Headband

Inducted 1 April 2016

Following the break-up of local psychedelic band W.G. Berg and the short-lived War Machine that performed at the Myponga Pop Festival, Headband came into being in February, 1971.  The band comprised Joff Bateman (drums); Chris Bailey (bass guitar); Mauri Berg (lead vocals and keyboards) and Peter Beagley (now known as Peter Head) (guitar, vocals).  Managed by local businessman, Hamish Henry, the band built a strong local following with its unique blend of progressive rock, blues, country, pop and jazz. The eclectic nature of the band was evident in the release of their first record in 1971, a version of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ on the Pepper label with Robyn Archer on vocals. The band supported Elton John at Memorial Drive in Adelaide in October, 1971.

For their second release in January 1972 and first in their own right, the band recorded ‘Scratch My Back’ for RCA.  In August, 1972, Headband won the South Australian Final of Hoadley’s Battle Of The Sounds with their performance of ‘Land Of Supercars’, an original composition.   They finished third in the National Final.  Released by RCA as a single, ‘Land Of Supercars’ made the Top Twenty in Adelaide.   In February, 1973 Headband supported The Rolling Stones at their Sydney concert.  Later in the year, ‘Country Lady was another local hit.   Having re-located to Sydney, the band played the pub circuit and had a residency at the Whiskey-A-Go-Go. 

In September, 1973, Headband’s sole album, ‘A Song For Tooley’, was released on the Polydor label accompanied by the title song on single. Recorded at EMI’s studios in Sydney, the LP contained all original material ranging from heavy rock and psychedelia to jazz-influenced progressive music.  The album also featured members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and a 116 voice children’s choir.  Having made a lasting impact on the Australian rock scene, influencing future generations of musicians, Headband disbanded in 1974.