finetune artist: The Easybeats

Formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1964, this beat group comprised Harry Vanda (b. Johannes Jacob Hendrickus Vandenberg, 22 March 1947, The Hague, The Netherlands; guitar), Dick Diamonde (b. Dingeman Van Der Sluys, 28 December 1947, Hilversum, The Netherlands; bass), Steve Wright (b. 20 December 1948, Leeds, Yorkshire, England; vocals), George Young (b. 6 November 1947, Glasgow, Scotland; guitar) and Gordon "Snowy" Fleet (b. 16 August 1946, Bootle, Lancashire, England; drums). Originally known as the Starfighters, they changed their name after the arrival of Fleet, who modelled their new style on that of the Liverpool beat groups of the period. After a series of hits in their homeland, including six number 1 singles, the group relocated to England in the summer of 1966 and were offered the opportunity to work with top pop producer Shel Talmy. The combination resulted in one of the all-time great beat group singles of the 60s: "Friday On My Mind". Strident guitars, clever counter-harmonies and a super-strong beat were the ingredients that provided the disc with its power. Following a solid push on pirate radio, it peaked at number 6 in the UK. Unfortunately, the group found it difficult to follow up their hit and their prospects were not helped after splitting with Talmy during the recording of their first UK-released album. When they finally returned to the UK charts in 1968, it was with the ballad "Hello, How Are You", the mood of which contrasted sharply with that of their first hit. Lack of morale and gradual line-up changes, including new drummer Tony Cahil, subtly transformed the group into a vehicle for key members Vanda and Young, who were already writing material for other artists. In 1969, after an Australian tour, the Easybeats split up. Ironically, they enjoyed a US hit some months later with "St. Louis".

Listen to The Easybeats at Finetune.

(1996) Aussie Beat That Shook The World CD1
(1996) Aussie Beat That Shook The World CD2

Friday On My Mind