The Easybeats

The Easybeats were a first-rate 1960s Australian rock group that specialized in especially catchy and energetic songs. The band was first formed in 1964 in Sydney, Australia. The members were Stevie Wright (vocals), George Young (rhythm guitar), Harry Vanda (lead guitar), Dick Diamonde (bass) and Gordon "Snowy" Fleet (drums). The Easybeats soon amassed a large following in their native Australia. In fact, they were so enormously popular that their substantial fame was dubbed "Easyfever". From 1965 to 1966 the group enjoyed a steady succession of excellent and exciting Australian radio hits that include "For My Women," "She's So Fine," "Wedding Ring," "Sad and Lonely and Blue," "Come and See Her," "Women (Make You Feel Alright)," "I'll Make You Happy," and "Sorry." They scored a massive international smash with the fabulously punchy and thrilling working-class anthem "Friday on My Mind"; this song not only was a #1 hit in Australia, went to #6 in England and cracked the US Top 20 at #16, but also was a Top 10 hit in Germany, Holland, France and Italy. The record ultimately sold over a million copies worldwide. The group capitalized on the song's meteoric success by touring with The Rolling Stones in Europe and also in America. They did a triumphant tour of Australia in the middle of 1967. Alas, the band began to fall apart in late 1968 due to both drug and radio airplay problems (the song "Heaven and Hell" was banned from the radio in England for one suggestive line), poor management and a lack of record company support. The group eventually broke up in 1969. In 1986 the Easybeats reunited for a series of well received concerts in their native Australia.