MPD Ltd
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Founder | Mike Brady, Pete Watson, Danny Finley |
| Defunct | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Pop music recordings and performances |
MPD Ltd, also known as M. P. D. Limited, was an Australian pop ensemble established in 1965, featuring principal members Mike Brady (lead vocals, guitar), Pete Watson (bass guitar, lead vocals), and Danny Finley (drums). The band's name is derived from the initials of its founding members. Their prominent singles include a rendition of "Little Boy Sad" released in July 1965 and "Lonely Boy" from October 1965. In 1966, they issued the album The Best of MPD Ltd under Go!! Records before disbanding the following year. Pete Watson passed away on 30 April 1972.
History
Formed in 1965, MPD Ltd originated shortly after Mike Brady and Pete Watson departed from the Melbourne instrumental group the Phantoms to explore beat pop influenced by the Beatles' style. Danny Finley joined as drummer in May 1965. Within a few weeks, the trio supported the UK band the Dave Clark Five alongside local performers during an Australian tour.
By July 1965, MPD Ltd had secured a contract with Go!! Records and released their first single, a cover of Johnny Burnette's "Little Boy Sad." This track achieved No. 1 positions in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth, while entering the top ten charts in other major Australian cities. They gained visibility through appearances on television programs such as The Go!! Show and Saturday Date, cultivating a dedicated audience with their lively stage presence.
Their second single, a version of Paul Anka's "Lonely Boy" released in October 1965, reached No. 3 in both Melbourne and Perth. That same year, they issued a four-track EP entitled Little Boy Sad. The third single, a cover of the Shangri-Las' "Walkin' in the Sand" (February 1966), secured a top ten spot in Melbourne. Their debut album, The Best of MPD Ltd, followed in 1966.
Later singles including "No Regrets" (June 1966) and "Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder" (August 1966) did not chart successfully. Between August and December 1966, the band relocated to the United Kingdom but experienced limited commercial impact, prompting their return to Australia. In 1967, the group expanded with additions Phil Blackmore (piano), Wayne Duncan (bass guitar), and Gary "Dick" Howard (drums). They released a second EP titled MPD Ltd along with their final single "Paper Doll" in March 1967 before disbanding.
Early in 1967, Pete Watson formed Rockhouse with Rick Springfield, which was later renamed MPD Ltd during a tour of South Vietnam; however, this formation dissolved shortly after returning to Australia. Watson suffered illness during the late 1960s and died in 1972. Following MPD Ltd’s breakup, Brady and Finley joined Johnny Young's backing band Kompany in 1967. That same year, Blackmore, Finley, and Howard collaborated with Springfield to create Wickedy Wak.
In later years, Finley transitioned into talent management, including managing his then-wife Colleen Hewett, while Brady concentrated on composing advertising jingles and sports-related songs such as "Up There Cazaly" (1979).
Albums
- The Best of MPD Ltd (1966) – Go!! Records (GLP 3006)
- The Wild Side of Life – The Musical Adventures of Mike, Pete and Danny! (1982) – Raven Records (RVLP 07)
- M.P.D. Ltd: The Legendary Go!! Recordings (1996) – Canetoad Records (RVLP 07)