Dutch singer Frans Duijts opens up about a turbulent period in his early career characterized by heavy drinking, marital strain, and a life-threatening 10-meter fall, as detailed in his upcoming biography Falling & Getting Back Up, publishing on Tuesday, October 6. In a recent interview with linda.nl, his wife Marloes reflects on the years she spent fighting for their family before issuing an ultimatum that forced the artist to choose between alcohol and his home life.
Alcohol Abuse and Marital Strain During the Rise to Fame
During the height of his early singing career, Frans Duijts consumed significant amounts of alcohol. In an interview on NPO Radio 1’s WNL in the Canteen reported by WNL, the singer acknowledged drinking five to six liters of Bacardi per week. He described himself as outgoing and friendly in public, but admitted that at home he behaved poorly toward his wife, throwing dishware and using harsh language.
WNL reported that Duijts characterized his home life during those years by immense stress, noting that his wife felt to him like “the devil” and “the red flag to the bull.” Marloes told linda.nl that she eventually reached a breaking point, questioning what example she was setting for their daughters by accepting his nightly intoxication. She gave him a clear ultimatum: choose alcohol or the family.
In addition to drinking, the marriage faced public pressure when media outlets reported that Duijts had fallen in love with and kissed other women. Marloes told linda.nl that she consulted her father at the time, who advised her that running away is easy, but staying to fight is difficult. She chose to stay and fight for her family, requiring Duijts to rebuild her trust.
A Ten-Meter Workplace Fall and Financial Realities
Long before achieving mainstream musical success, Duijts worked in asbestos abatement. As reported by bnr.nl in the podcast As long as it’s fun hosted by Wilfred Genee, a safety net failed during a job, causing Duijts to fall ten meters to the ground. The accident resulted in multiple bone fractures, a two-year rehabilitation period, and prolonged uncertainty regarding whether he would ever walk again.
Reflecting on his financial journey in the bnr.nl interview, Duijts describes himself as a singing entrepreneur who views his profession as a collection of hobbies rather than traditional work. In LinkedIn coverage of the same podcast episode, Duijts noted that a liter of Bacardi “did not do much to him” physically at the time, though he has since adopted a significantly healthier lifestyle and curtailed his drinking to rare glasses of wine or champagne.
Artificial Intelligence Duets and Future Collaborations
Looking ahead at potential musical projects, Duijts expressed a strong desire to record a posthumous duet with his late idol, André Hazes, using artificial intelligence to reconstruct Hazes’s vocals. According to WNL, Hazes’s family currently blocks such technological collaborations. Hazes died in September 2004 at age 53 following a cardiac arrest.
If an AI-assisted collaboration with Hazes remains out of reach, Duijts told WNL that he would welcome a duet with Welsh singer Tom Jones, whom he described as fantastic. Domestically, Duijts mentioned an interest in collaborating with Dutch artist Anouk, noting that fellow singer Tino Martin previously contacted her for a joint recording.
Biography Release and Public Reception
The biography Frans Duijts – Falling & Getting Up features forewords written by Marloes and the couple’s three daughters. Marloes told linda.nl that their daughters were already aware of the family tensions from schoolyard rumors during the media coverage of their potential separation, but reading the full book gave them a clearer understanding of what transpired. Now in their mid-forties, Duijts and Marloes spend more time traveling together to their home in Spain without a large entourage of friends.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Biography and Family Life
When is the biography of Frans Duijts released?
The book Frans Duijts – Falling & Getting Up goes on sale on Tuesday, October 6, as reported by linda.nl.
How much alcohol did Frans Duijts consume during his peak touring years?
According to statements made by Duijts on NPO Radio 1 and reported by WNL, he drank five to six liters of Bacardi per week during that turbulent period.
What caused Frans Duijts’s severe physical injury before his singing career?
As detailed on bnr.nl, Duijts fell ten meters during an asbestos abatement job after a safety net gave way, leading to multiple fractures and a two-year recovery.
Why is a posthumous duet with André Hazes not currently happening?
Duijts told WNL that he would like to use artificial intelligence to record a track with Hazes, but the Hazes family prevents the use of the technology.
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