The Spektors
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Defunct | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
Key people | Bon Scott, John Collins, Wyn Milsom, Murray Gracie, Brian Gannon |
| Products | Beat, pop, rock 'n' roll music |
The Spektors were an Australian band from Perth specializing in beat, pop, and rock 'n' roll genres, active between 1964 and mid-1966. Among their members was co-drummer and occasional lead vocalist Bon Scott, who later gained fame as the frontman for the hard rock group AC/DC from 1974 until his passing in 1980.
History
Established in 1964, The Spektors featured dual vocalists and drummers John Collins and Bon Scott, alongside Brian Gannon on bass, Murray Gracie handling rhythm guitar and vocals, and Wyn Milsom on lead guitar. The band’s style encompassed beat, pop, and rock 'n' roll sounds. Collins and Scott shared responsibilities alternating between drumming and lead singing.
The group achieved local acclaim by winning the Perth segment of the national Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds contest. Their setlists often included renditions of popular tracks originally performed by The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Occasionally, Scott took over lead vocals while Collins played drums, notably performing a cover of Van Morrison's "Gloria". According to Murray Gracie, their musical inspiration was more rooted in blues than mainstream pop, drawing influence from bands such as the Pretty Things, Them, and The Kinks.
In October 1965, The Spektors recorded four songs for the regional television program Club 17. These tracks included "Gloria", Mike Berry's "On My Mind", The Beatles' "Yesterday", and George Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So". By late 1966, Wyn Milsom and Bon Scott departed to join forces with members of rival group The Winstons to create The Valentines, where Scott shared vocal duties with Vince Lovegrove.
Personnel
- Bon Scott – vocals, drums
- John Collins – vocals, drums
- Wyn Milsom – guitar
- Murray Gracie – guitar
- Brian Gannon – bass
- Bon Scott with the Spektors (CD release, 1992, See for Miles records)
- Bon Scott with the Spektors and the Valentines (CD release, 1999, See for Miles records)
These recordings originated from TVW channel 7's "Club 17" broadcasts and were illicitly copied by Martin Clark, the recording engineer, in October 1965.
References
- General
- Specific