Earth & Fire was formed on November 23, 1968 in The Hague. The Dutch band combines progressive rock, symphonic rock and later pop music. The group was founded by twin brothers Chris Koerts and Gerard Koerts. Chris Koerts plays guitar and sings. Gerard Koerts is responsible for keyboards and production. Other key members include singer Jerney Kaagman, bassists Hans Ziech, Theo Hurts and Bert Ruiter as well as drummers Cees Kalis, Ton van der Kleij and Ab Tamboer. Earth & Fire initially started out as a rock band with influences from Jefferson Airplane and psychedelic rock. Their breakthrough in the Netherlands came in 1970 with "Seasons". The single reached number 2 in the Dutch charts. In the same year, "Ruby Is the One" and "Wild and Exciting" followed, which also achieved high chart positions. The debut album Earth and Fire is released in 1970. A year later, the band develops its style more in the direction of symphonic rock. The album Song of the Marching Children (1971) is considered a milestone in European progressive rock. The single "Invitation" becomes another hit. In 1972, "Memories" reached number 1 in the Dutch charts and became the band's first major international success. This was followed by Atlantis (1973) with "Maybe Tomorrow, Maybe Tonight" and To the World of the Future (1975) with "Love of Life". At the end of the 1970s, Earth & Fire changed their style significantly. The rock elements recede into the background. Disco and pop now characterize the sound. The album Reality Fills Fantasy (1979) produced the band's biggest hit. "Weekend" reaches number 1 in Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark and Portugal. In Germany, the single spent four weeks at the top of the charts in 1980. The band initially disbanded in 1983. A brief reunion followed in 1987. Three years later, the band's career came to an end for good.
