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Diary of a 60's Cover Band (Blog) We have now added an incredible new song to our repertoire from one of the most influential US psychedelic bands of the 60's, Vanilla Fudge. It's their 1967 upside down version of the hit by the Supremes "You Keep Me Hanging On". Check it out! Last year we added the astonishing song "Something in the Air", recorded in 1969 by the one hit wonder band Thunderclap Newman. They were put together by Pete Townsend around a drug addled drummer (Speedy Keene) and an eccentric jazz pianist (Thunderclap Newman). The song has a killer middle instrumental section. Our most requested song is "Everlovin' Man" by The Loved Ones. We added this song in 2006 in honour of the late great Gerry Humphries. Dennis does the most astonishing version you've heard bar the original. See him in action here. Remember the 60's? The 60's were an exciting, revolutionary, turbulent time of great social and technological change: assassination, unforgettable fashion, new musical styles, Camelot, civil rights, women's liberation, a controversial and divisive war in Vietnam, the first manned landing on the moon, peace marches, World's Fairs, flower power, great TV and film and sexual freedom. Please note: |
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"Hi guys, I haven't e-mailed you before but I've just gotta say - Another excellent gig !!! I was the tall doofus going 'sha-a-ake it, baby' during your fantastic version of John Lee Hooker / the Animals' "Boom Boom". Great to hear you do Cathy Come Home .. Funny to think it was inspired by Ken Loach's film with the late lamented Carol White. I love that you're into the Small Faces. Thanks for hearing my comments about "If You Think You're Groovy" next time you want to try out a girl singer (P P Arnold/Small Faces). Thanks again for another top night! David" email from David Mann 21/06/10. "Hi Peter, I just wanted to say thank you for Saturday night. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed your music and had a great time dancing and singing along. You and the guys lived up to all expectations of a very professional unit. Having a live band created such a vibrant atmosphere compared with a juke box or CD's. We hope to see you all again around the traps sometime in the future. Kind Regards" email from Debra McCowatt 15/02/2010. "Hello Peter. Everything worked out just fine on NYE with our tickets - such a well organised night. Just wanted to say that we had a simply wonderful night and one we'll remember for a long time - it was just the best! Many thanks" email from Gillian Olesky 5/1/10. "Gig Guide is happy to report that The Substitutes, one of his favourite local acts, will be seeing in 2010 with a bang at Khyats Hotel in Brighton together with their brorthers-in-arms Mid Life Crisis and a sepcial guest appearance by the one and only Swanee. For those of you who don't know, The Substitutes specialise in the music of the '60s including the songs that other bands don't dare touch. More than another cover's act, The Substitutes have genuine pedigree and perform with authenticity and conviction that simply cannot be imitated", Matthew Frederick, The Age EG, 24/12/09. "Hi
Peter, “Hi, we went to the Williamstown RSL on Saturday night and thought
you guys were fabulous. We
danced all night and can’t wait to see you again. Will bring
more of our friends next time. Thanks again for a great
night” email from Carmel Coyne
1/11/09. "Just
had a look at your rendition of Something in the Air
presumably played in Em, guitar work originally played by a 16
year old Jimmy McCullough who went on to play with Wings at 19
and overdosed in his early 20’s. "Hi Peter, Thanks once again for a fantastic performance on Sunday afternoon. Our guests have been raving about you. We will organise a group to go to Carnegie Hall" email from Kerrie Stevens 18/8/09. "Great gig guys [Nighthawk Blues 23/5/09]. Coxy is now a fan and you never get him out to see the local talent anymore" myspace comment from Matt O'Brien, 26/5/09. "Hello
Peter, Just received the DVD. You’ve got a new fan in
France/Europe/World… Please say hello to Joey and Lulu! Many
thanks" email
from Guy Sassolas, 23/5/09. "Hi Peter, fabulous w/e of music, conversation and exercise, good for the mind, body and spirit. I was compelled to write about [the gig at] ''The Sandbelt'', your sound made the venue come alive, and the stage set up looked great, the crowd had quite a few regulars so all was well. Thanks so much for all your work, dedication and passion for the music, we are very fortunate to have you bringing so much joy to so many people’s lives. Sincere Thanks" email from Anne Houlihan, 23/3/2009. "Hi
Guys, saw you blokes at the Maroondah Club at "One of Gig Guide's favourite local bands is back for 2009. Now those who know the writer socially will know that he doesn't normally suffer cover bands gladly, but a welcome exception is made with The Substitutes. Dedicated to playing only the best music of the 1960's, these guys break out the lesser known but well remembered hits by bands such as the Count Five and the Crazy World of Arthur Brown as well as the usual suspects that are guaranteed to get the dance floor moving. Besides their repertoire The Substitutes were actually there – featuring former members of groups such as Buster Brown, The Strangers and The Dream. The band plays with the authenticity that comes from experience." from Matthew Frederick, editor of The Age EG Gig Guide, 30/1/2009. “Dear
P's 1, 2 and 3 and Dennis, What can I say, but - thanks a
million for your MAJOR contribution in helping our 60th
party go off with an absolute blast last Saturday night!! It
was great to see even the least likely of Ian's
mates loosen up, smile and bop till they dropped to your
fantastic music and vocals. We set out to have an
upbeat event that people would really enjoy and
remember … and from feedback on the night and since
Saturday, mission completed! Thanks also to all of you, and
your roadie, for not only fitting us in before you were
officially back on the road after the holidays, but for being
accommodating and cheerful when you found you'd need to adjust
your performance and gear to suit a more compact space
than usual. A-1 unique and professional job, guys! Very
best regards and looking forward to seeing you in action again
soon.” email from June Leijon
and Ian "I had the privilege of seeing the band do a gig at a birthday function last night (21 Nov 2008). I consider myself to be "60's tragic" and I simply could not take the smile off my face from the moment I entered the function to the moment I departed, still singing songs that the band played in the taxi on the way home. The Substitutes are simply the best 60's cover band I have ever seen. No gimmicks, just outstanding interpretation and delivery of those classic songs I grew up with. Guy's you are simply fantastic. If ever you have the opportunity to see and hear this band live, do so. Like me, I am sure you will be in awe of them. In particular, their versions of the classic Burdon hit "San Franciscan Nights" and The Youngbloods hit "Get Together" were faultless. The only down side is that I knew virtually every word to every song, now that really does confirm I am a "60"s tragic". Cheers Geoff Alway" email from Geoff Alway 22/11/2008. "Hi Pete great show last night and thanks for making it a rockin groovy happening Man!", email from Frank Davidson, General Manager of radio station 2AY, Albury, 25/10/08 "Hi Peter, just wanted to thank The Substitutes for a fantastic night on Saturday. Everyone commented on the great music and how much fun they'd had. It was great to see the 'young ones' joining in and Dale was very impressed with your skills! I had a wonderful night and really enjoyed the music. Please pass on my thanks to the other Peters and Dennis. Kind Regards, Pam", email from Pam Ross 6/10/2008 in regard to a combined 50th and 21st birthday party. "Hi there Peter, thanks so much to you and The Substitutes for such a fantastic night at the Bentleigh Club on September 20. My friends and I all had a ball, everyone really enjoyed your music. It was such a great way to celebrate my 40th and I will treasure my wonderful memories of the night forever!! If you have a mailing list I would love you to add my email address!! Looking forward to seeing lots more of you all in the future. Cheers!!" email from Dianne Woodhouse 29/09/2008. "G'day, we saw you at the Mentone again last Sunday. Grouse show, smokin' again as expected. Will be looking forward to catching you next time in our area… Regards, Tony" email from Tony Stone, 9/9/2008. "Williamstown, Mentone, Elwood -
You guys are great. I'll keep coming back for more as long as
the music keeps going. Your version of P.J.Proby's "Hold
Me" is better that his version. It can't get better - can
it??????? I'll have to come back to see!!!! The best 60's
entertainment I've ever experienced - Heaven will be like this
- a night or afternoon listening to you and dancing the gig
away." email from Mary-anne
Balabin, 25/07/2008
"The Substitutes, you're such an excellent band! I love your attention to detail, that fact that you think about each song you play and do justice to the original artist and producer. And you do it with a real passion, a love and an energy that is obvious. But above all that you provide a great night's entertainment. Keep up it!" comments from Chris Cronin, Entertainment Manager at the Williamstown RSL, June 28, 2008. "I think The Substitutes are a perfect band that you wanna dance to", email from Matt Henrichmann, 23/5/2008, German DJ. “Hi
Peter, Marg and I would like to thank you and the guys for
making her Birthday Party something special, we both thought
the performance from the band was outstanding and contributed
greatly to the success of the night. We have been getting
numerous calls from our friends telling us how great they
thought the party was and how much they enjoyed themselves.
Kind Regards, John & Margaret Smith”,
email from John &
Margaret Smith, 14/4/2008. "Hi Peter, I just wanted to mention that you guys really 'rocked' at the Nighthawk last Saturday night. Even though my friends and I were supposedly 'playing it cool' at the back of the room, we really enjoyed ourselves. The Nighthawk has an atmosphere that really suits the vibe of your band and I certainly intend going to see you there again. Keep up the good work, regards, Jeff." email from Jeff Wiener of The Quarrelmen 25/03/2008. "Hi
Guys, my daughter Ashlee and I had a ball at Jane’s birthday
party on Saturday night. She is only 17 but has grown up with
60’s music and all that came after it and loves it too. You
brought back so many memories and ALL the songs were first
class. I love P.J Proby and keep up to date with him, as I am
a member of Gary Walker’s ( from the Walker Brothers fame)
site, as he is still a great friend of P.J’s. “Hold Me”
was the standout song for me. I believe Pete lives in Melton
as I do so how about some gigs over this side of town? Once
again thanks for the buzz. I wish I could still remember all
the words like I used to be able to". email
from Elaine Clements, 02/3/2008. "The Substitutes are a wonderful band in fact they're probably the best '60s band around because you were all in the '60s..." Sherryn Love, Channel 31 roving reported for Wrokdown (screens 9pm Saturdays), January 2008. "To Peter and the guys, We had a
really great night last night at Eltham RSL! Thank You for the
all the magic of going back to those wonderful songs of the
best years. You have a great sound, with so much energy, and
your kind of music helps us to stay YOUNG AT HEART. Again
thank you and keep up all those great numbers. PS Would love
to hear more of the Animals .......eg "Peter, "Pete, another great show last night at Bentleigh" - Kevin Bolt email 4/11/07 "I popped over to The Substitutes' Peter Summers' place in Canterbury last night and we spent a very pleasant couple of hours chatting about this, that and the other. Peter had some footage from the Ormond Hall Reunion gig on Saturday night, including the song he provoked me into revisiting, But That's All Right, which he was happy to share with this site. The band gets a glimpse of Hugh McSpedden's lightshow at last!! You should check out The Subs' site, and if you're a '60s British music fan, I'd recommend that you go and check out a Subs live gig somewhere soon..." - Mike Rudd, October 10, 2007 "hi Peter. Good Show Sat Nite! [Ormond Hall]" - email from Hugh McSpeddon, October 8 2007, father of psychedelic lighting shows in the 1970's. "Hi Peter, We had an absolute BALL! [at Ormond Hall] Your band is great. The adventure kept going after we left. Tried for ages to get a taxi and eventually went out the front to see if I could grab one coming by. One pulled up and two women were just arriving, they were soo disappointed that they had missed…not spectrum…the substitutes!". Sheryl Vivian, email October 8, 2007. "G'day
Subbies, I
personally like to boot up the computer, find your site, put
on one of your youtube offerings rooly, rooly loud,
grab the mouse and move it about rooly fast while I stare
vacantly at the screen and pretend I'm still in the Thumpin'
Tum and it's 1967. "Dear Peter, Peter, Peter and
Dennis, What can I
say...... You guys were sensational, absolutely everyone
thought you were brilliant, but most of all I did. "Just
a little note to thank you guys for putting on a great show
for me and my guests at the Beaumaris Yacht Club last Saturday
night. The subsequent comments about the band were very
complimentary – so once again thanks for helping me
celebrating the BIG ONE in style. Cheers
and best regards, Beth". Beth
MacGregor, June 23, 2007. "Gig Guide normally makes it a rule not to get too excited about cover bands but we're prepared to make an exception in the case of The Substitutes. These guys perform the classic beat music, psychedelia and garage rock of the 60's with an authenticity that only true veterans of the era can bring. Now that Billy and Lobby have joined the choir celestial, these guys are as close as you can get to the real thing - so break out your Beatle boots and striped cardigans and catch The Substitutes this Saturday night at the Elwood RSL." Matthew Frederick, The Age EG Gig Guide, May 19, 2007. "Hi guys, just a note to
thank you again for a fantastic night's entertainment on
Friday. We all had a blast and heaps of the guests
commented on what a great band you were - not to mention the
friendly "neighbour" who turned up at the front door
begging to come in and meet you all. He was so
desperate, I let a complete stranger into the house. Well
done. The trivia was an added bonus. If you're still
around in a few years when I turn 50, we may have to do it all
over again! Cheers" Jo
McCoy, April 15, 2007
'Hi
guys! I happened to "discover" you while I was
googling for another video. I have been in a '60s
mode recently on my MySpace page and was looking through
Google Video and YouTube for Thunderclap Newman's old song and
there you were! I really like your version of that song.
I really like your band and was looking for more information
about you and found your website. Actually, I was
looking to see if you have a MySpace page, but couldn't find
one? Do you have a MySpace Page? Gosh, there are
quite a few other bands out there in the world with your same
name. But certainly not like yours! Good Luck and
Wishes to You!" Nancy,
Phoenix, Arizona, US, February 2, 2007 "I've worked at so many weddings but I've never seen a band as good as you guys. You are the best!" Elise Gow, professional still photographer, January 13, 2007 "hi peter i just wanted to
thankyou and all the guys from the band for helping make
our wedding day perfect. we really appreciated the effort
you went to in helping us put together a collection of songs that
everyone at the wedding would love and for being so helpful during
the lead up to the big day. when my wife and i were deciding on
music for the wedding we knew we wanted a band of great
musicians who didn't need a backing track so when we
found you guys we were really excited. As it turned out
our decision was perfect, all day we were getting people
asking us where we found you guys and how great they
thought the music was. thanks and keep on rockin" "I have to say that I just loved how you played. I didn't expect you to be so good. My friend hates 60's music but loved you anyway!" Bianca, [age 25?], January 13, 2007 "The New Dream started life as The Dream and all I know about them is that their drummer can now be found in all-star [!!!] british invasion cover act The Substitutes." from Captain Straightman's on line blog, October 15, 2006. "What a way to spend a Saturday night. You guys sound exactly like the records. Can't wait to see you at Williamstown RSL again. Who said the 60's are dead!!" Email from Cool Rockin' Ronnie McIntosh, October 19, 2006. "If you still have an aching for the songs you grew up with but find the revival circuit is getting you down, then you can't do better then The Substitutes. Check out their website and have a gander at their pedigree - these guys are more than just a covers band! Heck, they've got a better old-school lineup than most 'orignal bands that are still touring." From Matthew Frederick, Age EG Gig Guide September 8 2006. "I meant to drop a line to say that Saturday night at Williamstown was just so fab. I was with a table of eight friends. I had been to Williamstown for the last gig but missed the first set. So it was suggested that I should be 'on time' as the first set was not to be missed. A really special night...perfect in fact. Just a privilege to be there. A night like Saturday just makes it all worthwhile. And then it is back to work.......Regards Di". From Di Cameron, email received Monday, 24 July 2006 23:22. "I have to say the band was simply terrific. I used to watch The Strangers at uni in the 60's and you've every bit as good as them. Thanks very much - everyone loved the music and the band". From Peter Singer, Professor of Bio-Ethics at Princeton University, June 3, 2006. "Peter, the band was just fantastic. We had no idea how good you were - everyone knew the music, we all danced, it was a great night. Rae had a wonderful birthday party". From Stuart Spurrell, husband of Rae Bernaldo, May 20, 2006. "Hi Peter, just a line to thank you and the rest of the band for giving all of us a fantastic night on Saturday, Ken and I loved every minute of your playing. We have had so many notes from our friends, all mentioning the beaut music. Many thanks once again." From Robyn Allison and Ken Allison, Hartwoods Real Estate, email May 4, 2006. "Your band was great and you
certainly added a real buzz to the party. I had everyone
asking me "Where'd you find the band?' That speaks for
itself." "The Substitutes play the Paramount Cinema Club in East Brunswick this Saturday and next, for parts one and two of a three part series featuring footage from the Ed Sullivan Show. Not often Gig Guide will mention "cover" bands but catch them yourself and you’ll discover they ain’t no slouches. All four members were in bands as
early as the 60’s so they play "the best of the 60’s"
with more conviction than a 20-somethings outfit ever will.
They’ve also played with anyone from Angry Anderson to AC/DC
members as well as local musicians like Nick Charles". "You guys are fantastic. I've
been searching to find a 60's band that sounds authentic and
you guys play with real spirit. It takes me back to the days
of the Thumpin Tum, Berties, The Catcher and so on". "I didn't realise your guys were
so accomplished and I loved the guitar behind the head trick.
Thanks for making my birthday party truly memorable." "Peter thanks very much for
making my birthday party such a wonderful night. Everyone
absolutely loved the band - it was a great 60's night". "That night at the Paramount in
Coburg was one of the best nights we've ever had. You guys
played really well, it was a big crowd and they danced all the
time. You have to be the best 60's band around at the moment". "hi peter, just wanted to send
you a note of thanks for saturday night....everyone thought
you were fantastic! also peter, thanks to you and the band for
being so flexible and easy to work with, i really appreciate
it. kind regards dannielle".
The following comments come from viewers of our video clips on the public domain video repository youtube.com. [You can view these clips on the Samples page]. These are real people from around the world who are clearly impressed with what we do. Does this make us an international act? The person making the comment can be verified by following the link at the end of the comment. Friday on My Mind - The Easybeats:
Going up the Country - Canned Heat:
The Loved One - The Loved Ones:
Fire - Crazy World of Arthur Brown:
Rosalyn - Pretty Things:
Tin Soldier - Small Faces:
Itchycoo Park - Small Faces:
While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles:
Sunny Afternoon - The Kinks:
Little Red Rooster - Rolling Stones:
Something in the Air - Thunderclap Newman:
Bring it on Home to Me - The Animals:
Let's Get Together - The Youngbloods:
Picture Book - The Kinks:
Can I Get a Witness - Rolling Stones:
Ohio - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young:
Substitute - The Who:
She's Not There - The Zombies:
Tell Her No - The Zombies:
Everlovin' Man - The Loved Ones:
Nowhere Man - The Beatles:
Oh Well (Part 1) - Fleetwood Mac:
Turn! Turn! Turn! - The Byrds
I'm A Man - Spencer David Group
I'm A Man - The Yardbirds
San Franciscan Nights - The Animals
Black Magic Woman - Santana
Summer in the City - Lovin' Spoonful
She's So Fine - The Easybeats
Sorry - The Easybeats
Fire - Crazy World of Arthur Brown
It's All Over Now - Rolling Stones
Bus Stop - The Hollies
Sunny Afternoon - The Kinks
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MELBOURNE, Australia [The Substitutes Manifesto] Copyright 2008. |