Sounds Unlimited

aka The Cyclones


From dance bands, show bands and novelty acts, to UK-inspired beat groups, West Coast acid rock, funk, soul and R&B bands with original music and wild stage acts; and in between, a solid core of middle-of-the road soft pop for the masses.

Throughout the mid to late sixties the musical landscape was in constant upheaval. Sounds Unlimited were big news in Wellington, but through a series of minor disasters and a lack of direction, their considerable talents were not enough to sustain them.

The Flares Show Band with Johnny McCormick (sax) and Maurice Greer (drums, later of The Four Fours and The Human Instinct) at rear
Photo credit: Alan Galbraith collection
Playdate magazine, July 1966 - Mr. Lee Grant's new solo career and Alan Galbraith joins Sounds Unlimited
Shiny suits were all the rage. The Cyclones, immediately before becoming Sounds Unlimited.
Photo credit: Alan Galbraith collection
Sounds Unlimited at Wellington's Monaco club, July 23, 1966
Photo credit: Alan Galbraith collection
Sounds Unlimited at The Cauldron, Wanganui, July 1967
The Cyclones around 1964, from left rear: Mike Findlay, Ken Climo, Morris O'Keefe, Paddy Beach. Front: Bogdan Kominowski, Bernie Findlay (piano)
Photo credit: Alan Galbraith collection
The Flares Show Band play the Nurses Ball, PDC Winter Gardens, Palmerston North
Photo credit: Alan Galbraith collection
Advert for The Flares Show Band in Palmerston North
Sounds Unlimited with Alan Galbraith (up ladder), who joined in 1966. From left: Bernie, Paddy, Mike, John, Alan, Reno.
Photo credit: Alan Galbraith collection
The Sounds Unlimited Packard hearse, used as a band vehicle
The Cyclones MkII, 1964: (rear) Mike Findlay, Frank McOviney, Lou Noaro, (front) Paddy Beach, Bernie Findlay
Photo credit: Alan Galbraith collection
The Cauldron, Wanganui, July 1967
Nelson Evening Mail, August 1966
Sounds Unlimited arrive in Wellington, 1966
The Cyclones' first practice with Bogdan Kominowski (later Mr Lee Grant). Mike Findlay (left) Bernie Findlay (rear) Paddy Beach (out of shot)
Photo credit: Alan Galbraith collection
Sounds Unlimited: Paddy Beach, Reno Tehei, Mike Findlay, Johnny McCormick, Bernie Findlay and Alan Galbraith
Sounds Unlimited aboard the luxury cruise liner Ellinis, bound for London
Photo credit: Alan Galbraith collection
Sounds Unlimited aboard the luxury cruise liner Ellinis, bound for London. The new band was (rear) Ben Kaika on bass, Paddy Beach, (front) Johnny McCormick, Alan Galbraith, Reno Tehei.
Sounds Unlimited at Wellington's Monaco club, July 23, 1966
Photo credit: Alan Galbraith collection
The Flares Show Band at Palmerston North Teacher's Training College
Photo credit: Alan Galbraith collection
Nelson, November 3, 1966
Sounds Unlimited, 1967: Reno Tehei, Ben Kaika, Johnny McCormick, Paddy Beach and Alan Galbraith
Sounds Unlimited in Christchurch, August 1967
Sounds Unlimited in Wanganui, July 1967
The Cyclones in 1965 after Johnny McCormick (on floor) joined the band
Photo credit: Alan Galbraith collection
Members:

Mike Findlay - bass

Bernie Findlay - piano

Paddy Beach - drums

Mr Lee Grant - vocals

Morris O'Keefe - guitar

Frank McOviney - guitar

Lou Noaro - guitar

Ken Climo - guitar

Robbie Waite - guitar

Mark Tournquist - guitar

Alan Galbraith - vocals

Mike Griffin - guitar

Doug Clarkson - bass

Johnny McCormick - saxophone

Reno Tehei - guitar

Ben Kaika - bass

Labels:

HMV

Trivia:

Alan Galbraith became one of New Zealand's most successful producers of the 1970s, with records by Space Waltz and Mark Williams included in his extensive credits.

Paddy Beach was later in the Australian band The Valentines with AC/DC's Bon Scott.

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