Joling blames manager for departure from De Toppers

Gerard Joling has blamed his manager, Benno de Leeuw, for his departure from Dutch group De Toppers, while insisting he did not have a row with the other members.

Speaking on Radio 538’s Evers & Co. on Friday, the singer said De Leeuw had known for some time that he wanted to leave but had not passed that on to the rest of the group. Joling said he did not consider it his responsibility to tell them.

Asked whether De Leeuw was the cause of his exit, Joling replied: “Yes, absolutely. But he knows that too; everyone knows.” Nieuws.nl reported his explanation.

Jeroen van der Boom and Jan Smit were surprised last week when Joling announced he was leaving, according to the report. Joling said he had enjoyed 20 “fantastic” years with the group, praising the arrangements and pay as well as the chance to perform on what he called the biggest stage in the Netherlands.

The group’s line-up for next year has not been settled. Nieuws.nl said René Froger might also leave because he has an autoimmune disease. Earlier reporting said the organisers planned to continue with a new line-up in 2027, but had not named Joling’s replacement.