Gerard de Braconier, Guitarist and Songwriter for Toontje Lager, Dies at 70

Gerard de Braconier, the guitarist and songwriter for the Dutch pop group Toontje Lager, has passed away at the age of 70. His wife confirmed his death to Omroep Gelderland, stating he died on June 28th after a prolonged battle with an incurable illness, a fact he had previously shared on his website. De Braconier was a member of Toontje Lager from 1978 to 1983, during which time the Wageningen-based band achieved success with hits like "Zoveel te doen," "Net als in de film," and "Stiekem gedanst." Following his time with Toontje Lager, he co-founded the band Captain Gumbo with Joost Witte. Captain Gumbo focused on cajun and zydeco music styles and reached the charts in 1991 with their song "Allons à Lafayette." His wife, Wies de Braconier, described him as a "loving and caring man" and "an inspiration for many musicians," emphasizing that while music was paramount, his family came immediately after. She recalled his consistent habit of waving goodbye to her from the window when she left home. De Braconier himself expressed on his website a desire to inspire at least one person annually to take up or continue playing the guitar, considering it "the most beautiful thing there is."