Formed in 1981 by the van der Lubbe brothers, Nico Arzbach, and Bert Stelder, De Dijk emerged as a standout in the Dutch rock scene with their Dutch-language lyrics, a rarity at the time. Their debut self-titled album in 1982 set the stage for their success. Drummer Antonie Broek and keyboardist Pim Kops joined in 1983, further solidifying the band's lineup. By the late '80s and '90s, De Dijk had become a cornerstone of Dutch rock, with their poetic lyrics by Huub van der Lubbe leaving a lasting impact on the local music scene.

Throughout their career, De Dijk continued to thrive, with milestones such as the platinum-selling live CD and the 2005 Edison Oeuvre Award adding to their legacy. The band's collaborations, including the 2010 album "Hold On Tight" with Solomon Burke, showcased their enduring creativity. Celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2021, De Dijk was honored with the Andreaspenning from the city of Amsterdam, solidifying their status as one of the most influential bands in Dutch music history.