Blue were a Dutch rock band formed in The Hague in 1967, best known for the 1969 hit "Venus". Reviews on DeBaser highlight their psychedelic-pop sound, Mariska Veres's distinctive voice, and Robbie van Leeuwen's songwriting. They enjoyed international success around 1969–1970 and disbanded in 1974. Their song "Love Buzz" was later covered by Nirvana.

Notable Quotes

❝ Not many remember the Dutch Shocking Blue, most likely because they released only one globally successful single and then couldn't produce any others as famous.

❝ Famous mostly for their superhit "Venus" from 1969, with the famous guitar riff borrowed from "Pinball Wizard" by the Who, these Dutch musicians did what has been defined as "psychedelic pop" supported by the wonderful voice of the half-Hungarian, half-German Mariska Veres, who reminds many of Grace Slick.