Frontman of ‘The Belgian Beatles’ Passes Away
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Loading... - Louis Robert
- 24 Feb 2025
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Belgian singer Fred Bekky, best known as the frontman of the iconic rock group The Pebbles, has passed away at the age of 81 due to complications from pneumonia. The Pebbles, often affectionately referred to as “the Belgian Beatles,” gained fame for their hit song “Seven Horses in the Sky.”
Born Fred Beekmans in Hoboken, near Antwerp, Bekky initially formed a band called The Fredstones with fellow musician Bob Baelemans. In 1965, they caught the attention of Norman Petty, the former producer of Buddy Holly, who encouraged them to change their name to The Pebbles—a nod to the cartoon series “The Flintstones.” Despite Petty's efforts to help the band break into the U.S. market, their attempts were ultimately unsuccessful.
In 1967, with the addition of members Luc Smets and Marcel De Cauwer, The Pebbles made another push for success under a new management team. That year, they had the opportunity to perform at the Olympia in Paris as a support act for the legendary Jimi Hendrix. The following year, they released their first hit, “Get Around,” which quickly distinguished itself in a landscape where Belgian rock music was scarce.
The band's major breakthrough came with “Seven Horses in the Sky,” a song characterized by its psychedelic lyrics about purple horses running through a green sky. This track became a classic in Belgian rock history and solidified their reputation.
The Pebbles enjoyed further acclaim with singles like “Incredible George,” which even garnered praise from George Harrison of The Beatles, and “Mackintosh,” which became a hit in Spain. However, despite their popularity, their self-titled debut album did not achieve the international success they had hoped for. Internal disagreements among band members ultimately led to their breakup in 1974.
Following the disbandment, Bekky remained active in the music industry. He formed the trio Trinity with Baelemans and singer Sofie, achieving success with the disco hit “002.345.709 (That's My Number).” Bekky also worked as a producer and songwriter for various Belgian artists, including Ann Christy, Yasmine, Jo Vally, Garry Hagger, Petra, and Silvy Melody.
In 2021, it was revealed that Bekky was suffering from Alzheimer's disease, along with heart and kidney issues. In December 2024, he experienced a second cerebral infarction while on the Spanish island of Tenerife. He passed away during the night of February 20-21, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in Belgian rock music.
Fred Bekky's contributions to the music scene, particularly through The Pebbles, have left an indelible mark on Belgian culture. His unique sound and memorable lyrics continue to resonate with fans, ensuring that his legacy will live on in the hearts of music lovers.
