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Terrible, terrible, awful and tragic news. I know that many ShadowMusic members are in Tilburg and this devastating news will surely cast a terrible cloud over the whole weekend. I only became aware of this following a brief announcement by Neil Ainsby on the Rapiers' Fan pages. Then I found this by our very own Jim Nugent on Facebook: "It was with great sadness that at about 13:00 local time, master of ceremonies "Ferry Nice" announced to the crowd that Joop Moen, organiser of the festival had passed away. Rumours had been circulating for a half-hour or so before that. Joop had not attended on the Friday because of his illness, but we (Kevin Wooten, lan Taylor and I) were hoping to see him at some time over the weekend, though that was not to be. We are told that the show will go on, though clearly, an immense cloud has been placed over the proceedings.
Further (appropriate) detail will be provided as it becomes available. This terrible news comes only some eighteen months or so after the sudden death of Joop's wife Jolanda. RIP Joop and Jolanda."

I am sure that there will be many tributes from those who knew this remarkable man well. I personally only met him on a handful of occasions. A little like my late good friend Hoss van Hardeveld, Joop was always jovial, avuncular, enthusiastic and larger than life. The huge regular Shadows' fan gatherings at Tilburg were and are absolutely fantastic. Joop and Jolanda genuinely bought great pleasure, happiness, fun and friendship to thousands of music fans across Europe. A black day indeed for music lovers and Shadows fans everywhere. I can only echo Jim's sentiments.

Rob

Tragic, tragic, tragic. We had planns to go to Tilburg today, but my ilniss get the better of me and we staid at home. Then suddenly this news; terrible, terible,terible we are shocked

RIP MY FRIEND JOOP and thanks for the many, many Cliff and Shadowsmeetings at Berkel Enschot ( Tilburg)

Cobie/Fred Holland

Absolutely mind-numbing news. Joop and Jolanda were wonderful hosts and wonderful people. Joop's death is tragic; the cruel, cruel timing of it makes this weekend's Fan Meeting poignant to an immeasurable level.

Sincere condolences from the Daish family to Joop's. Also to his friends and all attendees at Tilburg who must be reeling from this announcement.

I went to Tilburg in 2005 and 2009, and met both Joop and Jolanda Moen. It's terrible to learn Joop's death, 18 months after Jolanda.
All my condolences to his family and friends.

Didier

I'm so sorry to hear this. I only met Joop once in 2010. Both Jolanda and Joop were wonderful people.
RIP

Kitty

Very sad RIP.

Tommy Bird.

Very sad news our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time.

Vic & Jackie

My father and I went to Tilburg yesterday. We were a little later than 1:00 pm, so were expecting to hear the first act of the day playing. I thought, maybe there were some technical difficulties, but then at around 1:30 pm, Ferry requested a minute of silence and we then learned that Joop had passed away. The exact cause of death was not entirely clear, but I heard he picked up a virus, had a leg wound some while back and he was also diabetic, so maybe it was a complication. Whatever the cause, very very tragic, also for his daughter and grandchild. He has gone way too early, just like Jolanda.

RIP Joop and Jolanda.

I can hardly believe it. He was a lovely larger than life character as mentioned earlier, enthusiastic and very kind. I thoroughly enjoyed his weekends and company.
My condolences to his family and his many, many friends. I can only hope that in some way he may now be reunited with Jolanda.

Joop - we'll remember you with great affection.
Chas.

We would just like to add our sincere condolences to Joop's friends and family. Whilst we have said so on our pages already, we felt it fitting to express our sadness with the rest of Joop's friends, amongst the community of which he was such a huge part. God bless! The Rapiers