Dutch singer Frans Duijts details the turbulent phase of his career and marriage in his forthcoming biography, Frans Duijts – Vallen & Opstaan, revealing heavy alcohol consumption and marital strain before a turning point saved his family. Set for release on Tuesday, October 6, the book features forewords by his wife, Marloes, and their three daughters, offering a transparent look at a period marked by five to six liters of Bacardi weekly, domestic friction, and media scrutiny.
Marloes issues ultimatum over alcohol and infidelity
The upcoming book explores the heavy toll of Duijts’s earlier lifestyle on his home life. According to an interview on linda.nl, Marloes explains that she eventually issued an ultimatum after years of difficult conversations: choose alcohol or the family. Media reports about Duijts falling in love with other women and kissing someone else further damaged their trust, though Marloes chose to stay and fight for their marriage after consulting her father. Their three daughters were already aware of the impending strains during their school years, when peers on the playground mentioned their parents might divorce, and have since confronted Duijts in disbelief over how those events actually unfolded. Marloes noted that while the children did not experience the worst moments when they were small, she later explained that those periods were only a part of him. The daughters have since asked Duijts if he was “completely right in his head” after reading the account.
Duijts admits to domestic aggression during alcohol abuse
WNL reported on NPO Radio 1 that Duijts openly discusses being “the devil” at home in an earlier phase of his zangcarrière, consuming five to six liters of Bacardi a week. He admits to throwing dishware and using harsh language, stating that alcohol served as an uitvlucht (an escape) and a form of relaxation amid intense stress. While he was cheerful in public, he acknowledges he was a difficult partner behind closed doors. He described his wife as “the red rag for the bull” during this time. Duijts recalled frequent arguments triggered by his lack of punctuality, such as arriving home at 8 p.m. after promising to be there for dinner at 5:30 p.m. Today, Duijts has largely stepped away from heavy drinking, only occasionally enjoying a glass of wine or champagne, while he and Marloes—now in their mid-forties—do more things together.
Career Milestones and AI Aspirations
Alongside personal reflections, Duijts harbors ambitions for future musical collaborations. WNL reported that the singer is eager to record a posthuum (posthumous) duet with his hero André Hazes using artificial intelligence, though Hazes’s family currently blocks the technology due to sensitivity surrounding such reconstructions. Hazes died in September 2004 at age 53 from cardiac arrest. Alternatively, Duijts expressed interest in collaborating with Welsh singer Tom Jones or Dutch artist Anouk, noting that Tino Martin previously contacted Anouk for a joint release. Regarding the 86-year-old Jones, Duijts noted his hits “Delilah,” “Sex Bomb,” and “It’s Not Unusual,” stating he wants to move “away from that real folk” style.
Life-Threatening Accidents and Financial Ambitions
BNR Nieuwsradio reported that Duijts survived a ten-meter fall during an asbestsanering (asbestos abatement project) after a safety net failed. The incident resulted in multiple fractures, a two-year rehabilitation process, and lingering fears about his ability to walk again. Speaking on the BNR podcast Zolang het leuk is, Duijts discusses money, success, and his broader ambition to achieve financial independence, while reflecting on lessons learned from his hardworking father. Duijts described his father as his biggest fan who left things in good order. He now views himself as a “singing entrepreneur” who considers his work to be hobbies and describes himself as a “pleaser” who enjoys sharing with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the biography Frans Duijts – Vallen & Opstaan released?
The book becomes available for purchase on Tuesday, October 6, featuring contributions and forewords from both Marloes and the couple’s three daughters.
How much alcohol did Frans Duijts consume during his peak touring years?
Duijts stated on NPO Radio 1 that he drank five to six liters of Bacardi per week, which fueled severe stress and domestic tension before he stopped heavy drinking.
What caused Duijts’s multi-year medical rehabilitation?
According to BNR Nieuwsradio, he suffered multiple bone fractures after falling ten meters downward when a safety net gave way during an asbestos abatement project.