Normaal

Normaal is a very popular and long running Dutch rockband from the rural Achterhoek region in the east of the Netherlands. The group was formed in 1975 by lead singer Bennie Jolink and drummer Jan Manschot; Jolink has stated in an interview that this happend during a ride in Manschot's 2CV, when they were too stoned to drive and thus sat down at a bar.

Normaal plays blues rock, sometimes interrupted by cheesy ballads based on folk music (like "Ik mos pissen" and "Deurdonderen"). Their trademark however is their lyrics, in the dialect of the Achterhoek, about rural life and dislike of any music but true rock 'n' roll. When Normaal first performed, singing in Dutch was highly unusual for a rock band, and singing in dialect just flabbergasted the crowds. Many rural youths were struck by the attitude the band propagated: work like a man during the day, drink like a man at night, and do this all on the countryside.

Their music became known as 'boerenrock' ("farmers' rock"). Their concerts are famous for their wild 'traditions'. Traditions like throwing beer and wild mosh-pits at the front. This wild behavior has been referred to as 'brekken', 'høken', 'angaon' and 'daldeejen' by the band, words of the Achterhoek dialect used with a new meaning. Fans of Normaal are called 'høkers' or 'anhangers' - the latter just being Achterhoek dialect for 'fan'.

The song "Oerend hard" (1977) is considered a nederpop classic/anthem.

Over the last years, Bennie Jolink has been plagued by asthma, forcing the band to take on a more quiet way of touring. They frequently play in theatres now.