WICKEDY WAK

In 1968, Rick Springfield was approached by Pete Watson (ex-MPD Ltd, bass guitarist) to join his group Rockhouse . Later in the year, Watson changed the band's name to MPD Ltd, and in October – when Springfield was 19 years old – they toured South Vietnam to entertain Australian troops. Another member of MPD Ltd was Danny Finley (drummer). Upon returning to Australia, Finlay and Springfield formed Wickedy Wak with Paul Shannon (ex Fabulous Blue Jays) and Ray Wright. The band was extremely popular in Brisbane and drew great crowds. Moving to Melbourne the group performed at the famed venue Berties.

The band quickly gained great acclaim and soon after Johnny Young gave them one of his songs to record. ''Billie's Bikie Boys'' was produced by Go-Set journalist, Ian "Molly" Meldrum with Beeb Birtles of pop rock group Zoot on backing vocals. The band returned to Brisbane to await the release of the single but conflict developed within the band. Finlay and Shannon disagreed on the direction the group was taking and when these problems couldn't be resolved the group decided to disband. By the time the single was released Rick Springfield had left and joined The Zoot.

Members

Rick Springfield (vocals/guitar), Paul Shannon (sax/keyboards), Ray Wright (bass), Danny Finlay (drums)

SINGLES
''Billie's Bikie Boys / Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'' 1969 Sunshine

References

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