Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds
Encyclopedia
Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds was an annual national rock/pop band competition held in Australia
from 1966 to 1972.
in 1965 as a talent quest for new unsigned bands in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The National Battle of the Sounds gained significant credibility and attracted many of Australia
’s top pop outfits when, in 1966, confectioner Hoadley's
assumed sponsorship and it took the full name of "Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds" for the first time. Go-Set
magazine took over the co-ordination role and local radio stations all over Australia organised local heats. This turned it into a truly national competition. Heats were held in the capital cities and country towns and bands worked their way up through semi-finals to one penultimate grand-final, held in either Melbourne or Sydney.
The valuable first prize was a full return passage to England on the Sitmar cruise line, two booked concerts in London and $1000 prize money, later upped to $2000 and return flights to Los Angeles (early winners did not get the concerts).
1969 was the peak year of the battle with over 1000 bands entering and two Grand Finals, one for full bands and one for groups and singing groups that specialised in harmony vocals. Over the years the battle would see such quality acts as The Groove
and Sherbet
taking out the major prize. Many other prominent outfits that would go on to greater success competed in the Battle until its conclusion in 1972.
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
from 1966 to 1972.
History
Australia's Battle of the Sounds was originally established by Australian tabloid magazine Everybody’sEverybody’s (Australian magazine)
Everybody's was an Australian tabloid-style magazine of the 1960s. It has no relationship to the early 20th century British or American magazines of the same name.-History:...
in 1965 as a talent quest for new unsigned bands in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The National Battle of the Sounds gained significant credibility and attracted many of Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
’s top pop outfits when, in 1966, confectioner Hoadley's
Abel Hoadley
Abel Hoadley was the inventor of the popular Australian confectionery bar, the Violet Crumble.He was born in Willingdon, Sussex, England, the son of Peter Hoadley and Elizabeth Ann Wheeler. Hoadley arrived in Australia in 1865...
assumed sponsorship and it took the full name of "Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds" for the first time. Go-Set
Go-Set
Go-Set was the first Australian pop music newspaper, published weekly from 2 February 1966 to 24 August 1974, and was founded in Melbourne by Phillip Frazer, Peter Raphael and Tony Schauble...
magazine took over the co-ordination role and local radio stations all over Australia organised local heats. This turned it into a truly national competition. Heats were held in the capital cities and country towns and bands worked their way up through semi-finals to one penultimate grand-final, held in either Melbourne or Sydney.
The valuable first prize was a full return passage to England on the Sitmar cruise line, two booked concerts in London and $1000 prize money, later upped to $2000 and return flights to Los Angeles (early winners did not get the concerts).
1969 was the peak year of the battle with over 1000 bands entering and two Grand Finals, one for full bands and one for groups and singing groups that specialised in harmony vocals. Over the years the battle would see such quality acts as The Groove
The Groove (band)
Formed in mid 1967, The Groove are considered to be Australia's first "supergroup" in that all members had considerable experience behind them in a number of successful bands...
and Sherbet
Sherbet (band)
Sherbet was one of the most prominent and successful Australian rock bands of the 1970s. Their biggest singles were "Summer Love" and "Howzat" , both reaching number one in Australia. "Howzat" was also a top 5 hit in the UK. Though the band's success in the U.S...
taking out the major prize. Many other prominent outfits that would go on to greater success competed in the Battle until its conclusion in 1972.
National Battle of the Sounds: National Finalists: 1965
| Year | Winner | Region/State | Other Finalists | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 1965 in Australia -Incumbents:*Prime Minister – Robert Menzies*Governor General – Viscount De L'Isle, succeeded by Lord Casey*Premier of New South Wales – Jack Renshaw ; Robert Askin... |
The Crickets | Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... Victoria |
* Jimmy Crockett & The Shanes *The Pink Finks * The Showmen * The Rising Sons * Embers |
Festival Hall Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... |
Hoadley's National Finalists: 1966-1972
| Year | Winner | Region/State | Second Place | Third Place | Other Place Getters | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 1966 in Australia -Incumbents:*Monarch – Elizabeth II*Governor-General – The Lord Casey*Prime Minister – Sir Robert Menzies , then Harold Holt-State Premiers:*Premier of New South Wales – Jack Renshaw , then Robert Askin... |
The Twilights | Adelaide Adelaide Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million... South Australia |
The Loose Ends (Victoria) | Chaos & Co (Tasmania) | * The Road Runners * The Breed * The Chosen Few * Trolls * The Modes * The Clique |
Festival Hall Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... |
| 1967 1967 in Australia -Incumbents:*Queen of Australia – Elizabeth II*Governor-General – The Lord Casey*Prime Minister – Harold Holt , then John McEwen-State premiers:*Premier of New South Wales – Robert Askin... |
The Groop The Groop The Groop were an Australian folk, R&B and rock band formed in 1964 in Melbourne, Australia and had their greatest chart success with their second line-up of Max Ross on bass, Richard Wright on drums and vocals, Don Mudie on lead guitar, Brian Cadd on keyboards and vocals, and Ronnie Charles on... |
Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... Victoria |
The Questions The Questions The Questions were a Scottish pop band, active during the late 1970s and early 1980s.-History:Although they emerged from the same scene as Orange Juice, Aztec Camera and The Bluebells, The Questions were distinguished from their peers for their blue-eyed soul sound. ... (NSW) |
The Flamingoes (Queensland) | * The Valentines The Valentines The Valentines may refer to:* The Valentines , an Australian rock 'n' roll band active from 1966-1970, chiefly noted for their lead singer, Bon Scott... * The Mystics * The Wanderers * Gus & The Nomads * James Taylor Move * J A Madison * Mickey Finn * J B J & The Originals |
Festival Hall Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... |
| 1968 1968 in Australia -Incumbents:*Monarch – Elizabeth II*Governor General – The Lord Casey*Prime Minister – John McEwen , John Gorton -State premiers:*Premier of New South Wales – Robert Askin... |
The Groove The Groove (band) Formed in mid 1967, The Groove are considered to be Australia's first "supergroup" in that all members had considerable experience behind them in a number of successful bands... |
Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... Victoria |
Masters Apprentices The Masters Apprentices The Masters Apprentices were an Australian rock band fronted by mainstay Jim Keays on lead vocals, which formed in 1965 in Adelaide, South Australia, relocated to Melbourne in February 1967 and attempted to break into the United Kingdom market from 1970, before disbanding in 1972... (South Australia) |
Doug Parkinson Doug Parkinson Douglas "Doug" Parkinson is an Australian singer who first came to fame with his band, Doug Parkinson In Focus, in 1969. He has had numerous hits on the Australian Top 40 charts.-Career:... In Focus (NSW) |
* The Marksmen * Rain * Tol Puddle Martyrs * Shades of Blue * Beat 'n Tracks * Sect * Abstract Image * Black Orchids * J A Madison |
Festival Hall Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... |
| 1969 1969 in Australia -Incumbents:*Monarch – Elizabeth II*Governor General – Lord Casey , then Sir Paul Hasluck*Prime Minister – John Gorton-State premiers:*Premier of New South Wales – Robert Askin*Premier of Queensland – Joh Bjelke-Petersen... (Main Grand Final) |
Doug Parkinson Doug Parkinson Douglas "Doug" Parkinson is an Australian singer who first came to fame with his band, Doug Parkinson In Focus, in 1969. He has had numerous hits on the Australian Top 40 charts.-Career:... in Focus |
Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... Victoria |
Aesops Fables (NSW) | The Valentines The Valentines The Valentines may refer to:* The Valentines , an Australian rock 'n' roll band active from 1966-1970, chiefly noted for their lead singer, Bon Scott... (Victoria) |
* The Avengers * Chain * Tin Pan Alley * Pepper Adams * Spice of Life * Sect * Limit * Proclamation * Clockwork Oringe * Chapter Three |
Festival Hall Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... |
| 1969 1969 in Australia -Incumbents:*Monarch – Elizabeth II*Governor General – Lord Casey , then Sir Paul Hasluck*Prime Minister – John Gorton-State premiers:*Premier of New South Wales – Robert Askin*Premier of Queensland – Joh Bjelke-Petersen... (Vocal Group Grand Final) |
The Affair The Affair The Affair may refer to:* The Dreyfus affair* extramarital affair* The Affair, a novel by C. P. Snow in the Strangers and Brothers series, published in 1959**The Affair by a 1962 Broadway play by Ronald Millar based on Snow's novel... |
Sydney Sydney Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people... NSW |
Mark VI Mark VI Mark VI or Mark 6 often refers to the sixth version of a product, frequently military hardware. "Mark", meaning "model" or "variant", can be abbreviated "Mk."Mark VI or Mark 6 can specifically refer to:-In military and weaponry:... (Queensland) |
Travis Wellington Hedge Travis Wellington Hedge Travis Wellington Hedge was an award-winning Australian pop rock band, based in Adelaide, that existed from 1968 to 1969. It was an early band of noted musician and composer Graeham Goble, who subsequently achieved success with Mississippi, Little River Band and Birtles Shorrock... (South Australia) |
* The Chiffons * 1812 * New Edition |
Fesival Hall Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... |
| 1970 1970 in Australia -Incumbents:*Prime Minister – John Gorton*Governor-General – Paul Hasluck*Premier of New South Wales – Robert Askin*Premier of South Australia – Steele Hall; Don Dunstan*Premier of Queensland – Joh Bjelke-Petersen*Premier of Tasmania – Angus Bethune... |
The Flying Circus The Flying Circus (band) The Flying Circus was a pioneering Australian country rock band who had a number of pop hits in Australia from 1968 to 1971 and then re-located to Canada from 1971 to 1974 where they also achieved a degree of success.-Beginnings:... |
Sydney Sydney Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people... NSW |
Zoot Zoot (band) Zoot are a pop/rock band formed in Adelaide, South Australia in 1965 as Down the Line. They changed their name to Zoot in 1967 and by 1968 had relocated to Melbourne... (Victoria) |
Autumn (NSW) |
* Nova Express * Axis * Sweaty Betty * Ssarb "Musick Express * Maya * Chapter III * Jug Band * Sons of Bacchus * Noddys Crew |
Capitol Theatre Sydney Sydney Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people... |
| 1971 1971 in Australia -Incumbents:*Monarch – Elizabeth II*Prime Minister – John Gorton , then William McMahon*Governor General – Paul Hasluck-State premiers:*Premier of New South Wales – Robert Askin*Premier of South Australia – Don Dunstan... |
Fraternity Fraternity (band) Fraternity were an Australian rock band which formed in Sydney in 1970 and relocated to Adelaide in 1971. Former members include successive lead vocalists Bon Scott , John Swan , and his brother Jimmy Barnes... |
Adelaide Adelaide Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million... South Australia |
Sherbet Sherbet (band) Sherbet was one of the most prominent and successful Australian rock bands of the 1970s. Their biggest singles were "Summer Love" and "Howzat" , both reaching number one in Australia. "Howzat" was also a top 5 hit in the UK. Though the band's success in the U.S... (NSW) |
Jeff St John and Copperwine (NSW) |
* Bacchus * October * Langford Lever * Pendulum * Nutmeg * Jelly Roll Big Band * Impulse * Barrelhouse |
Festival Hall Melbourne Melbourne Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... |
| 1972 1972 in Australia -Incumbents:*Queen of Australia – Elizabeth II*Governor General – Sir Paul Hasluck*Prime Minister – William McMahon, then Gough Whitlam-State premiers:*Premier of New South Wales – Sir Robert Askin*Premier of South Australia – Don Dunstan... |
Sherbet Sherbet (band) Sherbet was one of the most prominent and successful Australian rock bands of the 1970s. Their biggest singles were "Summer Love" and "Howzat" , both reaching number one in Australia. "Howzat" was also a top 5 hit in the UK. Though the band's success in the U.S... |
Sydney Sydney Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people... NSW |
Jeff St John and Copperwine (NSW) | Headband Headband A headband is a clothing accessory worn in the hair or around the forehead, usually to hold hair away from the face or eyes. Headbands generally consist of a loop of elastic material or a horseshoe-shaped piece of flexible plastic or metal... (South Australia) |
* Brandy * Jody |
Capitol Theatre Sydney Sydney Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people... |
See also
- Australian rockAustralian rockAustralian rock, sometimes called OZ Rock is used to describe the various rock and many pop bands and solo artists from Australia. Australia has a rich history of rock music and an appreciation of the roots of various rock genres, usually originating in the United States but also Britain, Ireland,...
- Timeline of trends in Australian musicTimeline of trends in Australian musicThe trend of Australian music have often mirrored those of the United States and Britain. Australian Aboriginal music during the prehistory of Australia is not well documented; this timeline will concentrate on the time since radio began broadcasting in Australia .-1950s:Because Australia had...
- Abel HoadleyAbel HoadleyAbel Hoadley was the inventor of the popular Australian confectionery bar, the Violet Crumble.He was born in Willingdon, Sussex, England, the son of Peter Hoadley and Elizabeth Ann Wheeler. Hoadley arrived in Australia in 1865...
- founder of Hoadley's Confectionery Company and inventor of the famous Violet CrumbleViolet CrumbleViolet Crumble is an Australian chocolate bar manufactured in Campbellfield near Melbourne, Australia, by Nestlé. It is one of the best selling chocolate bars in Australia. Violet Crumble is also common in Hawaii and is available in other places, including Hong Kong.The bar is a crumbly sponge...
chocolate bar.