The Substitutes

Recreating the best sounds of the 1960's with bass, drums, guitar, blues harp, piano and organ instrumentation.

Why do want us?

Are you tired of attending functions and events with music provided by a laptop computer and a couple of singers who trill to Abba songs?

Well, you might like the opportunity to hear a band with a real rhythm section led by bass player Pete Robinson from founding Sixties band "The Strangers" , playing the best music of the Sixties with a special emphasis on the British Invasion.

If you add the soaring vocals and fluid guitar work of Dennis Millar (who played in legendary 70's band "Buster Brown") and the musical colour provided by Peter Summers, a great night of entertainment and dancing is guaranteed.

What do people say about us?

"Peter, the band was just fantastic. We had no idea how good you were - everyone knew the music, we all danced, it was a great night. Rae had a wonderful birthday party". From Stuart Spurrell, husband of Rae Bernaldo, May 20, 2006.

"Hi Peter, just a line to thank you and the rest of the band for giving all of us a fantastic night on Saturday, Ken and I loved every minute of your playing. We have had so many notes from our friends, all mentioning the beaut music. Many thanks once again." From Robyn Allison and Ken Allison, Hartwoods Real Estate, email May 4, 2006.

"Your band was great and you certainly added a real buzz to the party. I had everyone asking me "Where'd you find the band?' That speaks for itself."
From Trevor Ling, East Malvern, art director and film producer, March 18, 2006.

"The Substitutes play the Paramount Cinema Club in East Brunswick this Saturday and next, for parts one and two of a three part series featuring footage from the Ed Sullivan Show. Not often Gig Guide will mention "cover" bands but catch them yourself and you’ll discover they ain’t no slouches.

All four members were in bands as early as the 60’s so they play "the best of the 60’s" with more conviction than a 20-somethings outfit ever will. They’ve also played with anyone from Angry Anderson to AC/DC members as well as local musicians like Nick Charles".
By Daniel Gregson, Age EG Gig Guide March 3 2006.

"You guys are fantastic. I've been searching to find a 60's band that sounds authentic and you guys play with real spirit. It takes me back to the days of the Thumpin Tum, Berties, The Catcher and so on".
From Jack Schwartz, Ormond, former Melbourne music promoter of such early 80's venues as Bananas, the London Tavern, the Tiger Lounge and the Paradise Club - March 4 2006.

"I didn't realise your guys were so accomplished and I loved the guitar behind the head trick. Thanks for making my birthday party truly memorable."
From Peter Dale, Surrey Hills, July 15 2005.

"Peter thanks very much for making my birthday party such a wonderful night. Everyone absolutely loved the band - it was a great 60's night".
From Judy Bridges, Hawthorn, May 14, 2005.

"That night at the Paramount in Coburg was one of the best nights we've ever had. You guys played really well, it was a big crowd and they danced all the time. You have to be the best 60's band around at the moment".
From Peter Xeni (manager and promoter of the Paramount Cinema Club).

"hi peter, just wanted to send you a note of thanks for saturday night....everyone thought you were fantastic! also peter, thanks to you and the band for being so flexible and easy to work with, i really appreciate it. kind regards dannielle".
From Dannielle De Marco, IMG Event Manager, 2003 Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series" June 26, 2003.

Where do we play

Corporate events
Functions
Birthday Parties
Hotels and Clubs

What Music Do We Play?

We play the Best of Sixties music covering the British Invasion, Flower Power, Soul and Psychedelia, for example:

The Animals, Manfred Mann, Buffalo Springfield, The Kinks, The Zombies, Small Faces;
Them, The Byrds, The Beatles, Lovin' Spoonful, The Hollies, Dave Clark Five;
Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, The Easybeats, Spencer Davis Group, The Yardbirds;
Cream, Chuck Berry, Wilson Pickett, The Four Tops, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, etc.

SONGLIST

British Invasion
Substitute - The Who
Summertime Blues - The Who
I'm a Boy - The Who
Pictures of Lily - The Who
Bus Stop - The Hollies
Rosalyn - The Pretty Things
Do Wah Diddy Diddy – Manfred Mann
Tobacco Road – Nashville Teens
She's Not There - The Zombies
The Animals

Bring it on Home to Me – The Animals
It's My Life - The Animals
When I Was Young – The Animals
We Gotta Get Out of this Place – The Animals
Don't Bring Me Down - The Animals
Go Now – Moody Blues
Baby Please Don’t Go – Them
Gloria – Them
I Can't Control Myself - The Troggs
Dave Clark Five Lazy Sunday Afternoon - Small Faces
Tin Soldier – Small Faces
Keep on Runnin' - Spencer Davis Group
Gimme Some Loving – Spencer Davis Group
Glad All Over - Dave Clark Five
I'm A Man - The Yardbirds
Shapes of Things - The Yardbirds
Oh Well (Part 1) - Fleetwood Mac
Get Away - Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames
The Easybeats Australian Rock
She's So Fine - The Easybeats
Friday on My Mind - The Easybeats
I'll Make You Happy – The Easybeats
Sorry - The Easybeats
Women - The Easybeats
Wedding Ring - The Easybeats
Everlovin' Man - The Loved Ones
Jimi Hendrix and friends Flower Power and Roots
Turn! Turn! Turn! - The Byrds
Mr Tambourine Man - The Byrds
Light My Fire - The Doors
Ohio - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Chicago – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield
Surfin' USA - The Beach Boys
Fun Fun Fun - The Beach Boys
Buffalo Springfield Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
654 3789 – Wilson Pickett
Summer in the City - Lovin' Spoonful
Did You Ever Have to Make Up You Mind - Lovin' Spoonful
Last Train to Clarkesville - The Monkees
Black Magic Woman – Santana
Let’s Get Together – The Youngbloods
Proud Mary - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Lies - The Knickerbockers
Woodstock Psychedelia
Crossroads – Cream
Sunshine of Your Love – Cream
White Room - Cream
Strange Brew - Cream
Stone Free – Jimi Hendrix Experience
Foxy Lady - Jimi Hendrix Experience
Black Night - Deep Purple
Paranoid - Black Sabbath