Robert Westerholt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Westerholt
|
|
|---|---|
Westerholt at Appelpop 2004
|
|
| Background information | |
| Born | 2 January 1975 |
| Origin | Waddinxveen, South Holland, Netherlands |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1992–present |
Robert Westerholt was born on January 2, 1975, in the Netherlands. He is a talented Dutch musician, best known as the guitarist and one of the people who started the symphonic metal band Within Temptation. Robert writes a lot of the music for the band. The lead singer of Within Temptation is Sharon den Adel, who is also his partner. Before becoming a full-time musician, Robert worked in a different field, helping people in companies.
Contents
Robert's Early Music Journey
Robert Westerholt grew up in Waddinxveen, a town in the Netherlands. In 1992, when he was 17, Robert started a band called "The Circle." He formed it with Martijn Spierenburg, who later became the keyboard player for Within Temptation. Robert began writing his own songs for this new band.
The Circle created their first demo, a collection of their early songs, in December 1992. It was called 'Symphony No.1'. At that time, The Circle had a full group of members, including Robert, Martijn, and Jeroen van Veen, who would also later join Within Temptation as the bassist.
In 1995, two songs by The Circle, "Broken Silence" and "Frozen," were featured on a special music album. Soon after, Robert left The Circle. The band then changed its name to Voyage. Voyage released their only album, 'Embrace', in 1995. Interestingly, Sharon den Adel, Robert's future bandmate and partner, sang on the song "Frozen" on that album.
Starting Within Temptation
After leaving The Circle, Robert Westerholt started working on new music ideas. He wanted to create a new band with his girlfriend, Sharon den Adel. Robert sent some early versions of their songs, 'Enter' and 'Candles', to Jeroen van Veen, who had been in Voyage with him. Jeroen liked the songs so much that he left Voyage to join Robert's new project. Michiel Papenhove also joined them.
The band had a few different drummers in the beginning. Robert remembers that finding a steady drummer was a bit of a challenge. By 1997, the band's main lineup was complete:
- Sharon den Adel on vocals
- Robert Westerholt on guitars and some vocals
- Robert's brother, Martijn Westerholt, on keyboards
- Jeroen van Veen on bass
- Michiel Papenhove on guitar
- Ivar de Graaf on drums
In the same year, Within Temptation signed a record deal and released their first album, called Enter. This was the start of their amazing journey in the music world.
Robert's Role Today
Since 2011, Robert Westerholt has taken a step back from touring with Within Temptation. This means he doesn't travel with the band for live shows anymore. He made this choice to spend more time taking care of his and Sharon's children. However, Robert is still a very important part of the band. He continues to write songs and help produce their music in the studio. When the band performs live, Stefan Helleblad, who works closely with the band, fills in for Robert on stage.
Other Music Projects
In 1998, Robert Westerholt had a small singing role in a special music project called "Into the Electric Castle" by Ayreon. This was a "rock opera," which is like a story told through rock music. Robert sang the part of "Death." Sharon den Adel also had a big role in this project, playing one of the main characters.
Robert's Family Life
Robert Westerholt and Sharon den Adel are partners and have three children together. Their first child, Eva Luna, was born on December 7, 2005. Their son, Robin Aiden, was born on June 1, 2009. Their youngest son, Logan Arwin, was born on March 31, 2011. Robert and Sharon got married in 2018.
See also
In Spanish: Robert Westerholt para niños
