The Motions (band)

The Motions were a Dutch beat group active in the 1960s, considered one of the most important bands of the "Nederbeat" scene. Formed in The Hague in 1964, the band initially consisted of Rudy Bennett (vocals), Robbie van Leeuwen (guitar), Sieb Warner (drums), and Henk Smitskamp (bass).

The Motions quickly gained popularity in the Netherlands and achieved significant chart success with singles such as "It's Gone", "Wasted Words", "Why Don't You Take Her", and "Every Step I Take". Their music was characterized by strong melodies, energetic performances, and van Leeuwen's distinctive guitar playing, which incorporated elements of blues, rock and roll, and psychedelia.

Over the course of their career, the band underwent several lineup changes. Robbie van Leeuwen, the driving force behind the band's songwriting and musical direction, eventually left to form Shocking Blue, the band best known for their hit "Venus". Subsequent iterations of The Motions continued to record and perform, but never achieved the same level of success as the original lineup.

Despite their relatively short lifespan, The Motions left a lasting legacy on Dutch popular music. Their music influenced many subsequent artists, and their songs remain popular to this day. They are remembered as pioneers of the Nederbeat sound and as one of the most exciting live acts of their time.