THE RHYTHM ROCKETS

One of regional Victoria's most successful bands, the six-piece The Rhythm Rockets formed in Mildura in the 60s. The Rockets were very popular in the Sunraysia region, especially at the legendary Mildura venue called The Ballerina where they would pull huge crowds in excess of a thousand punters. In 1966 they competed in the local Hoadleys Battle of the Sounds competition hosted by radio station 3MA (Mildura). Winning their section they then went on to the Victorian Country Final and came third to overall winners, The Dynamoes from Shepparton. Rewarded with a recording contract with the Go!! label they ventured down to the big smoke to cut the singles ''Near Me / On Whom Her Favour Falls'' and ''Just You Wait And See / Summer Has Gone'' written by the band members. Both singles failed to make an impression on the Melbourne charts.

The Go!! label eventually lost interest in the band because they were too busy working Mildura’s Ballerina Ballroom and other local dances and private gigs and did not commit to Victorian country or national touring. Today Geoff Evans and Col Avery still perform on a regular basis. Lead guitarist Bill Tyers has a recording studio in Queensland and still plays professionally, while Peter McWilliams (bass) and Geoff Waters (drums) lead a quieter musical life. Mildura’s locally owned radio station 1611AM still gives the Rockets airplay to this day.

Members

Geoff Evans (vocals/guitar), Col Avery (vocals), Bill Tyers (guitar), Peter McWilliams (bass), Geoff Waters (drums), Neil Warhurst (sax)

SINGLES

''Near Me / On Whom Her Favour Falls'' 1966 Go!!
''Just You Wait And See / Summer Has Gone'' 1967 Go!!