THE SONAMATICS

The band formed in 1963 as an instrumental group, in Horsham, Victoria. They were, as so many hundreds of bands worldwide were, influenced by The Shadows. When the Fab Four hit, things changed. With the change of style, they became one of the region’s most popular bands with Ferdy Van Der Riet joining the group taking over vocals. Early in 1965 they entered and won a TV talent contest being conducted by the local TV station, BTV6. In the process they beat 80 other participants.

With a manager the group scored a contract with Festival records, and they journeyed to Melbourne. Guitarist John McDonald left at this stage, not willing to make the move to “the big smoke” and was replaced by Colin Vincent. The band appeared as regulars on televisions Kommotion. The band released their first single ''Well, All Right / Sixteen Tons'' in 1966. On stage the band were known for their versatility and diversity. From the obvious Beatles and Rolling Stones covers they also covered songs by the Kinks and The Searchers and The Animals, etc. In 1966 they released their second single, "The Record (Baby, I Love You) / You Don't Love Me". The song never came to very much and as a result Ferdy left the band. In late 1966 the group eventually disbanded.

Members

John McDonald, (guitar) Barry McInnes, (drums) Errol Holland, (organ, sax), Derek Hale (bass), Bill Baxter (guitar), Ferdy Van Der Riet (vocals), Colin Vincent (guitar)

                                       

SINGLES

''Well, All Right / Sixteen Tons'' (#66) 1966 Leedon

''The Record (Baby, I Love You) / You Don't Love Me'' 1966 Leedon

References

http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/