The Purple Hearts

Back in the sixties a band was formed in Brisbane that captured the British R&B sound. The Purple Hearts rapidly became Brisbane's most high profile band and their performances became the stuff of legend. Read about their history and impact here on frontman Mick Hadley's website.

The band left Brisbane to play in Sydney and Melbourne but broke up in the late sixties. Australia's greatest guitarist, Lobby Loyde, was part of the Purple Hearts. He went on to play with Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs, had his own bands The Wild Cherries and the Coloured Balls, and even had a short stint in Rose Tattoo.

The band reformed at the end of last year to play the Woodford Festival and repeated that a couple of weeks ago to play at the Troubador and the Waterloo Hotel in Brisbane. The company I'm involved in, VASE guitar and base amplification, supplied the gear for the recent shows.  They were special nights, both for the Purple Hearts and for VASE, reappearing on the Brisbane music scene after many years' absence.

Some photos from the Waterloo show are in a new photo album I've put up on the blog.

We videoed the night as well and a DVD of this historic performance will be available in a few weeks.

Comments

[Cate]

I was wondering if there was still no release date yet on the reunion dvd?
Thanks
Cate

[Paul]

Great guitar Andrew.I'm a bit partial to a white guitar. My last two have been Gretsch White Falcon and a white teardrop Vox six string (Brian Jones model). Had it shipped out from the States a few years ago. Great sound.

[Andrew Ainsworth]

Paul,

Thanks for your quick reply. Yes I have seen the photos.

Just recently I have bought myself a 1962 reissue Fender Jaguar in Olympic White. This is the same guitar that Lobby used from his 'Arts days to Sunbury in the early 70's.

Andrew

[Paul]

Hi Andrew

The DVD hasn't been released yet. I'll announce on this blog when it is out - a bit later this year we expect. Yes, the shows were great. You've probably seen some of my shots from the Waterloo Hotel show on the blog.

[Andrew Ainsworth]

I have just read your article & was wondering how do I go about getting the DVD. I was at the Trabadour show & got the bands autographs. A splendid night.

Thanks
Andrew