Won Ton Ton
Biography
Won Ton Ton was a Belgian new-wave and pop-rock band fronted by singer Bea Van Der Maat. The group evolved from Chow-Chow, which enjoyed a brief period of new-wave attention in 1984–1985.
After Chow-Chow disbanded, Van Der Maat began working in television while continuing to sing with the LSP-band, a rotating group of musicians primarily performing cover versions. Her growing popularity helped secure a new record contract, and in 1987 the group reformed under the name Won Ton Ton.
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Their first single, “I Lie and I Cheat”, became their biggest success, reaching No. 10 in Belgium and No. 13 in the Netherlands. It was followed by “Hey Marlene” and the more intimate “Can I Come Near You”, neither of which matched the success of the debut single.
The band's first album received mixed reviews. Oor was particularly critical of the production by Luc Van Acker, arguing that the album's weaker material lacked the tension and impact of “I Lie and I Cheat”.
Won Ton Ton continued recording despite the disappointing reception. However, Van Der Maat's involvement was divided between the band and her growing television career. She moved to VTM, where she became a presenter of Tien Om Te Zien, a popular programme focused on Flemish commercial music. She also became a mother of two children during this period.
Won Ton Ton therefore remained active without developing into the major act that their breakthrough single had initially suggested.
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.