His performance in B&B Vol Liefde makes Tom Peperkamp (70) from Godlinze a well-known appearance. The bird of paradise has not complained about interest since his TV adventure with bed and breakfast owner Marian in Portugal.
“Here comes my new wife,” Tom says charmingly when the reporter arrives at his church in Godlinze, which has been converted into a home. Three resounding kisses and an embrace. A warm and cheerful welcome.
New guests are always impressed by his special home. The church hall is a large living space with a kitchenette, long table and sitting area. Wherever you look: there is art everywhere. Most of it was made by Tom – with the stage name Tom Alone – himself. He goes from one work of art to another like a whirlwind and he has a story behind everything.
Herman Brood
His favorite piece: a large canvas by Herman Brood. Luckies . He is a real fan of the rock artist’s painting. And when he started painting himself, it was in Brood’s style. “I think my own work is so beautiful…. Selling is not really necessary for me. Every now and then something goes away, but most of it stays here.”
Yet he would like to hold an exhibition in his church in the short term. That has been the plan since he bought the special home two years ago. With his partner, whom he had been with for twenty years. They always lived close to Amsterdam (IJmond) but had been in the North for a year and a half, because of the peace and space. “I was immediately sold when I saw the church on Funda.” No matter how beautiful they live, the relationship does not last. Being alone takes a lot of getting used to for the talkative and busy Tom. ,,Cooking? I don’t do that.” Due to all the hassle, there is no exhibition yet. And in the evenings he sits home alone….
High-profile: Mick Jagger of the North
“Who is Burgundian, a bit artistic and who wants to do fun things with me. Well guys, come on!” When Tom saw this teaser of the somewhat posh Marian Trott (68) from the RTL program B&B Vol Liefde in early spring, he was completely overwhelmed. “A beautiful, independent woman. One that a man wants for fun. I immediately thought: that’s me!” He records a video in which he introduces himself. While singing with guitar. The song ends abruptly. “If you want more, let me know.” And Marian wants more, because she invites him and four other men to join her in Portugal.
Tom turns out to be one of the most talked-about figures in the hit series. With his Amsterdam directness and long hair, this ‘Mick Jagger of the North’ causes a stir and a lot of fun in the Portuguese villa. His shabby appearance doesn’t seem to match Marian’s stylized appearance at all, but it’s nice that they have it. In Portugal the artist indulges in a portrait of her. The expressive, colorful canvas now hangs in a prominent place in his residential church. Recently also with sunglasses above the well-filled bright pink lips. Love is blind,” he says very cryptically. He had the image printed on a T-shirt.
The voucher
The resemblance to Marian is striking, yet he is not entirely happy with the painting. Because the paint he got there was not good and they knew it. “Then you’re sitting here with a woman who is a millionaire and you can’t even pay a tenner for good paint,” he exclaims to the camera. Tom never minces words, wherever and with whomever he is. Not even in front of the camera. “Sometimes they wanted to redo a scene because it had to be a little different. Well, then they thought I was a bad person. “If that’s what I have to do, I’ll go home straight away,” I would shout.”
Adjusting or distorting reality is not his thing. Out of sight of the film crew, he tells Marian that he feels a lot of affection for her, but not as a life partner. “As far as I’m concerned, a love relationship is simply not possible.” Television must of course be exciting, so she then kicks him in front of the rolling cameras. Tom gathers his things. The painting, whose paint is still wet, is also included. Back home, to church in Godlinze.
Complete strangers on your doorstep
There he still thoroughly enjoys his television adventure. Previously he was that strange guy who lives in the church. Now he is a public figure. He is recognized everywhere he goes. “The other day a tractor stopped next to me. “Hey Tom,” the farmer shouted. Me: ‘Do I know you?’ “No, but my wife saw you on television.” And complete strangers regularly show up at the door. Three more yesterday, together in the car. And just wave. They wanted to take a picture with me. ”
In terms of fame, he rivals his famous neighbor – Bruno Santanera. Tom lives – literally – in the middle of the Italian family, known for the Biostabil and restaurant with sculpture garden. “Now you are the most famous man in town one of the sons said to me recently. Of course that’s funny. And all of this here in that little Godlinze.”
Performing with the band
He now uses his fame to create some interest in his performances. The musician has a regular band again: Tom Alone and the Orphans. “I’m not as into blues rock as the others. They provide a set of blues. Together we do sixties music, Rolling Stones and The Beatles. And Paul Anka. All in their own jacket.”
And Marian is also still very much in his life. At the beginning of August she comes to visit Tom in Godlinze with her two best friends from the Netherlands, who we also saw in the series. Secretly, because no one is allowed to release anything about the series until the last broadcast on August 24. The three ladies sit in the car wearing masks to prevent recognition.
“Rete-cozy. I certainly found love in Portugal: great friendship, very valuable. True love for each other. Marian is much more fun in real life than in front of the cameras.” Videos of a dancing Tom and Marian in church are circulating on Tiktok and Instagram, while Honky Tonk Women blares from the speakers. Tom: “We have contact almost every day. Who knows what will come of it.”
Tom and the Orphans
Tom Alone and the Orphans have their first performance in Kropswolde on Sunday afternoon, in the village hall ‘t Kropshuus. A week later (also on Sunday) the band plays at Borg Ewsum near Middelstum. In addition to Tom, the band consists of Gerrit Veen, Herman Brood’s old bass guitarist, and drummer Wessel Batista. Alex Gache is the guitarist and singer.