Long-Haired Pop Groups Unpopular

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30939, 21 December 1965, Page 13

Long-Haired Pop Groups Unpopular

A New Zealand pop group which has returned for a New Zealand tour after eight months in Australia is decidedly opposed to the long-haired, dirty-clothed members of its fraternity.

The Librettos —Lou Dsrun. aged 21, Brian Peacock, aged 19. Craig Coilins, aged 17, and Rod Stone, aged 20, who became popular in New Zealand with the television series “Let’s Go,” found that in Australia up until a few months ago pop groups were very unpopular among show promoters. To get jobs, the Librettos had to bill themselves “a vocal and instrumental quartet.”

“In Sydney alone there would have been almost 1000 groups,” said Rod Stone. “They were some of the dirtiest, untidiest, longest-haired types imaginable. People came to see them because they were unconventional and sang protest songs. They couldn’t have any lasting popularity though, because they depended so much on effect.” Parental Approval "Groups must appeal to parents because most audiences are young. If parents disapprove of us we don’t get an audience,” he said. The group found that, although New Zealand audiences are more appreciative, Australian audiences are more demanding. “There are three commercial radio stations in Sydney, playing pop music 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Records can make anybody sound good, so live perform-

ers have a pretty high standard to meet.” The manager of the Libretto;, Mr lan Dawson, said that for any New Zealand group, Australia was a “must.”

“With the small population in New Zealand, even the best group can get stale. In Australia, once the initial breakthrough is made, there are almost limitless opportunities, and New Zealand groups are generally well received,” he said. After their Christchurch en. gagements are completed, the Librettos will give performances in Wellington, Auckland and Nelson before returning to Australia.