TOL-PUDDLE MARTYRS

Formerly known as Peter & the Silhouettes (from Bendigo), they were one of the first regional pop/rock bands to be given the opportunity to record. The only two songs recorded were: "Claudette Jones" and "The Natural Man", which appeared on a compilation album, titled 'The Scene From Northern Victoria' showcasing the regional talent of the day. The Silhouettes changed their name to the Tol-Puddle Martyrs in 1966 and changed their line-up at the same time. Len Gaskell replaced Tony Truscott on drums and Russell Hogan replaced Manual Pappos on rhythm guitar. 

The band played up to four gigs a week in regional Victoria and southern NSW. In 1968 they were a finalist at the Hoadley's Battle Of The Sounds won by The Groove. Their first single was released on the Pacific label ''Time Will Come / Social Cell'' both sides being written by guitarist Peter Rechter. The single reached #6 on the Top Forty charts in central Victoria. The band then won a recording contract with Festival and travelled to Sydney to cut their second single, ''Love Your Life / Nellie Bligh'' produced by Joe Halford. On the success of that record, they appeared on TV show Uptight. Unfortunately, they soon they disbanded when members got married or moved into another musical direction. In 2003 the Italian label Misty Lane released all four of their songs on an EP.

Members

Peter Rechter (organ, vocals), Kevin Clancy (guitar, vocals), Russell Hogan (guitar),
Keiran Keogh (bass), Len Gaskell (drums)

SINGLES

''Time Will Come / Social Cell'' 1967 Pacific
''Love Your Life / Nellie Bligh'' 1968 Festival