The Melbourne band first went by the name The AMP Men, inspired by the insurance company where three members worked. They later changed their name to The Pacifics (unrelated to the Brisbane band) and for a time performed as Kevin Thompson & The Henchmen. When vocalist Kevin Thompson left, Rick Diamond stepped in. They entered the 3UZ Sound Spectacular, hosted by radio station 3UZ, and won first prize—a recording contract with the Go!! label. Their debut single, a cover of Bobby Day’s ''Rockin’ Robin'' released in April 1965, became a hit, reaching #5 in Melbourne and charting in Sydney. The song was also released in the USA and New Zealand. Following this success, they toured Sydney, performing at top night spots and making guest appearances on the Johnny O’Keefe Show and Jimmy Hannan’s Saturday Date.
Their success earned them a spot supporting the Dave Clark Five, Cilla Black, and Freddie and The Dreamers on their Australian tours. However, their follow-up single, "Can't You Hear Me Callin'," didn’t match that success. In late 1965, guitarist Doug Osborne and vocalist Rick Diamond left the band, but the group stayed together to sign on with EMI and release the hard-hitting rocker "Keep On Going Back." When Barry Roy (ex-The Raiders) joined the Henchman in 1967 the lineup had completely changed. The band members now consisted of Roger Forward (guitar, vocals), Sperry Groupetta (bass), David Mann (organ) and Malcolm Payne (drums, vocals). Chris Waddell later replaced Payne on drums. In 1968 this lineup also achieved success by winning a heat of Hoadley‘s Battle of the Sounds and their prize was a set of new suits and a recording contract with Columbia Records. They recorded a single ''Baby I Need You/Come On Down To My Boat Baby'' released in December 1968, but it did not chart. Roger Forward had a voice that sounded remarkably similar to John Fogerty which resulted in the band getting a lot of work on the hotel and cabaret circuit around Melbourne. They soldiered for a few more years before calling it quits. Doug Osborne died in 2019.
Members
Rick Diamond (vocals), Duncan McKellar (guitar), Doug Osborne (guitar), Del Smeeton (bass), David Mann (keyboards), Mal "Frog" Payne (drums), Kevin Thompson (vocals), Barry Roy (guitar, vocals), Roger Forward (guitar, vocals), Sperri Goupetta (bass), Chris Riddell (drums).
Their success earned them a spot supporting the Dave Clark Five, Cilla Black, and Freddie and The Dreamers on their Australian tours. However, their follow-up single, "Can't You Hear Me Callin'," didn’t match that success. In late 1965, guitarist Doug Osborne and vocalist Rick Diamond left the band, but the group stayed together to sign on with EMI and release the hard-hitting rocker "Keep On Going Back." When Barry Roy (ex-The Raiders) joined the Henchman in 1967 the lineup had completely changed. The band members now consisted of Roger Forward (guitar, vocals), Sperry Groupetta (bass), David Mann (organ) and Malcolm Payne (drums, vocals). Chris Waddell later replaced Payne on drums. In 1968 this lineup also achieved success by winning a heat of Hoadley‘s Battle of the Sounds and their prize was a set of new suits and a recording contract with Columbia Records. They recorded a single ''Baby I Need You/Come On Down To My Boat Baby'' released in December 1968, but it did not chart. Roger Forward had a voice that sounded remarkably similar to John Fogerty which resulted in the band getting a lot of work on the hotel and cabaret circuit around Melbourne. They soldiered for a few more years before calling it quits. Doug Osborne died in 2019.
Members
Rick Diamond (vocals), Duncan McKellar (guitar), Doug Osborne (guitar), Del Smeeton (bass), David Mann (keyboards), Mal "Frog" Payne (drums), Kevin Thompson (vocals), Barry Roy (guitar, vocals), Roger Forward (guitar, vocals), Sperri Goupetta (bass), Chris Riddell (drums).
SINGLES
''Rockin' Robin (#10) / Baby What's Wrong'' 1965 Go!!''Can't You Hear Me Callin' (#57) / Easy Money'' 1965 Go!!
''Keep On Going Back / Stupid Girl'' 1966
''Baby I Need You / Come On Down To My Boat'' 1968 Columbia
''Keep On Going Back / Stupid Girl'' 1966
''Baby I Need You / Come On Down To My Boat'' 1968 Columbia
EPs
'Rockin' Robin' 1965 Go!!
References
http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/
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