The Penny Rockets

Inducted 15 November 2018

On 28 June 1956, the Advertiser Broadcasting Network held a Swing and Jazz Show in the Thebarton Town Hall.  On the bill were the Ray O'Connor Quintet comprising O'Connor on sax, fill-in pianist Graham Schrader, Frank Newland on guitar, bassist Ron Carson and Gary Haines on drums.  Following the enlistment of a vocalist, Brian Penglase, and John “Slick” Osborn, who replaced Haines on drums, the band decided to concentrate on rock and roll.  Taking Brian Penglase's nickname "Penny" the band re-cast themselves as the Penny Rockets, making their first public performance at the Tramways Ballroom in Hackney in February 1957. 

Early on in 1958 Doug Toll and John Hall replaced Frank Newland and Ron Carson.  In August, The Penny Rockets recorded eight songs at 5KA, four of which were released by Festival on an Extended Play entitled ‘Johnny B Goode’. The record holds the distinction of being South Australia’s first ever rock and roll record. In early 1959, Brian Penglase and pianist Graham Schrader left in order to advance their musical careers interstate.  Two new members were recruited to the band - saxophonist Bob Jeffries (aka Jeffery) and veteran piano player Neville Dunn who, in turn, was replaced by John Crossing.

 At the beginning of 1960, the Penny Rockets were contracted by Coca Cola to play the Hi-Fi Club’s monthly Teenager’s Dance at the Palais Royal.  In April, The Penny Rockets and Four Tones made their first appearance together at Burnside Town Hall.  1960 also saw the commencement of ‘Woodies’ Teentime’ on Channel 9 on which the Penny Rockets were the resident backing band. Ian “Splash” Drinkwater joined on sax and Alan Hewitt on piano in 1961.  This line-up recorded two instrumentals, ‘Walkout’ and ‘Gondolier’, at Visound Studios in Hindley Street. Released on single, ‘Walkout’ reached #25 on the 5AD Top 40, the first South Australian act to chart.

Princeton moved to Burnside Town Hall in January, 1962 and The Penny Rockets became a fixture there.  By September, Drinkwater had left with his place filled by Doug “Nobby” Clark.  During 1963, Barry Messner took over on piano from Alan Hewitt.  The Beatles tour in 1964 signalled the beginning of the end for The Penny Rockets. The band continued into the latter half of 1965 before calling it a day, although they would reform again in 1967 and many times more over the years.  During their first life the Penny Rockets were, undoubtedly, the kings of rock and roll in Adelaide.