Koos Biel has Passed Away

[Russ Wever]

Really hurts to tell you that I received an email from Bea,
Koos' wife, that Koos has died suddenly of a heart attack.
I recall Koos from when he first came over from Holland to St Louis.
He came over to the International Steel Guitar Convention and ended
up staying with me for a season or two during which time he made
trips to Nashville to study with Buddy after having had impress the
Big E with his performance at ISGC. Koos was an integral part of
United Steel of Europe, who had several cutting-edge albums and
Koos also recorded several albums under his own name.
We had kept up via emails right up to the end. So glad to've
known him these fifty years, rest in peace Koos.
~Rw

[Larry Dering]

I remember Koos and his impeccable steel playing as an imitation of the big E. A definite force in the Europe steel guitar movement. Sad to lose another great player. My prayers to his friends and family.

[Paul Wade]

Very sad to here of koos passing. We use to email back and forth he sent me some live CD of him. Great player. RIP my friend

P.w

[Brad Bechtel]

That's a real shame. My condolences to his family and friends.

[Dan Galysh]

So, so sorry to hear this. His rendition of Isn't She Lovely was a masterpiece. He will be keenly missed.

[Terry Wood]

Sorry to hear this about Koos. I remember him performing at Scotty's International Steel Guitar Show. Prayers for his family and many friends!

[Paul King]

Sorry to hear he has passed. I remember him from the St. Louis Show. Prayers for his family.

[Buddie Hrabal]

I remember visiting with Koos in St. Louis. We were comparing Europe to America when it comes for steel guitar jobs. Rest in peace brother!

[Donny Hinson]

So sad to hear this. I saw Koos play the first time he came to the U.S.A., at the I.S.G.C. convention at the old Chase-Park Plaza Hotel back in 1976. He was nervous being onstage with Buddy Emmons, but who wouldn't be? LOL!
He still played masterfully, a great player and a nice guy. This is one of my favorites that he did:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT09MyOE790

Rest easy, Koos.