Johan Slager

Kayak (1974), left to right: Max Werner, Pim Koopman, Johan Slager, Ton Scherpenzeel and Bert Veldkamp

Johan Slager (born 8 Juni 1946, Amsterdam) is the original guitar player of the Dutch Progressive Rock band Kayak. He co-founded the band along with Ton Scherpenzeel, Pim Koopman and Max Werner in 1972. He left the band in 1982 after 9 albums, and returned briefly for a couple of performances in the 1990s. When Kayak reunited in 1999, Johan was replaced by Rob Winter.

During and after his time with Kayak, Johan played with many Dutch artists. He played on albums by Circus Custers, Bolland & Bolland and Ekseption, and he formed his own band called Plus Doreen. His guitar sounds can also be heard on albums by his ex-Kayak mates Max Werner and Edward Reekers. In recent years, he has joined singer Michel van Dijk (Alquin). Together with befriended musicians they play in Dutch pubs, doing mostly covers (Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Band, etc.)