PETER BRIGGS AND THE VIKINGS

The formation of the band (1964) came about when Wes Hoffman and Kevin Kerr met Les Horder in a music shop and decided to form a band. They spent long hours searching for a suitable drummer and eventually Don Hill arrived, and the Vikings were born. Someone heard Peter Briggs singing and suggested he attend a Vikings band practice. He was accepted into the band and they were now billed as Peter Briggs and The Vikings. The group kept coming in behind acts like the Twilights and The Henchmen in various competitions but won a contract with the Go!! label. The band had a huge fan base and played regularly on the Melbourne dance scene. In 1965 they cut their first single, a cover of the Jerry Wallace song ''Here I Go'' which failed to chart. The following year they recorded Sam Cooke's ''Bring It On Home'' with no success either. Bill Clarke replaced Wes Hoffman in 1966. Both singles would eventually find their way on to future Aussie compilations. Their version of "Some Other Guy" holds up well next to the numerous Liverpool renditions of the song. They disbanded in 1967. Peter Briggs died in 2017. Les Horder died in 2020. Wes Hoffman died in 2021.

Members

Peter Briggs (vocals), Kevin Kerr (guitar), Les Horder (guitar), Bill Clarke (bass), Wes Hoffman (bass ) Don Hill (drums)

SINGLES

''Here I Go / Skinny Minnie'' 1966 Go!!
''Bring It On Home / Some Other Guy'' 1966 Go!!