Jump to content

The Loved Ones (Australian band)

From Alfawiki
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article The Loved Ones (Australian band), available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 202515 sources
The Loved Ones
Company typeRock band
IndustryMusic
Founded1965 in Melbourne, Australia
DefunctOctober 1967 (initial breakup)
FateDisbanded; brief reunion in 1987
Headquarters
Melbourne
,
Australia
Key people
Gerry Humphrys, Kim Lynch, Rob Lovett, Ian Clyne, Gavin Anderson, Treva Richards, Danny De Lacy, Peter Luscombe
ProductsMusic albums and singles

The Loved Ones emerged as a rock group from Melbourne, Australia, in 1965, following the wave of the British Invasion. The band's members included Gavin Anderson on drums, Ian Clyne handling organ and piano, Gerry Humphrys providing vocals and harmonica, Rob Lovett on guitar, and Kim Lynch playing bass. Their hallmark song, "The Loved One", achieved a peak position of number two on Australian singles charts and was subsequently covered by INXS. In 2001, this track was honored by ranking sixth on the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) list of the Top 30 Australian songs ever. Their first album, The Loved Ones' Magic Box (1967), featured popular tracks such as "Ever Lovin' Man" and "Sad Dark Eyes". Although their active period lasted only until October 1967, their impact on 1960s Australian music remains significant. The band briefly reassembled in 1987 for a tour and issued the live recording Live on Blueberry Hill. Humphrys lived in London from the mid-1970s until his passing in December 2005. On 27 October 2010, The Loved Ones were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame.

1965–1966: Formation and initial EP

In October 1965, The Loved Ones were established in Melbourne, spearheaded by Gerry Humphrys (vocals, harmonica), Kim Lynch (bass), and Ian Clyne (organ, piano), all previously members of the trad jazz ensemble Red Onion Jazz Band.[1][2] Drawing inspiration from the British Invasion, they transitioned from 1940s jazz towards an R&B sound and chose their name based on Evelyn Waugh's novel The Loved One. [3][4] Guitarist Rob Lovett, formerly with Wild Cherries, joined alongside drummers Terry Nott followed by Gavin Anderson to complete the group.[5][6]

Renowned for their energetic stage presence and unique mod aesthetic, The Loved Ones quickly became prominent within Melbourne's club circuit.[1][4] Humphrys’ baritone voice with blues influences and their innovative use of the electric piano (Hohner pianet) set them apart sonically.[4][7]

Early in 1966, they secured a contract with In Records, a subsidiary of W&G.[7] Their debut single, "The Loved One", climbed to number nine by May. Composed by Clyne, Humphrys, and Lovett,[8][9] this track incorporated intricate rhythms and hand clapping inspired by audience reactions in nightclubs to foster engagement.[10][3] It was also featured in the documentary Approximately Panther (1966), which increased their local visibility.[11] The song experienced renewed chart success in 1981 through an INXS cover.[7]

Their follow-up single "Ever Lovin' Man," released in July 1966, reached number seven on the Go-Set National Top 40 by October while "The Loved One" remained among the Top 20.[12][13] To support these releases, The Loved Ones appeared on ATV-0's The Go!! Show performing several songs in October.[14]

In December 1966, they issued a rendition of Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill," which attained number eleven on the charts,[13] alongside a self-titled EP.[4] Following disagreements about promotional duties within the band, Ian Clyne left in September and was succeeded by Treva Richards (formerly of Delta Set).[1][4][3] After his departure from The Loved Ones, Clyne went on to join several notable Australian bands including Black Pearls and Chain.[15][1][4]

1967: Release of The Loved Ones' Magic Box and subsequent breakup

In February 1967, The Loved Ones launched the single "Sad Dark Eyes," which secured a spot within the Top 20 charts and marked the first recording to include contributions from Richards. This was followed by "A Love Like Ours" in April, which also achieved Top 20 status. Both singles were notable for their emotional depth and innovative sound that set them apart from contemporaries. On 23 April, the band appeared at Festival Hall, Melbourne, where they recorded live versions of "Ever Lovin' Man," "Sad Dark Eyes," and "The Loved One." During April, they supported nationwide tours featuring Eric Burdon and the Animals and Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. In May, Lynch departed the group; his position as lead guitarist was filled by Danny De Lacy from Los Angeles, while Lovett transitioned to bass duties.

August 1967 saw the release of "Love Song," which failed to chart. Their first album, The Loved Ones' Magic Box, was issued in October 1967. Shortly after, within the same month and two years post-formation, the band disbanded. According to Rob Lovett, the breakup was uneventful and followed a challenging tour plagued by inadequate promotion and financial difficulties.

The Loved Ones' Magic Box has since been recognized as a seminal work with cult appeal and reportedly continues to be available in print.

1968–1986: Activities following the breakup

After the group's dissolution, Humphrys took on management of rock ensemble The Valentines (rock band), which included Bon Scott and Vince Lovegrove. In 1971, he established Gerry and The Joy Band, incorporating members from Daddy Cool (band) and Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs. Humphrys also served as host for the inaugural Sunbury Pop Festival in 1972 before relocating back to London in 1973 to attempt reconciliation in his marriage, eventually leaving the music industry to pursue a career in psychiatric nursing.

Lovett formed the vocal group the Virgil Brothers in 1968 alongside Peter Doyle and Malcolm McGee. Under management by Lovett's wife Lily Brett, they released several singles and toured throughout the UK before disbanding in 1970. Some of Lovett's compositions were recorded by Peter Doyle with The New Seekers during the early 1970s. In the early 1990s, Lovett became a member of The Fudds, contributing to multiple albums over a seven-year span.

Anderson shifted focus to artist management, overseeing The Party Machine until their disbandment in 1969; he later relocated to London and New York. In 1981, he founded Gavin Anderson & Company, a strategic communications agency based in New York with offices worldwide. Nott joined psychedelic group Grunewald Burlesque before embarking on a career as an architect in Melbourne. Lynch pursued painting after his music career ended. Richards settled down at the former Barr-Smith estate known as "Auchendarroch" in Adelaide Hills to raise his family.

1987: Reunion and release of Live on Blueberry Hill

A resurgence of interest in The Loved Ones—partly due to INXS's cover of "The Loved One"—prompted a reunion tour in 1987. The reformed lineup included Clyne, Humphrys, Lovett, Lynch, with Melbourne drummer Peter Luscombe replacing Anderson on drums. This reunion culminated in the release of Live on Blueberry Hill through Mushroom Records.

1999–present: Recent developments and ARIA Hall of Fame induction

In 1999, Richard Miles published More Than a Loved One: The Musical Career of Gerry Humphrys. Nigel Buesst directed a documentary titled Gerry Humphrys – the Loved One in 2000, featuring interviews alongside archival performance footage.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation aired its series Long Way to the Top in August 2001, spotlighting The Loved Ones in "Episode 2: Ten Pound Rocker 1963–1968" and recognizing their enduring cult reputation fueled by distinctive rhythms and charismatic frontman Gerry Humphrys. This series inspired a nationwide concert tour in 2002 showcasing prominent Australian acts from the mid-20th century. Although invited to participate, The Loved Ones declined due to Humphrys residing in the UK.

Humphrys died from a heart attack on 4 December 2005 while in London; he was survived by three daughters.

In 2010, The Loved Ones were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Present at this event were Clyne, Lynch, and Richards; Anderson (based in New York) and Lovett (living in London) were unable to attend. Promoter Michael Chugg conducted their induction ceremony, during which rocker Diesel performed their iconic track "The Loved One." That same year, their album Magic Box (1967) was included among the titles listed in 100 Best Australian Albums.

Members

  • Gerry Humphrys (born 19 July 1941, London – died 4 December 2005, London) – lead vocals, harmonica, hand-claps (active 1965–1967, 1987)
  • Kim Lynch (born 18 May 1945, Sydney) – bass guitar (active 1965–1967, 1987)
  • Rob Lovett (born 11 November 1944, Melbourne) – guitar, bass guitar (active 1965–1967, 1987)
  • Ian Clyne – piano, organ, guitar (active 1965–1966, 1987)
  • Terence "Terry" Nott (born 28 September 1945, Melbourne) – drums (active 1965)
  • Gavin Anderson (born 12 September 1945, Melbourne) – drums (active 1965–1967)
  • Treva Richards (born 3 December 1945, Hamilton, Victoria) – electric piano, piano, organ (active 1966–1967)
  • Danny De Lacy (born 5 August 1943, Los Angeles, USA) – guitar (active 1967)
  • Peter Luscombe – drums (active 1987)

Studio albums

Title Album details
The Loved Ones' Magic Box
  • Released: October 1967
  • Format: LP
  • Label: W&G (WG-S/25/5127)

Live albums

Title Album details
Live on Blueberry Hill

Extended plays

Title Album details
The Loved Ones
  • Released: December 1966
  • Format: 7-inch EP
  • Label: W&G (WG-E.2712)

ARIA Music Awards

Since their inception in 1987, the ARIA Music Awards have celebrated outstanding achievements and innovation in Australian music. In recognition of their impact, The Loved Ones were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2010.


|- | 2010 | The Loved Ones | ARIA Hall of Fame |


Go-Set Pop Poll

The Go-Set Pop Poll was an annual ranking conducted by the youth-focused newspaper Go-Set from 1966 to 1972 that highlighted popular figures in Australian music.


|- | 1966 | The Loved Ones | Top Australian Group | Fourth place


Legacy and influence

In a notable accolade from the Australasian Performing Right Association in 2001, "The Loved One" was placed sixth among the top ten Australian songs ever.

References

General
Specific


External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named McF
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SpencerLovedO
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Hollow
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Miles
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Lynch
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SpencerWildCherries
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Howl
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named APRALovedOne
  9. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ASCAPLovedOne
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Toby
  11. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Glass
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named LongWay
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named GoSet
  14. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named GoShow
  15. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ARDb

Related profiles

TThe SeekersTThe EasybeatsTThe DingoesAAustralian Crawl
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=The_Loved_Ones_(Australian_band)&oldid=78799"