The Vibrants

Inducted 18 October 2017

Formed while still at school in 1962, by the time their first record was released in 1965, they were already veterans of the Adelaide music scene.  The band’s line-up comprised Geoff Skewes (keyboards), Bill Pfeiffer (bass), Rick Kent (drums), John Hossen (saxophone) and Terry Osmond (lead guitar).  In March, 1965 ‘Maybe Tomorrow’, with Roger Dee on vocals, was released locally on record.  Shortly thereafter, the band began working with Bobby James as their vocalist and two further singles were released by EMI, ‘Jezabel’, a Top Thirty hit locally, and ‘I’ve Learned’.  In 1966, the band re-located to Melbourne.  Mick Hamilton replaced Terry Osmond on guitar and the band recruited fellow South Australian John Perry on vocals. 

Adopting an Atlantic soul sound, The Vibrants recorded ‘Something About You Baby’ which became a national hit on release in January 1967. Following its success, the group were in heavy demand at dances around Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.  As a follow-up to ‘Something About You Baby’, The Vibrants recorded Joe Tex’s ‘The Letter Song’.  In September, 1967 The Vibrants’ version of ‘My Prayer’ made the National Top Ten.  John Perry departed in February, 1968 and was replaced by Marc Leon with whom they recorded and released a Barry and Maurice Gibb song entitled ‘Terrible Way To Treat Your Baby’.  The band continued to prove a popular live act, releasing further records while undergoing various line-up changes around mainstays Geoff Skewes and Rick Kent before disbanding at the end of 1971.

The Vibrants were one of the most polished and soul influenced bands to come out of Adelaide in the sixties.  Resplendent in their white suits, they exuded sophistication and style and, at their peak in the 1960’s, were one of the best and most in demand live acts in the country.