The Rayders
The Rayders were based at Three Musicians Club in Hamilton from early until late 1966, after relocating from Auckland. Prior to being called the The Rayders, the band went by the name The Seakers, but changed it in 1965 due to confusion with Australian group the Seekers. However, the band members were identical between the two groups. Before obtaining the Seakers moniker, most of the band were in Gene and the Dynamites, but reverted to the name The Seakers after the departure of vocalist Gene Campbell.
Immediately prior to moving to Hamilton, the Rayders lineup was Brian McCarthy (lead guitar), Lyndsay Mulholland (bass), Ray Mulholland (drums) and Owen 'Danny' Campbell (guitar). In Auckland they had residency at nightclub The Galaxie. Chris Collier (bass) replaced Mullholland when the band shifted to Hamilton, and in mid-1966 Clive Coulson joined as vocalist. Prior to the Rayders disbanding in late 1966, Collier was replaced by Kevin McNeil (ex-the Mods). In Hamilton the band recorded two singles, Its All Over Now Baby Blue and Working Man. After the demise of The Rayders, McNeil reformed The Mods with Coulson.
Releases
You Could Have Fooled Me single, 1964 (as the Seakers)
A Long Long Time single, 1964 (as the Seakers, NZ), 1965 (as the Rayders, Aus)
Platter-Rack Raid With The Rayders album, 1965
Little Egypt single, 1965
I Cry single, 1965
Its All Over Now Baby Blue single, 1966
Working Man single, 1966
Little Egypt appears on the 2004 compilation The Very Best Of Kiwi Rock and Roll
