The Dedikation
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1967 in Upper Hutt, New Zealand |
| Defunct | 1970 |
| Headquarters | Upper Hutt , New Zealand |
| Products | Music recordings (singles and albums) |
The Dedikation was a rock group from New Zealand that operated between 1967 and 1970, achieving nationwide recognition with hits such as their rendition of "Wait for Me Mary-Anne".
Origins in The Crescendos
The Dedikation emerged from The Crescendos, a high school ensemble founded in 1963 by Ray Mercer (lead guitar and vocals) alongside Graeme Collins (organ and vocals), with additional members Wayne Marsh and Mike Martin.
Band Members
- Graeme Collins – vocals, keyboards
- Graham Harvey – bass guitar
- Mike Martin
- Wayne Clifford-Marsh
- Ray Ahipene-Mercer – vocals, lead guitar
Formation of The Dedikation
Established circa 1967 in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, The Dedikation featured former players from The Crescendos and included drummer Michael Parlane, who was subsequently succeeded by Bruce Whitelaw.
Professional Journey
Beginning their career in 1967, The Dedikation earned a solid reputation performing at dance halls. Upon transitioning to professional status, drummer Parlane departed and was replaced by the then 18-year-old Bruce Whitelaw, previously with The State of Mind. Their first single, "Hayride" backed with "Bare Footin," received nationwide radio exposure but did not enter the charts.
In September 1969, their interpretation of "Wait For Me Mary-Anne", originally recorded by The Marmalade, climbed to number 2 on New Zealand charts, maintaining a presence for three months and was prevented from reaching number one by the Beatles' "Something". This release featured "Sally Had a Party" as the B-side.
Their last single, a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday", attained a peak position of number 12 nationally. During 1969, they also performed at the Fosters Hotel in Wanganui and issued an album.
The group disbanded in 1970.
Band Members
- Graeme Collins – keyboards, vocals
- Graham Harvey – bass guitar
- Ray Mercer – lead guitar, vocals
- Michael Parlane – drums (later replaced by Bruce Whitelaw)
- Bruce Whitelaw – drums
Singles
- The Dedikation – "Hayride" / "Bare Footin'" – Polydor 425211, 1969
- The Dedikation – "Wait for Me Mary-Anne" / "Sally Had a Party" – Polydor 425213, 1969
- The Dedikation – "Ruby Tuesday" / "Be a Woman" – Polydor 425224, 1969
Albums
- Dedication – Philips BY 843088, 1969
- Dedication – Breeder Backtrack Archive Series BY 843088, 2001 (Unofficial Austrian LP release)
Compilations
- Upside Down: Coloured Dreams from the Underworld: Volume Seven 1965-1970, PARTCD4101
Additional Resources
- New Zealand TV Weekly, July 7, 1969 – article covering their breakthrough into mainstream success