Little River Band - A Long Way There

Little River Band was the first Australian band to successfully conquer foreign markets from an Australian base.

Within eight months of their birth, LRB had already scored three Australian Top 20 singles and two Top Ten albums. In 1976, after their self-titled debut album was released in the USA, the long grind of 13 US tours in eight years had begun.

By 1982 they became the only act – from anywhere – to have a top ten US single for six consecutive years.

Headlining their own major shows in America, and touring internationally with the likes of the Doobie Brothers, Supertramp, America, and the Eagles was a huge learning curve that honed LRB into one of the finest live bands in the world.

Record success ran alongside – total record sales around the world have eclipsed the 25 million mark. 16 hit singles by 1985, as well as gold, platinum, and multi-platinum album sales awards. All-told LRB have notched up eight top 10 singles in the US, where just two of their songs, Reminiscing and Lady, have more than 8 million radio plays between them.

Through the years LRB has thrived as a highly respected and constantly in-demand outfit, going about their craft with a dedication to excellence and professionalism that few, if any, can match.

The Little River Band of 2007 is stronger than ever; there is a new element of youthfulness and vitality, anchored by leader and consummate lead vocalist / bass guitarist Wayne Nelson, who began his LRB career in 1980. The following year Wayne debuted as lead vocalist on the top ten hits "The Night Owls" and "Take It Easy On Me", and continues in that role today. Wayne has more years of active service than anyone throughout the band’s illustrious history.

Guitarist/vocalist Greg Hind has been an integral part of the bands current sound since 2000. As a songwriter and arranger, has contributed greatly to the original material of our last several recordings projects. He also provides great leadership in the direction of the stage show that garners so much positive attention from fans as well as colleagues in the rock and roll community. Before joining LRB, Greg played and sang with many well-known artists including Thelma Houston, Kylie Minogue, and Bachelor Girl.

Chris Marion (keyboards and vocals) was born on Elvis’ 27th birthday and began touring at age 4 with a family musical act. After studying psychology and music in college, Chris moved to Nashville to begin a music career touring and recording with artists like Steven Curtis Chapman, Shenandoah, Shannon Brown and even worked on the Grand Old Opry with artists including Jeannie Seely, Jim Ed Brown and Little Jimmy Dickens. In 1992, he joined with partner Danny Myrick to form country act Western Flyer and later worked with artists such as Garth Brooks, The Oak Ridge Boys, Doug Stone, and Charlie Chase. As a songwriter and composer, his music has garnered 4 Dove nominations from the Gospel Music Assoc. He took over the keyboard position for LRB in late 2004.

Rich Herring (guitar and vocals) was born and raised in Lake Park, GA. Although he began playing toy guitars at age 4, it didn't take long to move from lessons to making a living playing real guitars by high school. Moving to Nashville in 1993 with a publishing deal, Rich has spent the last 14 years writing, producing, and playing on recording sessions with the likes of Shane McAnally, Steve Holy, Chris Cagle, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Aaron Tippin. As a performer, Rich has shared the stage with Sam Moore, Percy Sledge, The Beach Boys, Tim McGraw and other world class performers but since 2006, we're proud to count him as the lead guitarist for Little River Band.

Mel Watts (drums & vocals) Born an army brat, living in Okinawa, Japan, Belgium, and Germany. Mel comes from a family of musicians. His grandfather was a ho-down fiddler from Eastern Kentucky. He started playing at 10, making money at 13, dreams led to music. After high school, he joined the Dave Perkins Band and toured with The Allman Brothers, Charley Daniels, Little Feat, Rossington Collins Band, The Hooters, Badfinger and Bonnie Bramlett. Mel lived in NYC during this time. Came home to Nashville to join Earl Thomas Conley where he played on 3 number one Country Hits.

Nelson remarks of the changes “after 25 years, the prospect of looking for American musicians to be part of LRB was challenging but ultimately rewarding. Chris, Rich and Mel are very talented; they respect the history of the band and want to do what's right for the songs, but they also bring something new to the table with their experience and their versatility. As they settle in and start throwing in new ideas, we all seem to get a new lease of life. We're having a lot of fun exploring new ways to deliver the songs - still recognizable and powerful, but with new twists that will delight those fans who like to listen deep and analyze. And, in a kind of "back to the future" way, we're digging into the vaults and rearranging some older songs while collaborating on new material as well".

With this refreshing combination of talent and professionalism, it’s easy to see why audiences still go as crazy for this band today as they did 33 years ago. Last year alone more than 110 shows were played out from Mexico to Canada, with the USA covered as never before. From Portland to Fort Lauderdale and New York to LA, fans of the band were treated to an entertaining mix of classic songs and new material, delivered as always with that trademark LRB blend of impeccable vocals, soaring harmonies, kick-ass playing and the unmistakable feeling of a band really enjoying itself.

In 2006, long time lead guitarist Stephen Housden began taking a hiatus from touring to work on a couple of solo projects but remains part of the management and direction of the organization. LRB continues to look to the future, and according to Housden “the band is sounding better than ever and can’t wait to get back on stage each night”. Capacity crowds across America and beyond continue to attest the enduring appeal of Little River Band…on CD and in concert.

Original albums

1975 Little River Band
1976 After Hours
1977 Diamantina Cocktail
1978 Sleeper Catcher
1979 First Under The Wire
1980 Backstage Pass
1981 Time Exposure
1983 The Net
1984 Playing to Win
1986 No Reins
1986 Too Late to Load
1988 Monsoon
1990 Get Lucky
1991 Worldwide Love
1992 Live Classics
2000 Where We Started From
2002 One Night in Mississippi
2003 Test of Time
2006 Re-arranged
2006 Standing Room Only / Little River Band Live
2007 We Call It Christmas

Current members

Wayne Nelson (bass, lead vocals)
Greg Hind (guitar, vocals)
Chris Marion (keyboards, vocals)
Mel Watts (drums)
Rich Herring (guitar, vocals)