Shocking Blue was a rock band from The Hague, The Netherlands that existed from 1967 to 1974. Fronted by singer, Mariska Veres, and with guitarist/songwriter, Robbie van Leeuwen, as its creative force, the band enjoyed international chart success and are one of the most successful bands ever to come out of The Netherlands. Shocking Blue's by far biggest hit was Venus, which went to #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in February 1970. 'Venus' returned to the top of the U.