History of The Masters Apprentices in Timeline

The Masters Apprentices were an Australian rock band formed in Adelaide in 1964, initially named The Mustangs. They relocated to Melbourne in 1967 and attempted to gain traction in the UK market before disbanding in 1972. Known for singles like "Undecided," "Living in a Child's Dream," and "Turn Up Your Radio," the band was fronted by vocalist Jim Keays. Bassist Glenn Wheatley launched his career with the band, later becoming a prominent music industry entrepreneur and manager for artists like Little River Band and John Farnham.

June 1964: Beatles Tour Impact

In June 1964, the Australian tour of the Beatles significantly influenced The Mustangs, especially their Adelaide performance, which had a profound impact due to the large crowd turnout.

1964: Band Formation as The Mustangs

In 1964, The Masters Apprentices initially formed as The Mustangs in Adelaide, South Australia.

1964: Beatles record broken in Brisbane

In August 1969, The Masters Apprentices broke The Beatles' 1964 attendance record in Brisbane.

1965: Introduction of Conscription

In 1965, the controversial introduction of conscription in Australia influenced Bower's writing of "Wars or Hands of Time".

1965: Band Renamed as The Masters Apprentices

In late 1965, The Mustangs renamed themselves as "The Masters Apprentices".

August 1966: First Visit to Melbourne

In August 1966, The Masters Apprentices made their first visit to Melbourne, leaving a strong impression with showcase performances at the city's leading discotheques.

October 1966: Go-Set Published National Singles Charts

Since October 1966 Go-Set published national singles charts.

1966: Popularity in Adelaide

By early 1966, The Masters Apprentices became one of the most popular beat bands in Adelaide.

1966: Stan Rofe's Support

During their second trip to Melbourne in late 1966, local radio DJ Stan Rofe started playing "Undecided" regularly, impressed by their raw sound and wild stage act.

1966: Keays Avoids Draft

In 1966, Jim Keays, at 20 years old, avoided being drafted for the Vietnam War by signing with the Citizens Military Force (CMF).

1966: Recommendation to Astor Records

Later in 1966, Bobby Bright of Bobby & Laurie recommended The Masters Apprentices to Astor Records after sharing a gig with them.

February 1967: Relocation to Melbourne

In February 1967, The Masters Apprentices relocated from Adelaide to Melbourne, Victoria, to further their music career.

May 1967: "Buried and Dead" Single Release and Sydney Appearance

In May 1967, The Masters Apprentices released "Buried and Dead" as their second single and made a live appearance on the TCN-9 pop show Saturday Date in Sydney.

June 1967: Debut LP Release

In June 1967, Astor released The Masters Apprentices' self-titled debut LP, featuring earlier singles and original songs.

June 1967: Morrison's Departure

In June 1967, lead guitarist Rick Morrison was forced to quit The Masters Apprentices after suffering a collapsed lung, and was replaced by Tony Summers.

August 1967: "Living in a Child's Dream" Release

In August 1967, The Masters Apprentices released "Living in a Child's Dream", considered an early example of Australian psychedelic rock, which reached the Top Ten in most Australian capitals.

September 1967: Bower's Nervous Breakdown

In September 1967, while touring Tasmania, Mick Bower suffered a severe nervous breakdown and was ordered to give up performing, leading to his hospitalization.

October 1967: Hyde Park Concert Riot

On October 14, 1967, The Masters Apprentices' free concert in Sydney's Hyde Park ended in a riot due to a crowd surge, forcing police to shut it down.

1967: Career Crossroads

As 1967 ended, The Master Apprentices found their career reaching a critical point as they still lacked a song writer.

January 1968: Band Reorganization

In January 1968, Jim Keays reorganized The Masters Apprentices, with Colin Burgess joining as the new drummer and Doug Ford joining on guitar.

February 1968: "Elevator Driver" Release

In February 1968, The Masters Apprentices released "Elevator Driver" (originally titled "Silver People") as their fourth single, accompanied by a film clip.

March 1968: Webb's Marriage

In March 1968, Gavin Webb married Suzette Belle, the President of the Beatles Australian Fan Club.

April 1968: Gavin Webb forced to quit

In April 1968, bassist Gavin Webb had to quit The Masters Apprentices due to stomach ulcers. Keays approached Beeb Birtles for the role but he declined. Keays then met Darryl Sambell, who became the band's manager.

June 1968: "Brigette" released

In June 1968, The Masters Apprentices released "Brigette" on EMI, marking the debut of the Ford/Keays writing partnership. This was also their last recording for Astor.

July 1968: Go-Set article "Sex is thrust upon us"

In July 1968, Go-Set published an article titled "Sex is thrust upon us", based on an interview with Keays by Lily Brett, exposing the groupie scene.

August 1968: Astor releases "But One Day"

In August 1968, Astor released "But One Day" as a single from their debut LP. The band urged fans not to buy it and it failed to chart.

December 1968: Tilbrook leaves and cruise ship incident

In December 1968, Tilbrook left the band, leading Wheatley to switch to bass guitar. Around the same time, the band discovered that Darryl Sambell had failed to inform them about a job offer for work on a London-bound cruise liner.

1968: Go-Set Pop Poll and Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds

In 1968, The Masters Apprentices were named 'Most Original Group' in the Go-Set Pop Poll. They also participated in the 1968 Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds, winning their South Australian heat against Zoot and finishing as runners-up in the national final in Melbourne in July.

1968: Stockpiling tracks since signed with EMI

The Masters Apprentices had been stockpiling tracks since they signed with EMI, in February their long delayed second LP Masterpiece was released.

March 1969: "Linda Linda" / "Merry-Go-Round" released

In March 1969, The Masters Apprentices released "Linda Linda" / "Merry-Go-Round" on EMI, marking the beginning of their collaboration with Howard Gable. "Linda Linda" fell into a similar category as UK songs like "Winchester Cathedral".

July 1969: "5:10 Man" released

In July 1969, The Masters Apprentices released the single "5:10 Man". It peaked at No. 16 on the Go-Set Singles Chart.

August 1969: Operation Starlift Tour

In August 1969, The Masters Apprentices participated in the Operation Starlift Tour with other artists. They broke The Beatles' 1964 attendance record in Brisbane.

1969: First EMI single recorded

In 1969, The Masters Apprentices recorded their first single for EMI at Armstrong's Studios, but it was not released until early 1969.

1969: Prize for breaking into UK market

Since receiving their prize in the Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds in mid-1969, The Masters Apprentices were set on breaking into the UK market.

1969: Wheatley takes on management and booking

Throughout 1969, Wheatley became more involved in managing and booking the group to avoid over-exposure.

April 1970: "Turn Up Your Radio" released

In April 1970, EMI released "Turn Up Your Radio", produced by Gable. Keays was allegedly drunk during vocal recording. Despite the radio ban, the song reached No. 7 nationally.

May 1970: Departure for UK

On 25 May 1970, The Masters Apprentices boarded the Fairsky for the UK, marking their attempt to break into the UK market.

1970: Attempt to Break into UK Market

In 1970, The Masters Apprentices attempted to break into the United Kingdom market.

1970: Drum Booking Agency established

In early 1970, The Masters Apprentices parted with Sambell and set up their own booking agency, Drum, in Drummond St Carlton.

1970: Voted top group in Go-Set Pop Poll

While in the UK, The Masters Apprentices were voted top group in the 1970 Go-Set Pop Poll, and both of their 1970 singles had been hits.

January 1971: National tour begins and live LP recorded

In January 1971, The Masters Apprentices started their national tour in Perth. Howard Gable recorded their first show, resulting in the live LP Nickelodeon.

February 1971: Release of "I'm Your Satisfier"

In February 1971, The Masters Apprentices released "I'm Your Satisfier" while touring Australia.

April 1971: Release of "Choice Cuts" album

In April 1971, "Choice Cuts" was released in Australia and reached #11 on the Go-Set Top 20 Album Charts.

May 1971: "Choice Cuts" receives acclaim in the UK

In May 1971, John Halsall informed the band that "Choice Cuts" was receiving positive reviews in the English music press, and "I'm Your Satisfier" had entered the Top 10 in France. The band was urged to return to London.

June 1971: Two tracks released as singles

In June 1971, two tracks from the live album Nickelodeon were released as singles.

September 1971: Recording at Abbey Road Studios

In September 1971, The Masters Apprentices returned to Abbey Road Studios to record their new album. They recorded in Studio Two at the same time that John Lennon was making his John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band album in Studio One.

1971: Struggling to regain popularity

By 1971, after returning to Australia, The Masters Apprentices struggled to regain their previous popularity initially, but a gig at Chequers in Sydney helped revive momentum.

January 1972: Release of "A Toast to Panama Red"

In January 1972, EMI released the album "A Toast to Panama Red".

1972: Band Disbanded

In 1972, The Masters Apprentices disbanded after attempting to break into the UK market.

1972: Band Members Departures and Line-up Changes

In 1972, Wheatley left the band to focus on management, followed by Keays' departure to return to Australia. Ford and Burgess continued with Denny Burgess on bass before the band split up in mid-1972.

March 1973: Keays in The Who's Tommy

In March 1973, Keays played 'The Lover' in the Australian version of The Who's rock opera, Tommy.

August 1974: Release of "Rio de Camero" / "Thyme to Rhyme" single

In August 1974, EMI released "Rio de Camero" / "Thyme to Rhyme" as a single, which garnered airplay but did not chart.

1974: Wheatley moves into management

In 1974, Wheatley began his career in management, applying lessons learned from his time with the band.

January 1975: Premiere of Boy from the Stars

In January 1975, Keays premiered his concept LP, Boy from the Stars, at the Sunbury Pop Festival, with Wheatley joining for their last performance together in over ten years.

1975: Because I Love You Video

The simple but effective clip "Because I Love You" was filmed on a chilly autumn morning on Hampstead Heath. Black-and-white prints were shown many times on Australian TV, where colour was not introduced until 1975, but it was shot in colour, as were several other clips for tracks from the LP.

1976: Wheatley guides Little River Band

In 1976, Wheatley guided Little River Band to their American commercial breakthrough.

1977: Wheatley guides Little River Band

In 1977, Wheatley guided Little River Band to their American commercial breakthrough.

1980: Wheatley manages John Farnham

From 1980, Wheatley managed John Farnham and oversaw his career revival.

1981: Release of Hands of Time compilation LP

In 1981, a revival of interest in The Masters Apprentices led to the release of the "Hands of Time" compilation LP by Raven Records.

1986: Wheatley finances Whispering Jack

In 1986, Wheatley financed John Farnham's hugely successful album, Whispering Jack.

August 1987: Reunion on Hey Hey It's Saturday

In August 1987, the classic Burgess, Ford, Keays and Wheatley line-up reunited for a "Back to the 1960s" special on the TV show Hey Hey It's Saturday.

1987: Band Reformed

The Masters Apprentices reformed in 1987 and again subsequently.

1988: Reunion Tour and Album Release

In 1988, The Masters Apprentices undertook a reunion tour and released an album, "Do What You Wanna Do", featuring new and earlier songs.

1988: Band Reformed

The Masters Apprentices reformed in 1988 and again subsequently.

September 1995: Release of new version of "Turn Up Your Radio"

In September 1995, the group, minus Wheatley, released a new version of "Turn Up Your Radio" recorded with Hoodoo Gurus.

November 1998: Burgess brothers car accident

In November 1998, Colin and Denny Burgess were severely injured in a car accident.

1998: Induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame

In 1998, The Masters Apprentices were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and honoured with a commemorative stamp.

1998: ARIA Hall of Fame Induction

In 1998, The Masters Apprentices were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame at the ARIA Music Awards.

1999: Keays and Wheatley memoirs released

In 1999, Ford, Keays and Wheatley reunited at the launch of Keays' memoirs, and all of The Masters Apprentices' original albums were re-released and remastered.

1999: Memoirs Published

In 1999, Jim Keays released "His Master's Voice" and Glenn Wheatley released "Paper Paradise", both memoirs including their experiences with the band.

June 2000: Screening of Turn Up Your Video documentary

In June 2000, ABC-TV screened an edited version of the documentary "Turn Up Your Video", accompanied by the release of the full-length home video.

2000: Keays Tours with Cotton Keays & Morris

From 2000, Keays toured as a member of Cotton Keays & Morris with 1960s artists Darryl Cotton and Russell Morris.

March 2001: Gimme Ted benefit concert

In March 2001, The Masters Apprentices reunited for the Gimme Ted benefit concert.

August 2001: Long Way to the Top series

In August 2001, Keays featured in the ABC-TV series Long Way to the Top discussing early work and pub rock.

September 2002: Long Way to the Top tour

In September 2002, The Masters Apprentices participated in the Long Way to the Top national concert tour.

2004: "Mustangs to Masters ... First Year Apprentices" CD Release

In 2004, a tape recording of a Mustangs rehearsal was rediscovered and released on CD as "Mustangs to Masters ... First Year Apprentices".

October 2005: Benefit concert for Lobby Loyde

In October 2005, The Masters Apprentices performed at a benefit concert in Melbourne for former Rose Tattoo guitarist Lobby Loyde.

October 2010: Master's Apprentices listed in 100 Best Australian Albums

In October 2010, their 1967 debut album, Master's Apprentices, was listed in the top 40 in the book, 100 Best Australian Albums.

June 2014: Death of Jim Keays

In June 2014, Jim Keays died from pneumonia related to multiple myeloma.

2014: Induction to the South Australian Music Hall of Fame

In 2014, at the band's induction to the South Australian Music Hall of Fame, the original Mustangs members reformed as The 1965 Masters Apprentices.

2015: Peter Tilbrook Biography Release

In 2015, Peter Tilbrook released his biography, "A Masters Apprentice, Living In The Sixties".

2020: Reformation with Original Members

As of 2020, original members Mick Bower, Brian Vaughton, Gavin Webb and Rick Harrison performed as the Masters Apprentics with Bill Harrod on bass guitar and Craig Holden on lead vocals.

2020: Band continues in original format

As of 2020, the band continues in their original five-piece format featuring original members Mick Bower, Brian Vaughton, Gavin Webb and Rick Harrison along with bassist Bill Harrod and lead singer Craig Holden.