• A. Golden Earring
  • B. Shocking Blue
  • C. The Cats
  • D. Focus

💡 Need a hint?

This song reached the very top of the American charts, something very few Dutch bands have ever managed. And years later, an ‘80s girl group did exactly the same thing with a cover version.

✅ View the answer

The correct answer is B. Shocking Blue released “Venus” and reached number 1 on the American Billboard Hot 100 in 1970. One of the first Dutch bands ever to achieve that feat.

📚 More background information

“Venus” was written by guitarist Robbie van Leeuwen and sung by Mariska Veres, whose voice and stage presence made the song instantly recognisable. Internationally, it was a massive success.

What makes the song extra special: in 1986, Bananarama released a cover version that also reached the number 1 position on the American charts. Two different artists, two different decades, both at the very top. That’s rare.

The rest of Shocking Blue’s discography never reached that level again, but “Venus” endured. The song continues to appear to this day in films, commercials and, yes, music quizzes. Not because it’s nostalgic, but because it’s simply a strong song that has outlasted its time. Anyone who reads the question carefully will also notice that the other options are all genuine Dutch bands, which doesn’t make things any easier.