The Night before fame

THE EASYBEATS -(The night before Fame)
Did you know that back in the early sixties the Easybeats used to practice in the garage of their first drummer Rene` Stevens who lived in Guilford NSW?
In the beginning only 2 of the original band could play guitar properly.
Harry Vanda (Johannes Vanderberg) and George Young (older brother of AC/DC’s Angus Young). Rene` Stevens (another Hollander)and Dick Diamonde (Dingeman Van Der Sluys) were still learning to play the Drums and Bass guitar.
Harry and George lived next door to each other in the Villawood Migrant Hostel.
Rene` and Dick lived in the Suburb of Guilford.
When the band felt that they were ready to "have a go" they started playing at weddings and Social dances around the Parramatta and Guilford areas. Every time they played they became more popular with each Gig. It was at one of those Venues that someone noticed how well the band played and contacted them to set up an interview.

One Thursday night "Rene" (who was studying a Tech Exam for the following day) received a very exited Harry Vanda on his doorstep. Harry said that Rene` had better get himself ready right there and then because they had to play straight away that night at a local Hall because a talent scout was there to listen to the band.
Unfortunately for Rene` his father (who himself played saxophone and clarinet in a band) was concerned about his Son’s future as a Musician and told them to forget about it for the night.
The rest is well ‘documented history’ the band played on!
They found a new drummer in Snowy Fleet and became one of the best bands to originate in this country.
I also remember that Harry's famous Hoffner Guitar was bought from Rene's Austrian Neighbour. Back in the early sixties the Easy Beats consisted of only 1 Scot (George) (George' brothers were not ready yet. "they were only around five and six years old at the time" and very cheeky I may add ) the others were Harry, Dick & Rene' 3 Dutchman. The 4th (Also Dutch) being the Author of this post and who used to drive them around in his car, help set-up stage and fix some of their amps. I also worked for Rene's Dad. (Signed the first EasyBeats Roady)- The Golden Dragon.