One impetus for AudioCulture’s story about The Shiralee was to highlight the collection of photos taken at the venue by nightlife photographer John Rykenberg and to identify those shown in them. In 2018 AudioCulture ran a full story on Rykenberg and his team, who made a living in the 1960s by taking photos of people who were out for the night, then selling the photos back to them once they’d been printed the next day.

Auckland Libraries now holds his archive of over 900 boxes of rolls of film and AudioCulture is helping to identify some of the people shown in the images. We’d greatly appreciate it if readers are able to identify any of the musicians in the photos below.

First, we have a solo performer who looks a bit like comedy songwriter Rod Derrett: Christchurch readers have now confirmed that this is indeed correct. 

Rod Derrett at the Shiralee. - Auckland Libraries 1269-E072604

This band below includes bassist Peter Cox, who played in Red Hewitt and the Buccaneers around this time. Are any of the other musicians familiar? Update: The guitarist on the right has been identified as Jimmy Murphy (Freddie Keil & The Kavaliers; Anne & Jimmy Murphy). On the left is Billy Peters (Wiremu Pita, Nitebeats, Māori Volcanics).

Mystery band with Peter Cox in the centre at the front; Billy Peters is on the left, and Jimmy Murphy on the right.  - Auckland Libraries 1269_E0701_16. 

In their tidy matching vests, the band below looks as if it may have been an instrumental group in the mode of The Shadows. It’s certainly impressive that the musicians not only matched their clothes, but also their guitars. Update: the band has been identified as The Crescendos by the bass player, Ross Dudley. Ellyett later played keyboards in Dallas Four. 

The Crescendos at the Shiralee (L-R): Ross Dudley, bass; Jimmy Ellyett, guitar; Terrance Dudley, drums; Rhys Rogers, rhythm guitar. - Auckland Libraries 1269-E0705-05

The group below has more of a showband look about it, with those very flashy waistcoats! The saxophonist has been identified as William “Willie” Wetere who passed away on 22 May 2022 – thanks to his grandson and niece for their help. Update: Dave (“Red”) Williamson emailed us to say he is on drums in this photo. He also played in Gene & The Dynamites, Sundowners, and many other bands. We are yet to discover who the other players are, or the name of the band.

Mystery band number three. - Auckland Libraries 1269_E0701_16

The trio below seems to have turned up with an acoustic guitar and an acoustic bass, then played using just the vocal microphone to pick up both their singing and their instruments. They have gone to the trouble of wearing matching outfits. 

Unknown band, Shiralee. - Auckland Libraries 1269_E0705_13

If you recognise any of the people in these images then please get back to us via email at editor@audioculture.co.nz

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