Frans Bauer’s name is circulating as potential new Topper
Frans Bauer’s name is circulating as a potential new member of De Toppers for their upcoming May 2027 concerts at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, according to Privé boss Evert Santegoeds speaking on the podcast Strikt Privé, as the group weighs lineup changes following René Froger’s health diagnosis with the autoimmune disease myositis.
René Froger Steps Back Due to Myositis Diagnosis
René Froger has been forced to step back from performing due to the autoimmune disease myositis, an affliction attacking his muscles that causes inflammation, weakness, and extreme fatigue, as reported by Mediacourant.nl and corroborated by Headliner. Approximately 5,000 people in the Netherlands suffer from the condition. Froger has undergone treatments and medication over the past year and a half, but his recovery is slower than anticipated. Consequently, he canceled his anniversary show in Rotterdam Ahoy in mid-September. His participation in the Toppers concerts scheduled for May 28 and May 29, 2027, remains uncertain. Despite being unable to guarantee a full stage return, Froger will remain involved in the production as an ambassador and co-producer. Privé boss Evert Santegoeds noted on Strikt Privé that this role allows Froger to influence music selection and guest lists without stepping onto the physical stage. Manager Benno de Leeuw stated that while Froger will definitely take part in some capacity, the exact duration—whether a single song, half an hour, or the entire show—has not yet been determined.
Impact on Family and Media Control
The health situation places increasing demands on René Froger’s wife Natascha, who is acting more and more as a caregiver, as discussed by Evert Santegoeds and Wilson Boldewijn in the podcast Strikt Privé. While the family is typically open about their private life, they are now exercising restraint regarding this medical situation. According to show business reporter Rob Goossens, the family is choosing this approach to maintain greater control over how the story is told, with details expected to be addressed in the Frogers’ reality series on Videoland.
Tino Martin and Frans Bauer Emerge as Potential Replacements
While Tino Martin has previously been named by Evert Santegoeds as the frontrunner with the best credentials to join the lineup, Frans Bauer’s name is also circulating in industry discussions, Mediacourant.nl reported. Santegoeds pointed out a practical advantage for Bauer, noting they share the same management. However, Santegoeds expressed reservations about Bauer fitting the group’s profile, characterizing De Toppers as an Amsterdam-style party rather than a Brabant one, which falls outside Bauer’s usual musical blood group. Santegoeds added that he does not see Bauer singing the broad repertoire that Froger and Tino Martin handle. Meanwhile, other alternative names have surfaced publicly. Speaking on Radio 538’s De 538 Avondshow and reported by KIJK and Weekblad Party, Rutger van Barneveld stated he has not been called about joining and believes other artists are more suitable, putting forward Mart Hoogkamer, Tino Martin, and Emma Heesters. Additional names mentioned in industry reports include Yves Berendse, Samuel Welten, and Froger’s son Danny, though Gerard Joling, Jeroen van der Boom, and Jan Smit have not provided clarity on the lineup additions.
Concert Planning Pressures Require Imminent Decisions
Organizers face strict scheduling constraints as they prepare for the concerts on May 28 and May 29, 2027, at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Securing major artists requires early coordination so performers can block out a week ahead of the shows for rehearsals and the performances themselves, according to Evert Santegoeds via Mediacourant.nl. Santegoeds emphasized that a final decision on the lineup additions must be made soon due to these long-lead planning demands.
The upcoming Toppers concerts are scheduled for May 2027.