Ray Columbus & the Invaders
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 in Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Defunct | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Christchurch , New Zealand |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Ray Columbus & the Invaders were a rock ensemble originating from Christchurch, New Zealand, active between 1964 and 1966, led by frontman Ray Columbus. Aligned with the surf music movement, they became the first New Zealand group to secure a number one single overseas—specifically in Australia—with their rendition of The Senators' "She's a Mod".
History
Drawing inspiration from early 1960s icons such as Cliff Richard and The Beatles, Ray Columbus & the Invaders achieved chart-topping success in both Australia and New Zealand in 1964 with "She's a Mod". They participated in the "Big Beat '65" tour alongside notable artists including Roy Orbison, The Rolling Stones, and The Newbeats, performing as headliners and also serving as Roy Orbison’s backing band.
Following a series of additional hits in New Zealand, the band dissolved by late 1965. Subsequently, Ray Columbus moved to the United States and established the psychedelic group Newcastle Five in California, which later changed its name to The Art Collection. Under the Colstar label, they released four singles, including the psychedelic track "Kick Me," before Columbus departed. Between 1966 and 1968, he turned down audition opportunities with The Monkees and declined invitations to join musicians like David Crosby and Gene Clark. Eventually, Columbus transitioned into band management.
Guitarist Wally Scott succumbed to cancer in January 1980 at a relatively young age. Bass player Billy Kristian went on to perform with the Keil Isles, The Jimmy Sloggett Band, Headband, and Night, while also producing the debut album Long Ago for Herbs. Drummer Jimmy Hill passed away from heart disease on 7 November 2000 at age 56.
In 2009, the band was honoured with induction into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.
Ray Columbus died in November 2016 after enduring four years of health challenges.
Albums
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Every Nite |
|
| Original Numbers |
|
Compilation albums
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Till We Kissed (The Greatest Hits of) |
|
| Anthology |
|
| Greatest Numbers |
|
| The Definitive Collection |
|
Extended plays
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Now You Shake |
|
| Till We Kissed |
|
Singles
| Year | Single | AU | NZ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | "Ku-Pow" | – | – |
| "Money Lover" | – | – | |
| "I Saw Her Standing There" | – | – | |
| 1964 | "Cat's Eyes" | – | – |
| "On My Mind" | – | – | |
| "She's a Mod" | 1 | 3 | |
| "Yo-Yo" | 72 | – | |
| 1965 | "C'mon and Swim" | 71 | – |
| "Till We Kissed" | 29 | 26 | |
| "All Through Pride" | – | – | |
| "The Cruel Sea" | – | – | |
| 1966 | "We Want a Beat" | – | – |
| 1981 | "She's a Mod" (Reissue) | 91 | 2 |
Aotearoa Music Awards
Since 1965, the Aotearoa Music Awards, previously known as the New Zealand Music Awards, have annually celebrated outstanding achievements within the music in New Zealand industry.
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| 2009 || Ray Columbus & the Invaders || New Zealand Music Hall of Fame || ||
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External links
- Richie Unterberger, [ Ray Columbus & the Invaders] at Allmusic