The original Velvet Underground formed in Newcastle (NSW) during 1967. The band claimed complete ignorance of any American usage of their moniker, having lifted it (like Lou Reed, John Cale and company) from the book of the same name which was essential `head' reading in 1967. The original line-up comprised Steve Phillipson (vocals), Russell Bayne (guitar), David Schofield (bass), Mark Priest (keyboards) and Herman Kovac (drums). Russell Bayne left in 1968 being replaced by future Ted Mulry Gang guitarist Les Hall. The band become one of hardest working bands in the Newcastle scene playing regularly at all the local haunts. In October the band ventured north to Brisbane and did a number of gigs at Prinz Alfreds in Adelaide Street before returning home.
In March 1969 Mark Priest was replaced by Tony Heads. The band moved to Sydney where they had a six-month residency at the Down Under Disco in Kings Cross. As Newcastle's premier rock act of the day, The Velvet Underground offered quality versions of material by Love, Jefferson Airplane and The Doors. Phillipson was also a pioneer in the use of `lighter fluid theatrics' (combustible fluid applied to the sleeves of his leather jacket and set alight). The band issued one single on Festival, a cover of Jefferson Airplane's ''Somebody to Love'' (Feb 1970). Future AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young joined the band in Jan 1971 and a couple of days later they played at the Odyssey Music Festival in Wallacia NSW. A couple of lineup changes followed.
The final Velvet Underground line-up of Kovac, Hall, future AC/DC front man Dave Evans (vocals), and Michael Szefcyk (bass) were still an in-demand suburban dance band. It was during the latter half of 1972 that Ted Mulry began to use The Velvet Underground as his regular backing outfit until they morphed into The Ted Mulry Gang. Guitarist Malcolm Young died on 18 November 2017 at the age of 64 from dementia.
The final Velvet Underground line-up of Kovac, Hall, future AC/DC front man Dave Evans (vocals), and Michael Szefcyk (bass) were still an in-demand suburban dance band. It was during the latter half of 1972 that Ted Mulry began to use The Velvet Underground as his regular backing outfit until they morphed into The Ted Mulry Gang. Guitarist Malcolm Young died on 18 November 2017 at the age of 64 from dementia.
Members
Steve Phillipson (vocals), Russell Bayne (guitar), David Schofield (organ), Mark Priest (bass), Herman Kovac (drums), Les Hall (guitar), Steve Crothers (bass), Tony Heads (organ), Andy Imlah (vocals), Malcolm Young (guitar), Michael Szefcyk (bass), Brian Johnson (vocals), Dave Evans (vocals)
SINGLES
''Somebody To Love / She Comes In Colours'' 1970 Festival
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