Born on June 16: Rob Kloet, master percussionist of the Dutch band De Nits

He was born in Amsterdam in 1952 and spent most of his career weaving delicate rhythms into the songs of his friend Henk Hofstede. A true master…

Since the formation of the Nits in 1974, a band he co-founded with Henk Hofstede, he has served as the drummer and percussionist; without any showmanship but with an undeniable inventiveness that often borders on genius. Thanks in part to him—actually, largely because of him —the Nits have become one of the pillars of Dutch pop alongside Gruppo Sportivo, Hans Vandenburg’s wild combo, which hails from The Hague but emerged a few years later.

From the very beginning, Rob Kloet admits to having been inspired by 1960s British pop, particularly the Beatles for their natural melodicism, the Kinks for their ambitious concept albums like “Muswell Hillbillies,” and The Move led by Roy Wood.

These rich and varied inspirations are reflected in the Nits’ prolific discography. From the naive new wave of their early days (such as “Tutti ragazzi” in 1979), they quickly evolved toward a refined pop sound, often melancholic but always accessible. "Tree House Fire" (2023), the heart-wrenching album recorded after the fire that destroyed their studio-sanctuary in the Amsterdam suburbs, is of course a testament to their resilience but also to their ability to make the most of such a dramatic event artistically. Yet another masterpiece from the Nits!

Rob Kloet ’s playing stands out for its subtlety and sense of nuance. It undeniably contributes to the band’s unique sonic identity. And when the Nits give him a little free time, Rob expands his creative horizons with a certain enthusiasm. He has thus collaborated with other musicians, including Swiss percussionist Fritz Hauser, Russian singer Marynka Nicolaï, and the Dutch band Chelsea Hotel. Without ever seeking to take the spotlight for himself…

Starting in 2006, he also began organizing workshops on creating percussion instruments. In 2008, he released "Drumset With Dog," a book-and-CD set featuring 14 percussion compositions inspired by British artist Helen Frik. 

In short, the drummer-percussionist seeks above all to push the boundaries of rhythmic language while remaining at the service of emotion and Henk’s songs. In fact, it’s a safe bet that Ian Paice’s stick effects and thunderous rolls on Deep Purple’s “Made In Japan” leave him cold. He doesn’t need to hide behind a wall of imposing drums. A snare drum, a bass drum (not even a big one), and an array of trinkets with often surprising sounds are more than enough for him.

Concert:

December 11: De Roma - Antwerp (Belgium)

Photo: Rob Kloet with the Nuts on stage at the Cirque Royal in Brussels (Belgium) in December 1990