<P> From the late 1960s the post war generation gained political influence . Many state subsidized rock venues opened all over the country . These clubs, like Amsterdam's Paradiso and Melkweg, were stepping stones for many alternative rock bands on their first European tour and the Dutch crowd stayed well informed about new British and American acts . </P> <P> Dutch band Teach - In, best known for winning Eurovision Song Contest 1975 with the song "Ding - A-Dong". The band was founded in 1969 and parted in 1980 . Throughout this time there were several changes in lineup . </P> <P> In the 1970s some artists stood out . Herman Brood became the ultimate Rock' n Roll icon . He even scored a hit in the US with Saturday Night . He became the epitome of the "rock'n'roll junkie" he sang about . As an artist he was in the media until his suicide in 2001 . Other bands from the 70s: Pussycat (lead singer Toni Willé) whose song Mississippi hit the charts at number 1 in Netherlands in 1975 and many other countries including UK in 1976, Gruppo Sportivo, Massada, Vitesse, Solution, the Nits, Focus and still Golden Earring with their greatest hit ever: "Radar Love", also Top 10 in the US . </P> <P> The late 70s and early 80s gave many one hit wonders and some bands that lasted longer . Girl groups Luv' and Dolly Dots but also disco bands Spargo and Time Bandits were most successful . Together with the Golden Earring, which scored some of their biggest hits with "Radar Love", "Twilight Zone' and "When The Lady Smiles". The Nits developed a large audience outside the Netherlands, including Finland, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Greece and Canada and in 1989 were the first Dutch band to play in the (then still) Soviet Union . Urban Dance Squad was a cross-over band, combining hip - hop with funk and rock . The band's minor American success proved to be influential . Their music style (rapcore) influenced bands like Rage Against the Machine . Van Halen was created by Edward Van Halen who was of Dutch heritage . </P>

What type of music is popular in the netherlands