Little
River Band was the first Australian band to successfully conquer
foreign markets from an Australian base.
Within eight months of their birth, LRB had already scored three
Australian Top 20 singles and two Top Ten albums. In 1976, after
their self-titled debut album was released in the USA, the long
grind of 13 US tours in eight years had begun.
By 1982 they became the only act – from anywhere – to have a
top ten US single for six consecutive years.
Headlining their own major shows in America, and touring
internationally with the likes of the Doobie Brothers, Supertramp,
America, and the Eagles was a huge learning curve that honed LRB
into one of the finest live bands in the world.
Record success ran alongside – total record sales around the
world have eclipsed the 25 million mark. 16 hit singles by 1985,
as well as gold, platinum, and multi-platinum album sales awards.
All-told LRB have notched up eight top 10 singles in the US, where
just two of their songs, "Reminiscing"
and "Lady", have more than
8 million radio plays between them.
Through the years LRB has thrived as a highly respected and
constantly in-demand outfit, going about their craft with a
dedication to excellence and professionalism that few, if any, can
match.
The present Little River Band lineup is stronger than ever; there
is a new element of youthfulness and vitality, anchored by leader
and consummate guitarist Stephen Housden, an LRB mainstay for 25
consecutive years, and American bass player Wayne Nelson, who
began his LRB career in 1980. The following year Wayne debuted as
lead vocalist on the top ten hits "The Night Owls" and "Take
It Easy On Me", and continues in that role today.
Stephen and Wayne have more years of service than anyone
throughout the band’s illustrious history.
Guitarist/vocalist Greg Hind has been an integral part of the
bands current sound since 2000. Before joining LRB, Greg played
and sang with many well-known artists including Thelma Houston,
Kylie Minogue, and Bachelor Girl.
Billy Thomas (drums & vocals) grew up playing and singing in
rock bands around his hometown of Ft Myers, FL. He later moved to
Los Angeles where he toured with Rick Nelson, Mac Davis, and the
Hudson Brothers. After relocating to Nashville, he has recorded
and/or toured with Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Emmylou Harris,
Marty Stuart, and Earl Scruggs, as well as having great success as
part of MCA recording act McBride & The Ride.
Chris Marion (keyboards and vocals) was born on Elvis’ 27th
birthday. After studying music in college, Chris moved to
Nashville and began his playing career, with his music garnering
nominations for 4 Dove awards from the Gospel Music Assoc. He has
toured and recorded with artists like Steven Curtis Chapman, Brent
Lamb, and Keith Longbotham. In 1992, he joined with partner Danny
Myrick to form Western Flyer and later worked with artists such as
Garth Brooks, The Oak Ridge Boys, Doug Stone, and Charlie Chase.
Nelson remarks of the changes “after 25 years, the prospect of
looking for American musicians to be part of LRB was challenging
but ultimately rewarding. Chris and Billy are very talented; they
respect the history of the band and want to do what's right for
the songs, but they also bring something new to the table with
their experience and their versatility. As they settle in and
start throwing in new ideas, we all seem to get a new lease of
life. We're having a lot of fun exploring new ways to deliver the
songs - still recognizable and powerful, but with new twists that
will delight those fans who like to listen deep and analyze. And,
in a kind of "back to the future" way, we're digging
into the vaults and rearranging some older songs while
collaborating on new material as well. Don't be surprised if a new
CD doesn't get birthed by this line up ...."
Throw in Housden’s remarkable guitar playing, and the additional
songwriting talents of all the members, and it’s easy to see why
audiences still go as crazy for this band today as they did 30
years ago. In 2004 alone, more than 100 shows were played out from
New Zealand to Canada, with the USA covered as never before. From
Portland to Fort Lauderdale and New York to LA, fans of the band
were treated to an entertaining mix of classic songs and new
material, delivered as always with that trademark LRB blend of
impeccable vocals, soaring harmonies, kick-ass playing and the
unmistakable feeling of a band really enjoying itself.
LRB continues to look to the future, and according to Housden
“the band is sounding better than ever and can’t wait to get
back on stage each night”. Capacity crowds across America and
beyond continue to attest the enduring appeal of Little River Band
… on CD and in concert. The future promises to be a very special
one for a band that really has withstood the test of time.
Little
River Band was the first Australian band to successfully conquer
foreign markets from an Australian base.
