THE HARTS

The Harts were a South Australian rock band formed in Adelaide. The Harts started out as Bobby Gardiner and the Pirates and were the resident band at the KT Club in Adelaide. The band's first line-up included Bob Gardiner (vocals/guitar), Mike Wade (guitarist) Peter Mackay (vocals/drums) Harry Herni (vocals/guitar) and Derek Manning (bass). Wade moved to Melbourne being poached by The Vibrants. The band were signed to the HMV label recording their first release with two original songs '' Little Girl'' and ''Cry No more For You'' which were recorded at the Armstrong’s studios in Melbourne in 1967. Both songs were produced by David Mackay and written by the groups lead vocalist Bob Gardiner. Further recordings never eventuated due to line-up changes over the required three-year period. Another contract would be renewed by Darryl Sambell who eventually took over management in later years for a similar three-year contract with EMI.

The band ventured to Melbourne and played many venues with The Twilights and major groups such as The Groop, The Groove etc playing venues in Melbourne which included: Thumping Tum, Kew Club, The Biting Eye, Tenth Avenue, Catcher, Pinocchio’s, Berties, Opus and many more. The Harts were a quality unit mainly known for their strong harmonies with solid backing becoming Adelaide’s top group in the late sixties and early seventies. Their popularity in Adelaide led to top venues in their hometown of Adelaide. The group became resident band at The 20 Plus Club in Adelaide and would later go on to be the resident band at Adelaide’s popular club Swinger held at the Hotel Australia in North Adelaide. The group appeared on many television shows including In Time, Adelaide Tonight, The Go!! Show, Kommotion, Happening 70 etc. 

The Harts supported many acts such as Roy Orbison, Yardbirds, The Walker Brothers, Bev Harrell at Centennial Hall. The Harts were also support to The Easybeats at “Centennial Hall” and also support to The Hollies at Adelaide’s Memorial Drive. The group also played a major part in John Farnham’s early career. The group were fairly close to Bev Harrell and also John as the group backed them on many occasions in Adelaide and interstate. The band toured Perth, Western Australia for the first time with Farnham in the late sixties. The group ventured many times to Melbourne but would later mainly base themselves in Adelaide most of the time. Sadly no film or television footage has ever been found considering the group appeared on many television shows in several states over the years. They disbanded in 1972.

Members

Bob Gardiner (guitar, vocal), Peter Mackay (drums), Harry Herni (guitar), Derek Manning (bass), Phil Carr (bass), Mike Wade (vocals, guitar), Mike Brady (guitar), Mike McGuire (guitar), John Van Zyl (vocals, drums), Ian Beadows (bass), Phil Pemlot (bass), George Bunae (guitar), Dennis Bird (drums)

SINGLES

''Little Girl (I'm So In Love With You) (#85) / Cry No More For You'' 1967 HMV

References

The Harts | Bob Gardiner

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