Bryan Bates

... with The Tracers

ROCKHAPPENZ Public Collection

Bryan Bates - originally from Dunedin and latterly a successful vocalist on the Christchurch scene, before moving to Australia ....

Bryan Bates was the vocalist in Invercargil group "The Tracers" in the early 60s, and he compèred the Rolling Stones/Roy Orbison concert in Invercargill in 1965.  After relocating to Christchurch, he eventually made the move to Australia, where he recorded for EMI in Sydney under ace producer Peter Dawkins.  During his time in Christchurch, Bryan was a member of a group known as "Solid State" which subsequently became "Trak".  He recorded a single for Viking Records - If I Smile // If Music Be The Food Of Love which was submitted by Viking Records as an entry for the Loxene Gold Disc Award in 1970

If I Smile  –  VS.255a
Side One  —  New Zealand release

Invercargil's pride and joy - The Tracers
Clockwise:  Vern Jenkins (Lead and Rhythm Guitars), Lex Jenkins (Bass Guitar),
Mike Hope (Drums), Brian Dean (Lead and Rhythm Guitar) and Bryan Bates (Vocals)

If I Smile  –  BA-211918a
Side One  —  Australian release

If Music Be The Food Of Love  –  VS.255b
Side Two  —  New Zealand release