Schlager icon Edward Reekers dies at the age of 68 – farewell tomorrow!
Edward Reekers, pop star and kayak singer, died on October 7, 2025. A funeral service will take place on October 14th in Zoetermeer.

Schlager icon Edward Reekers dies at the age of 68 – farewell tomorrow!
On October 7, 2025, the Dutch musician Edward Reekers died at the age of 68. He is best known for his catchy hit “This is how summer tastes,” which became a catchy tune in the popular Langnese commercials in 1995. This melody has ingrained itself in the minds of many and is considered one of the most famous advertising hits of the 1990s. The sad news of his death was confirmed by his family to the ANP news agency and the online community is concerned.
The song “This is how summer tastes” is presented on various compilations and has also been covered by artists such as Cassandra Steen and Daniel Lopes. Reekers, who was also known as the singer of the progressive rock band Kayak, not only leaves behind a musical legacy with the hit, but also the memories of many people who grew up with his music. Kayak's most famous song "Ruthless Queen" reached number 7 in the Dutch charts and is still a popular classic today.
A life for music
Especially in recent years, Edward Reekers has also been part of the rock project Ayreon, which was founded by Arjen Anthony Lucassen. Lucassen said goodbye to Reekers in an emotional Facebook post and praised him as a talented singer and a nice person. The diagnosis he was given in August 2025 was a hard blow: metastatic lung cancer from which he could no longer be cured. As a result, he withdrew from public life.
Targeted farewell messages and memorials have been echoed on social media as his fans and friends mourn the loss. Especially on October 14, 2025, the day of his musical memorial service in Zoetermeer, many will remember how much he enriched the world of music. Tickets for the event could be reserved in advance, which shows how many people want to pay their last respects.
A lasting legacy
Edward Reekers has touched many hearts with his contributions to music, be it pop or rock, and has combined enjoyment from different musical styles. His life and music will be treasured not only by his fans but also by generations to come. The hit remains alive, and with it the memories of an artist whose melodies have shaped contemporary history.
What remains is the joy of music and the legacy of an artist who, for many, embodies a piece of childhood and carefree summer moments. Whether in the Langnese advertising breaks or when listening to his albums - Edward Reekers will live on in the hearts of his followers.
You can find more information about Reekers and his impressive career at merkur.de and oe24.at.