Alkmaar-born musician Nico Brandsen died yesterday at the age of 63. Last summer it was announced that he was suffering from a brain tumor. As a keyboardist, he played keyboard parts in songs by well-known artists and bands, such as Golden Earring, Ilse DeLange, Anouk, Van Dik Hout, Kane and Marco Borsato.
His family informed the media partner NOS.
Not only as a keyboardist, but also as a composer and producer, he contributed to countless music productions. His specialty was the Hammond organ. Brandsen also had his own projects such as In De Steen, Ro & Paradise Funk, OLaBola and Fishpot. He also taught at the pop department of the Conservatory of Amsterdam.
Brandsen worked with Angela Groothuizen for a long time. The musical duo produced theater performances and wrote songs together. In 2012 they won the Annie MG Schmidt prize for the song ‘Vinkeveen’.
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In 2003 he was honored by the now defunct National Pop Institute as the best keyboardist in the Netherlands with a Duiveltje.
With his latest project, Mell & Vintage Future, Nico Brandsen scored a number of hits and toured throughout the country. Until he was diagnosed with a brain tumor last June.
The cremation will be held privately.
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