The Delltones
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music, entertainment |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Founder | Warren Lucas, Brian Perkins, Noel Widerberg, Ian "Peewee" Wilson |
| Defunct | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Rock and roll music, live performances, recordings |
The Delltones emerged as an Australian rock and roll ensemble in 1958, initially formed as a doo-wop vocal quartet consisting of Warren Lucas (tenor), Brian Perkins (baritone), Noel Widerberg (lead), and Ian "Peewee" Wilson (bass). Following the tragic death of Widerberg in a car accident in 1962, their single "Get a Little Dirt on Your Hands" climbed into the local top five charts. Col Loughnan, formerly of The Crescents, stepped in to fill Widerberg's role. The group ultimately dissolved in 1973.
Ian "Peewee" Wilson, the only original member remaining, revived the band in 1978 with a five-member lineup, sparking renewed popularity and leading to the release of a top 20 compilation album titled Bop Til Ya Drop in 1983. The Delltones sustained a prominent live performance presence for five decades, reaching their peak commercial success during the 1960s before disbanding in 2016.
1958-1959: Formation and early development
In 1958, Noel Widerberg and Ian "Peewee" Wilson, both lifesavers at Bronte Surf Club, bonded over their admiration for four-part doo wop harmonies influenced by groups such as The Diamonds and Elvis Presley's vocal group, The Jordanaires. They were soon joined by Warren Lucas and Brian Perkins to establish the Delltones at a social gathering at Bronte Club. The name is said to translate as "'of tones,'" with "dell" meaning "of" in Spanish. They began by performing at local talent competitions and on street corners.
Their first paid gig came at a nightclub in Kings Cross after impressing the owner with an impromptu four-song performance, earning them meals of spaghetti bolognese and beer as compensation.
Early in 1959, they presented their song "Why" during an audition for radio DJ Bob Rogers of 2GB, who subsequently arranged their participation in promoter Lee Gordon's Stadium shows. Averaging about 21 years old, they performed extensively in Gordon's Big Shows, supporting both international and Australian artists such as Johnny O'Keefe and Dig Richards, while also providing backing vocals on O'Keefe's recordings.
In October 1959, accompanied by The Rebels, they appeared in Lee Gordon's 1959 Rock'n'Roll Spectacular concerts held in Sydney. Footage from these events was later incorporated into the film Rock 'n' Roll, rediscovered in 2020 and notable for capturing rare Australian rock concert performances from the 1950s.
1960–1961: Initial recordings and television exposure
Johnny O'Keefe invited the Delltones to become regular performers on his ABC Television music program Six O'Clock Rock as well as his radio show Rockville Junction. They also made appearances on the competing program Bandstand, hosted by Brian Henderson. These television engagements significantly raised their profile and laid a strong foundation for their recording endeavors.
Under Lee Gordon’s label Leedon Records, the Delltones recorded their debut single within a week—a cover of the Crows' "Gee" alongside Widerberg’s original "Why". While "Gee" reached number 15 on Sydney charts and remained there for eight weeks, it did not chart nationally. Their follow-up single, "Tonight," penned by Widerberg and backed by a rendition of Dion and the Belmonts’ "Every Little Thing I Do," achieved modest local success but failed to generate substantial national sales.
Their reputation as live performers grew swiftly. They were frequently called upon for studio sessions, contributing to Johnny O'Keefe's "Shout" and Rebb's "Highway of Love," as well as providing harmony vocals for country artists like Slim Dusty, Reg Lindsay, and Lionel Long.
The single "Yes Indeed" attained number 30 locally; however, their subsequent doo-wop version of Vera Lynn's "White Cliffs of Dover," featuring Wilson as bass lead vocalist, did not perform well commercially. Dissatisfied with Leedon's limited promotional efforts, they transitioned to CBS (Coronet) in June 1960.
After appearing on The Tommy Sands Show, they partnered with guitarist Scotty Turnbull who wrote and produced two singles—"Little Miss Heartbreak" and "Take This Heart"—with Hal Blaine on drums. Neither single achieved commercial success.
Their next release on Coronet, "You're The Limit," became their first national hit, breaking into the top ten across Australia and peaking at number four in Sydney by January 1961.
Following a more lucrative offer from EMI Records, they switched labels again. Their single "Wonder" reached number 30 nationwide; however, its July follow-up "String a Long" failed to chart.
A story from their audition for Denis Wong, proprietor of Sydney’s Chequers nightclub, illustrates Wong’s enthusiasm: upon hearing their fee request, he exclaimed “I take two,” pointing at Widerberg and Wilson.
Once EMI's contract ended, the group returned to Leedon—now managed by Festival Records—and recorded Bill Anderson’s "Get A Little Dirt on Your Hands," which quickly received widespread airplay across Australia.
1962: Tragedy Strikes
In July 1962, just a fortnight after "Get a Little Dirt on Your Hands" entered the charts, Noel Widerberg tragically lost his life in a car crash in the Sydney suburb of Brighton-Le-Sands. The vehicle overturned several times, ejecting its passengers and causing fatal injuries to Widerberg. Consequently, the band withdrew from all scheduled appearances, temporarily halting their activities until encouragement from friends and colleagues led them to continue with a new lead vocalist. Their single "Get A Little Dirt on Your Hands" went on to become their highest-charting release at that time, peaking at No. 3 nationally and later featuring on the soundtrack of the acclaimed film The Year My Voice Broke.
According to Graham Jackson’s work Pioneers of Australian rock 'n' roll, Warren Lucas—a friend of Colin Loughnan—suggested Loughnan as Widerberg’s successor. The Delltones opted not to hold auditions; instead, Loughnan joined promptly, bringing a vocal style that differed notably from Widerberg’s.
After several weeks of preparation, The Delltones recorded "Come A Little Bit Closer" in November 1962, a track penned by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Leedon Records released their first self-titled album featuring earlier recordings with Widerberg. Following Widerberg’s passing, Wilson assumed the role of the group's spokesperson. The 1963 release of "Come A Little Bit Closer" quickly gained traction, reaching No. 3 on Sydney's 2UE top 40 chart, No. 1 on 2GB top 30, and No. 2 on 3UZ top 40. To leverage the single’s popularity, an album sharing the same title was issued, including songs such as Cotton Fields.
Their subsequent single "Sitting in the Moonlight," which opened with a harmonica riff reminiscent of its predecessor, became their eighth entry on Sydney’s charts.
During this era, The Delltones appeared in the children’s pantomime Mother Goose and The Three Stooges at Sydney’s Palais Theatre alongside notable pop artists like Robie Porter, Brian Davies, Lucky Starr, Dig Richards, Jay Justin, and actor Jacki Weaver. Peewee portrayed Mother Goose while other band members took on roles as the Stooges. The matinee performances ran for six weeks to packed audiences and were complemented by an evening show titled Once Upon A Surfie – a musical farce, which featured hits from the cast members.
1963-1968: Embracing Surf Culture
By late 1963, surf music had become dominant on Australian charts, particularly in Sydney and Brisbane. Capitalizing on this trend, The Delltones swiftly released the humorous track "Hangin' Five," written by Ben Acton—a police officer and lifesaver affiliated with Manly Surf Club. This single climbed to number 3 on the charts, nearly matching the success of "Come A Little Bit Closer," and earned cult status in California alongside The Atlantics' "Bombora." It was also included in Mel Gibson’s 1977 film Summer City. In that same year, The Delltones garnered four radio awards including the prestigious "Gold and Silver Baton Award" and "Best Australian Record Award."
An album featuring predominantly surf music covers followed this success. Amidst the ongoing surf craze, their next release "Out the Back," also penned by Acton, did not achieve comparable popularity to "Hangin' Five."
In 1964, they issued covers of The Tams' "Hey Girl Don't Bother Me" and The Beach Boys' "Surfer Girl," both reaching the top 30 across most Australian states. Subsequent singles failed to enter the charts.
Their last two singles under Leedon included a rendition of Paul Anka's "Lonely Boy" and "Tonight We Love," which was heavily influenced by Phil Spector's production style and adapted from Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto in B-flat minor. After these releases, the group paused studio recording to concentrate on live performances—including tours entertaining troops stationed in Vietnam—a commitment for which they were later awarded "The Vietnam Logistic & Support Medal."
1969: Developments and Expansion into London and Europe
Following their return from Vietnam, Warren Lucas and Col Loughnan exited the group. In 1969, Loughnan became a member of the Daly-Wilson Big Band and later joined Ayers Rock in 1973. He established himself as a distinguished reed player, arranger, educator, and musical director for Marcia Hines.
Ray Burton and Wayne Cornell filled the vacancies left behind; Burton departed after one year to co-author "I Am Woman" with Helen Reddy, and Bill Kirwin succeeded him. Cornell and Kirwin stayed with the band until 1968.
In 1968, lead vocalists Sep Martin and Bob Pierse from The Ambassadors were added. The following year, The Delltones toured Vietnam and the Far East before relocating to London to explore international opportunities alongside contemporaries such as the Bee Gees and The Seekers.
During their residency at London's Playboy Club, which lasted seven weeks, Wilson met Carla Prowse, who would later become the group's manager in 1981.
While in London, The Delltones secured a contract with EMI and recorded ten tracks for the London Session album under producer David McKay. Bob Pierse and Dig Richards were responsible for most of the songwriting. The arrangements were handled by Bill Shepherd, known for his work with the Bee Gees, while backing was provided by Australian band The Twilights, led by Terry Britten—who would go on to write hits for Cliff Richard, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson. A standout track was their reinterpretation of Steve Winwood's "Gimme Some Lovin'," which earned recognition as Radio Luxembourg's hit pick of the week and became a signature tune for prominent DJ Tony Blackburn.
The group performed "Gimme Some Lovin'" on Top of the Pops, hosted by Jimmy Savile. The single saw releases in both American and European markets, accompanied by a European tour. Following financial disagreements with manager Bill Watson, they returned to Australia.
1970–1973: Return Home and Growing Disillusionment
Late in 1970, The Delltones made their way back to Australia. In 1971, they released the single "Rock 'N' Roll Will Stand," featuring Bob Pierse's "Billy's Rock 'N' Roll" as the B-side through Festival Records. Their album London Session was also issued around this time, including the single "Birmingham," another Pierse composition, along with a cover of Frank Zappa's "Tears Begin To Fall." Neither the single nor the album achieved chart success. Over the subsequent three years, they toured extensively across Australia, culminating in a near-catastrophic event during a fire at Brisbane’s Whisky au Go Go nightclub.
Frustrated by urban life, industry pressures, and internal conflicts, The Delltones disbanded in 1973. Sep Martin and Bob Pierse continued performing as a duo, while Wilson and Perkins opted for alternative living in Eungai, New South Wales.
1978–1983: Revival
Encouraged by figures such as Johnny O'Keefe, The Delltones reunited in 1978 and embarked on a two-year tour alongside Digger Revell. The supporting band included Jon Hayton (known as Farmer Jon), Michael Lawler, and Leon Isackson. Nevertheless, internal disagreements led to Sep Martin leaving in 1981, followed shortly by Bob Pierse and Brian Perkins.
By late 1981, with Wilson as the sole remaining original member, The Delltones evolved from a harmony-focused vocal ensemble into a vocal band to better align with the prevailing Oz Rock genre. New members joining during this period were Alan Freeman (previously associated with jazz vocalist Kerrie Biddell), Johnny Charters (from Johnny Rebb's Rebels), Alex Plavsic (formerly of Sebastian Hardie), Vic Schrier, Ralph Wilcock, Bob Cook, and Robert Kitney.
Danny Mayers became part of the group after Wilson witnessed his performance at Sydney’s Palais Royale. The Delltones completed an unprecedented sixteen-week engagement at Kinselas in Sydney’s Taylor Square that included a guest appearance by Tiny Tim. They also performed at an Anti Nuclear Rally alongside Aboriginal group No Fixed Address and appeared at the Tivoli Theatre with Mondo Rock. By the conclusion of 1983, under manager Carla Wilson’s guidance, they had played 171 shows reaching a wide Australian audience.
1984–1987 : Resurgence
The year 1984 signaled a resurgence with the release of the rock 'n roll revival album Bop Til Ya Drop, distinguished by a vibrant pink and green jacket crafted by artist Martin Sharp. The album swiftly achieved gold status, ascending to number 2 on Sydney's Kent Music Report Albums Chart and reaching number 20 on the national chart.
The track "Get A Job" featured a music video directed by Yahoo Serious, who also cast Peewee in the role of his father in Young Einstein. The Delltones appeared at prominent events including the Moomba Festival, the Adelaide Festival of Arts, and the AFI Awards, as well as making a guest appearance on the television series A Country Practice.
Following this, they released the Tickled Pink album, produced by Bruce Brown and Russell Dunlop, famed for their hit "Space Invaders". Their single "Papa Oom Mow Mow" climbed to number 1, and they recorded the live album Out in the Open before an audience of 28,000 at Toowoomba Showgrounds, although it did not chart nationally.
Their final recording featuring Danny Mayers was the Christmas EP All These Things And More. After Mayers left to pursue a solo career in 1985, Nevin McLean joined the group. The ensemble then consisted of Nevin McLean (vocals), Alan Freeman (tenor vocals/bass), Merv Dick (alto vocals/drums), Woody Finlayson (baritone vocals/guitar), and Wilson (bass vocals).
During this revival phase, The Delltones increased their visibility through television appearances on programs like Hey Hey It's Saturday, The Mike Walsh Show, and Sounds, which enhanced their national touring schedule with sold-out performances in clubs, pubs, theatres, and concert halls. Notably, however, they did not feature on Countdown.
1988–1994: Unsuccessful venture and legal dispute
In January 1988, The Delltones performed at Australia's Bicentennial celebrations before distinguished guests including Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince Charles.
That same year, amidst the rise of digital music technology, Wilson and Alan Freeman teamed up with Russell Dunlop to create Oasis, utilizing a Fairlight synthesiser to merge classic DooWop harmonies with contemporary digital sounds. Freeman and Wilson contributed original songs such as "One Man Woman", "Touch and Go", and "You Changed My Life", alongside refreshed Australian standards. Despite these efforts, the album did not gain traction with radio stations or fans.
In November 1988, Wilson prevailed in a legal battle against former member Brian Perkins, who had established a band called "The Dellies". The court ruled to prevent Perkins from using a name that might cause confusion in the marketplace, thereby safeguarding The Delltones' brand identity.
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, The Delltones supported rising country artists including Brett Parlane, James Blundell, and Adam Harvey. Additionally, they collaborated with Allan Caswell on the 1993 single "Stole My Heart Away", which appeared on country music charts.
By 1995, after years of touring extensively, Nevin McLean and Alan Freeman left the group. They subsequently formed Phoenix alongside former Delltones drummer Leon Isackson and Idris Jones from the Mixtures. Phoenix received critical acclaim for their harmonies and stagecraft, earning accolades such as an "ACE" award and a "Mo Award".
1995–1999: Further developments
Towards the end of 1995, Danny Mayers rejoined The Delltones, accompanied by newcomer Owen Booth, an experienced bassist who had performed with legends such as Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry. That same year, the band embraced their surf music heritage once again with the release of the album The Sunshine Club. The title track was composed by Wilson and Freeman, while Mayers co-authored "Gimme Love" and Woody Finlayson contributed the song "Slow Down".
Additionally, they recorded the single "Breaking Waves," written by Allan Caswell in tribute to Australia's Surf Life Saving Clubs. In 1998, to celebrate their 40th year, The Delltones embarked on a nationwide tour and issued a compilation album titled The Big Four O.
2000–2015: Entering the new millennium
In 2000, Sony Music featured The Delltones' DooWop rendition of the Sex Pistols' "Pretty Vacant" on the charity compilation Andrew Denton's Musical Challenge, sparking renewed interest on independent radio stations across Europe and the United States.
After 46 years since supporting O'Keefe, The Delltones provided backing vocals in 2005 for Jimmy Barnes's cover of "Shout," a duet with Billy Thorpe included on Barnes's album Double Happiness.
Marking their fiftieth anniversary in 2008, The Delltones launched a national tour alongside releasing a double CD/DVD set entitled BopaDooWop A - Live in Concert. The first disc, Unplugged, presented early DooWop classics, while the second disc, Electrified, highlighted pop, rock, and soul influences throughout their career, featuring hits from the 1960s.
This release coincided with Warner Music’s Deluxe Collectors Limited Edition of Fifty Years of Australian Rock 'n Roll, which included The Delltones’ debut recording of "Gee" on its first disc.
Danny Mayers left the group in mid-2011 and passed away in 2025 at age 77. Founding member Wilson continued performing with the band as a quartet focusing on four-part harmonies.
In 2012, Wilson accepted "The Life Achievement Award" from the Australian Club Entertainment Awards on behalf of The Delltones.
In 2014, The Delltones unveiled Harmony and Rock ’n’ Roll That's Good for The Soul, marking a return to their classic four-part harmony style.
2016: Dissolution of The Delltones
In 2016, drummer Merv Dick and guitarist Rod ‘Woody’ Finlayson initiated legal proceedings seeking long service leave payments after three decades with the band; however, their claim was unsuccessful. This dispute played a role in bringing an end to The Delltones after nearly six decades. Ian 'Peewee' Wilson retired from active touring, although rumors about a possible farewell tour featuring a new lineup continue to circulate among fans hopeful for a final performance.
Since their formation in 1958, more than twenty musicians have performed as members of The Delltones across Australia, the United Kingdom, Asia/Pacific regions, and Europe.
In 2018, their track "Get A Little Dirt On Your Hands" was featured during the closing credits of season one, episode six of the Australian television series Mr In between.
Members
- Final lineup
- Ian 'Peewee' Wilson – vocals (1958–1973, 1978–1998, 2000–2016)
- Merv Dick – vocals, drums (1985–1998, 2000–2016)
- Woody Finlayson – vocals, guitar (1984–1998, 2000–2016)
- Owen Booth – vocals, bass guitar (1995–1998, 2000–2016)
- Founding members
- Noel Widerberg – vocals (1958–1962; died 1962)
- Warren Lucas – vocals (1958–1965; died 2019)
- Brian Perkins – vocals (1958–1973, 1978–1981; died 2022)
- Ian 'Peewee' Wilson – vocals (1958–1973, 1978–2016)
- Other former members
- Col Loughnan – vocals (1962–1966)
- Ray Burton – vocals (1965–1966)
- Wayne Cornell – vocals (1965–1968)
- Bill Kirwin - vocals (1966–1968)
- Bob Pierse – vocals (1968–1973, 1978–1981)
- Sep Martin – vocals (1968–1973, 1978–1981)
- Bob Cook – bass guitar, vocals (1981)
- Robert Kitney – drums (1981)
- Johnny Charters – keyboards, vocals (1981–1984)
- Vic Schrier – saxophone (1981–1984)
- Alex Plavsic – drums, percussion (1982–1984)
- Ralph Wilcock – guitar, vocals (1981–1984)
- Alan Freeman – bass, vocals (1981–1994)
- Nevin McLean – vocals (1985–1994)
- Danny Mayers – vocals (1982–1984, 1995–1998, 2000–2011; died 2025)
- Backing band
- Jon "Farmer Jon" Hayton – guitar (1978–1979)
- Michael Lawler – bass guitar (1978–1979)
- Leon Isackson – drums (1978–1979)
Timeline
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Albums
| Album Title | Release Information | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| The Delltones |
|
- |
| Come a Little Bit Closer |
|
- |
| Surf 'n Stomp |
|
- |
| The Best of the Delltones |
|
- |
| Golden Hits of the Golden Groups |
|
- |
| The Dellies' Burst Out |
|
- |
| London Sessions |
|
- |
| Rock'n Roll Will Stand |
|
- |
| Rock 'N' Rollin' With The Delltones |
|
- |
| Do You Wanna Dance |
|
- |
| Rock N' Rolle |
|
- |
| 20 Golden Hits |
|
- |
| Over the Years |
|
- |
| Bop Till You Drop |
|
20 |
| Tickled Pink |
|
95 |
| Out in the Open |
|
- |
| Oasis |
|
- |
| Rockin' & A Boppin Their Greatest Hits |
|
- |
| A Live Selection |
|
- |
| Live - The Ultimate Recollection |
|
84 |
| The Sunshine Club |
|
- |
| The Big Four O |
|
- |
| Walk Like a Man |
|
- |
| The Delltones BopaDooWop A-Live in Concert |
|
- |
| Harmony and Rock'n'Roll That's Good for the Soul |
|
- |
Mo Awards
The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards, held from 1975 through 2016, celebrated excellence in live performance. The Delltones received several honors during this period:
| 1982 | The Delltones | Vocal Group of the Year | Template:Won |
| 1983 | The Delltones | Vocal Group of the Year | Template:Won |
| 1985 | The Delltones | Show Group of the Year | Template:Won |
| 2001 | The Delltones | Variety Group of the Year | Template:Won |
Ace Awards
- 2006: Ace Award
- 2007: Ace Award
- 2008: Ace Award
- 2009: Ace Award
- 2012: ACE Life Achievement Award
Print sources
- McFarlane, Ian. Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop. Allen & Unwin, St Leonards, NSW, 1999. ISBN 978-1-86508-072-7
- Archived online at "Encyclopedia entry for 'The Delltones'" (31 August 2004).