THE TAYMEN

The Taymen were formed in 1961 after a meeting between John Engelhardt, Brian Barrell and Watson Tay at the Semaphore Hotel in Adelaide. Watson Tay was a guitar player, and it was decided he would take up the bass and the group would be named The Taymen. The Taymen were like many bands of the day being influenced by The Shadows. In 1962 they recorded ''The Wayward Wind / Forbidden City'' on the W&G label. In 1963 The Taymen were the first Australian band to be signed by the Philips recording label, an international record company and cut their first single ''Beach Bunny / Quasimodo'' which did moderately well on the charts.

The band was always in demand as the backing band when interstate artists performed in Adelaide. This included Judy Stone, The Bee Gees, The Taylor sisters and many others. They were very popular and performed most regularly at the Festive Bowl in Rundle Street Adelaide, The West Point Club Brighton City Hall, The Princeton Club, Tayville at Unley Town Hall, K T Club, and many other venues. They also recorded at Visound in Hindley Street and at the 5AD Studios. They disbanded in 1965.

Members

John Engelhardt (guitar/vocals), Brian Barrell (guitar), Watson Tay (bass), Graham Atkins (drums)

SINGLES

''The Wayward Wind / Forbidden City'' (#86) 1962 W&G
''Beach Bunny (#74) / Quasimodo'' 1963 Philips