Hermes House Band

Hermes House Band started as a student project in 1988, led by vocalist Jan Dulles. They built their sound around ska rhythms and punk energy, which gave their covers a particular bounce. In 1997, their version of 'Country Roads' took off internationally, turning the John Denver tune into a ska-inflected party anthem that topped charts in several countries.

That cover became their calling card, but they applied the same treatment to other familiar songs like 'I Will Survive' and 'Hit The Road Jack.' Their live shows leaned into a pub-friendly, high-energy style, which carried over to albums like A Night in the Pub and The Bonkers Album. The lineup included Suzan Seegers on saxophone and vocals, Jos van Tol on bass, Clemens van der Feen on guitar, and Koen van der Wardt.

Their approach sometimes drew criticism for being too irreverent or politically pointed, though that edge was part of their appeal from the beginning. They kept recording and performing through the 2000s, releasing a Greatest Hits collection in 2006 and marking a decade of popularity with 10 Years on Top in 2008.