THE NIGHTBEATS

 

The Nightbeats were a Canberra band formed in the early 60s. Vocalist Robert Beattie began singing folk songs at the Methodist Fellowship Centre before joining the group in 1964/65, replacing original singer Bruce McEwan. About a year later, they headed to Sydney and recorded four tracks at EMI, thanks to the song ''What’s In A Name'' sent to them by local DJ John Kerr from 2CA. Coincidentally, The Easybeats were recording in another studio the same day. 

Their single ''What’s In A Name / Gwenda'', written by Beattie, was released on Columbia in 1966. They promoted it at 2UE studios and the Royal Easter Show, getting some airplay in Sydney. While it didn’t chart, they sold a few thousand copies. Locally, they played regular gigs, including a Friday night residency at HMAS Harman, a naval base in the Canberra suburb of Harman. Years later, ''What’s In A Name'' appeared on the 2018 compilation album 'Groovy Down Under (OZ 60’s Psychedelic Pop And Beat)' on Blue Fogg Records. In later years, guitarist Frank Pangallo went on to become the mayor of Queanbeyan, while Robert Beattie pursued his own path in science.

Members

Robert Beattie (vocals), Frank Pangallo (guitar), Lou Cerviatty (guitar), Stan Novak (drums), Arthur Cox (bass), Bruce McEwan (vocals)

SINGLES
''What's In A Name / Gwenda'' 1966 Columbia 
''When I'm With You / Love At First Sight'' 1966 Columbia (promo only)

References

Robert Beattie