Classic Lineup of ICONIC 70s Group is BARRED from Using the Name They Made Famous? Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What band or group had the best vocal harmonies in rock history?

[@catherine6653]

Crosby Stills and Nash.

[@Lam_3-22-23]

Eagles no close second. Seven Bridges Road has ridiculous harmony

[@georgeedward1226]

Beach Boys, obvious first choice. Flo and Eddie/The Turtles Beatles

[@KilroyWasHere83]

The beach boys

[@Whisper_292]

Journey (when Greg Rolie was still with the band) CSN LRB The Beach Boys Wilson Phillips--they came by it honestly Edit--the hubby would cry if I didn't say the Bee Gees.

[@belle.m]

There will only be one Little River Band, and that’s the original. It’s absolutely terrible that this was allowed to happen to this band who’s talent is exploited for money by imposters. I hope this brings awareness to people out there that they are just seeing a cover band with no integrity. Thanks Professor for letting everyone know they are being frauded, and supporting the real artists and talent. 🇦🇺

[@grizzkarizz2960]

Do you know how that happened?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They were Little River Banned…

[@douglasfrantzen3011]

He doesn't mention how they came to lose the rights to the band name, so I bet it was sold. I had a '72 custom Telecaster in the '70s which I sold for $200 (same as I paid for it) that is worth over $4,000 now. I can't have that guitar back and someone else is playing it. That's how it goes when you sell things and is why the courts have ruled against them.

[@belle.m]

@@douglasfrantzen3011 Apparently a British guitarist who was invited to join the band did a swifty on them and trademarked the name behind their back. I think he exploited their trust for money, and a loophole means he gets royalties for using the band name. Basically, if they perform under that name he has complete control and gets all the money. He’s a nasty human and I hope people in the US are aware they are being fleeced.

[@Vegasshakenandstirred]

I have known these facts for years and years. It pisses me off cuz I want to hear the Real LRB not some jack wagon making his rent money using a bands name and Music he never wrote 😡🤬

[@wmg1958]

Thanks for sticking up for this band and giving voice to the creators of the music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

You bet! Thanks Bill!

[@travelmom3031]

@@ProfessorofRock what is the link to purchase LRB recordings?

[@tarot_esoterica_with_erin]

I had the wonderful opportunity to sing with some of the original LRB guys in a garage in LA in the late 80s/early 90s...not just mega talented but also very very nice guys, most welcoming to a young singer. Thank you gentlemen.

[@grene1955]

What a crime that they can't be themselves. My personal favorite of theirs is Long Way There... amazing song, amazing vocals, amazing guitar solos, just an incredible song!

[@chrisorsten]

I remember hearing that Glenn Frey of The Eagles said when Little River Band came out, he was blown away by their harmonies and called them "The best singing band in the world".

[@ProfessorofRock]

Indeed he did!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You know you’re a legend when you are endorsed by a former Eagle.

[@007ndc]

@@ProfessorofRock high praise indeed and deservedly so

[@SoundzAlive1]

Glen Frey also sang with LRB on tour in Australia as seen on a few videos on KZbin.

[@jefferyhill6245]

I have seen Shorrock, beetles and Gobles perform under their surnames as a trio and they are fantastic here in Australia.

[@thedys70]

Totally, was front row for BSG at Twin Towns NSW in 2006, and was blown away by the performance and harmonies

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s great to hear! It’s a shame they can’t tour under their own name.

[@normatible9795]

BIRTLES

[@jefferyhill6245]

Autocorrected my birtles😂

[@devodootie]

They’ve always been 1 of my faves. It’s a shame they can’t perform under their own name. I’ll never go to a LRB concert unless it’s original members.

[@SynthMusicWorld]

Thanks, Adam; I have been waiting for a LRB episode! It's indeed a tragic story regarding the rights surrounding the Little River Band name and how they were seized by the controlling party. Imagine buying concert tickets, thinking you're going to see the band you remember and it's people you don't even know. The surviving members have been fighting for years in Australia to regain control over the name with no success.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It would be very disappointing.

[@rjs2005]

This band was the soundtrack to every high school dance in my senior year of 1980- Lady, Cool Change, Help is on the Way, Happy Anniversary, Reminiscing- all were frequently played. I still have my cassette copies of Sleeper Catcher and First Under the Wire- one of the few possessions I was able to reclaim after I left to join the Navy. What's happened to the original members is incredibly sad. Thanks for sharing Graham's story Adam!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Their songs are so memorable.

[@vcv6560]

The unknown woman inspires a classic song (like Lou Gramm yesterday). From my late teens, and simply beautiful. To hear their art stolen and the fans is more than sad. THank you for gathering the LRB story.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

We’ve got a few tropes going on this week.

[@DougEvans-eq5wg]

The Classic Line up should be in the Rock n Roll hall of Fame .

[@jameswoodruff7182]

I never realized how many hits this band had. But their catalog is full of recognizable songs that have been timeless. Love listening to them.

[@ProfessorofRock]

They're pretty amazing!

[@carolmartin4413]

Ditto on all points

[@TheOlesarge]

It's too bad that while their music is instantly recognizable the members of the band are not and these imposters are keeping the fans from hearing and seeing the original and true Little River Band from performing these classics.

[@WilliamSilva-dq6zj]

When we say 'yacht rock' it means what the well to do, well educated folks listened to on their yachts so to speak. But could it be that this music is actually the vehicle that takes us to places in our mind and carries us off to our fantasies? When I hear a song like this amazing composition I'm off and running to another place and time that I may or may not have been before. A big thank you for covering this awesome group and thank you (the one and only! ) LRB!

[@Fiona2254]

@@WilliamSilva-dq6zj you can have a small boat and listen to it or no boat at all to be transported to an easy lazy vacation place. To me it’s the beach because I grew up in the Caribbean not far from it. My grandparents had their house on the beach, a shack really, in a very small property a family member sold them. My parents then bought the property next to it and my mom still owns it. When purchased this place was nowhere and only known to the families who lived there. My childhood was spent there, no electricity and no potable water. Cisterns catching infrequent rainfall was how we had water. Summer, and any long weekend, paradise for us. It’s my happy place and the music takes me there.

[@andrewg1225]

Love you recognising the REAL LRB Professor. I’m another fan down under, and thanks for exposing this. So many people will not get to see the REAL LRB live - what an absolute tragedy. I’m sure the Eagles called out LRB for their superb harmonies in an interview many years ago. What a compliment. Thanks again Adam. Love your channel along with Rick Beato! Great work, Cheers mate!

[@jhood758]

I saw the ORIGINAL Little River Band at the Cotton Bowl in in Dallas, Texas July of ‘78, they were great!! Fleetwood Mac, The Steve Miller Band and Bob Welch(formerly with Fleetwood Mac) were there also. Jam packed!! Awesome concert 🎶! My how time flies!!

[@ronmurphy5042]

My brother Bob and I grew up together in the 70s and LRB was a huge part of our mutual love of the music from that era....when we get together now and the Tunes come out, the common denominator is that Lady by LRB will ALWAYS be played. Thank You LRB and Professor Of Rock, for this fantastic and informative article 👏

[@CostaRicaJack]

This song is in my top 5 all time favorite songs. I can keep it on repeat all day long singing at the top of my lungs. Great interview Professor as always! Total BS that these guys have had their Band Name and accomplishments stolen from them. Keep up the great work Professor.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening my friend.

[@civil_leuthie]

Band name wasn't stolen. The original members sold their stakes in the holding company that owns the name. Housden kept his stake. So he owns it. When you sell something you lose the right to claim ownership of it.

[@CostaRicaJack]

@@civil_leuthie Thank you professor law.

[@justinclark8867]

​@CostaRicaJack It's the truth.

[@rennysherrow3035]

I actually going to hear LRB at a local venue tonight. Had I known the backstorry I would not have supported them. I'll be listening with a critical ear. I do love the music 🎶 thanks for important podcast.

[@bernadetteS4903]

The funny thing happens every week watching your site, I have to physically put the songs on and just listen to them again knowing now the background of them! ❤️ LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!

[@stephenhanft1226]

Love The Little River Band. They are one of my favorite groups to come from Australia. "Lady" is one of my many favorites from them. When I think of the "Yacht Rock" music genre during the 70's and 80's, they are one of the first artists that come to mind. They had such a great sound with their outstanding vocal harmonies.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Second thing that may come to mind: Michael McDonald?

[@TheSlowoldman]

I love the fact that "Yacht Rock" has gained the legitimacy it deserves. There are fantastic musicians and vocalists in this category of music. LRB is a big part of that. As people grow older (like myself) you come to appreciate the slower times and slower mellower music. I have to tell you I indulge in Yacht Rock quite often. By the way love the shirt Prof!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same here Bud!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yacht rock takes you to simpler times. 🛥️

[@autographedcat]

Chris Molanphy did a great episode on Yacht Rock on his podcast "Hit Parade". Worth checking out! :)

[@philip6502]

No offense, but the term 'yacht rock' has to be the MOST annoying category name I have ever heard of. Not the music, mind you, the name. Just awful, useless, dumb. Again, no offense intended; I'm just venting. 👍

[@PPriser]

Every time I hear of yacht rock, I think of Jimmy Buffett

[@allthatlightning]

I'm going to see LRB next month and while I knew there would be substitutions for members of older bands, I didn't realize it was the entire band. They should be advertised as a tribute band.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

The 1970s had such amazing music. I'm grateful I was around to hear it then. What a decade of outstanding songs. Cheers! ✌️

[@ProfessorofRock]

Couldn't agree more!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It was so diverse.

[@upat65]

Ditto

[@kanadianbacon7733]

*"THE Best!♡¡"*

[@mcchaikin]

Great story Graeham! Love all your stories about the original LRB!

[@RFXLR]

I love THE Little River Band. Those vocal harmonies are some of the best ever recorded!

[@ProfessorofRock]

You are EXACTLY right!

[@RFXLR]

Are you going to feature Lonesome Loser?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They give me goosebumps.

[@littlecatfeet9064]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 it’s a shame their audience can’t get goosebumps from listening to the original band. But it’s not old news that the music industry exploits and steals. Thanks to Adam for this channel and technology for letting us listen to the originals.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@littlecatfeet9064 I agree. They are sadly not an isolated case.

[@vincenaccarato7832]

Great song! I remember in Jr. High dances holding my crush to this song. She never knew.

[@losthomas7589]

LRB always takes me back to my childhood at our cabin in the mountains with my Dad. Love love love Little River Band.

[@johnfarnhamexperience]

Graeham Goble one of the greatest of all time... absolutely brilliant talent... thanks for this vid....

[@garrytemchuk7408]

Just found your KZbin channel a few weeks ago and I'm obsessed. I absolutely love your interviews and your analysis of classic music. Your insightful takes and behind the scenes look at some of the best music, musicians, songs, and albums of all time have recaptures my love for the genre of music that will never be duplicated. You have become part of my daily ritual. Thank you.

[@McLeod2022]

There is the word of law and then there is the spirit of the law. It is an insult not just to all of THE LRB but the fans and the ... its not rewriting history... it is denying it and lying now. This was a piece of my young kidhood and your original fans love YOU and all who MADE this music with care and intent and passion. I didn't know the struggle. Thanks to this channel for, once again, bringing backstory and depth to songs I've taken for granted and had left to nostalgia.

[@Bacchus69]

"Lady" has so many elements that come together that makes it a classic and a memorable song. Some of my fondest memories are of my mom singing Little River Band songs, and she would shuffle in an Air Supply song or two . The music industry can be so cruel and the song"Grabbing Hands(Everything Counts)" by Depeche mode sums up the greed and corruption of the music business. It is crime that the original guys can't tour under their own name. Great interview.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Everything counts in large amounts. They grab all that they can because they’re evil!

[@footwearisoptional8766]

Oh, goddess, I haven't heard Lady in over forty years and I can still remember every word, melody, harmony and rhythm. And I didn't even have to look the lyrics up in Hit Parader Magazine.

[@tonymurray6518]

So sad that they lost all of the rights to their amazing songs😔 Great interview, Professor, look forward to your videos every morning. It's the last thing I watch before I go to sleep ( work nights/ sleep days) great bedtime stories!! Again ,, thank you for what you do , to keep music alive.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening Tony!

[@jefferyhill6245]

They haven’t actually lost the rights to their songs. A few years ago the fake band were booked to perform on one of the late night shows in the USA and the original band members refused to allow them to perform any of their classic songs on the show in honour for 50 year anniversary. Not sure whether they were able to end up performing other songs or the spot was cancelled.

[@littlecatfeet9064]

@@jefferyhill6245 interesting! Go the real LRB!

[@sparkywow1]

Lady is one of the greatest songs back when I had my best girls to sing to!

[@jasondunajski7109]

That is just disgusting that their name and identity was stolen from them. I will never go and see today’s version of the band and whats more, I’ll make sure that everyone I know knows about what happened to them. Love their music a lot. Kudos to you professor for shedding light on this and once again, a job well done on another cool video. I always learn something from you. ✌️

[@aasja7739]

I love The Little River Band. Their vocals are great.

[@marksmith6091]

Oh my gosh I can’t believe how much I miss these guys! The songs are so timeless and so right on target for the subject matter of each song… Just a terrible tragedy that lawyers get in the way of everything including fine art like this music. Sad…

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I just hope they get a great attorney to help them win this case.

[@Brian-jk2ih]

​@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 it went to court a while ago and they lost

[@carolwood9446]

Great interview! So sad to hear that the original band can't even call themselves Little River Band !! It's shameful !!

[@belladonna131]

Those are really beautiful songs. Makes you want to cry and slow dance. Just so beautiful. And a really nice interview, as always. I love the back stories. They give us a hint into what was going on when the songs were created and gives more meaning to the songs. Thank you for spending time with the artists and thanks to the artists for sharing some deep feelings about the songs with us. ❤❤🌸👍🌹

[@edzeljereza8234]

Grew up in the Philippines up to my teen years in the 60s up to 83 when I left the country. My friends and I were big music fans, any genre...we had bands, and as we were much closer to Australia in terms of distance than the U.S., Little River Band was a big part of our musical youth.

[@johndoe-ln4oi]

Lady is truly one of the greatest love songs of all time and it so fits my beautiful wife. When I first met her, I knew she wasn't like the rest; someone very special and as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Thank you for writing one of the all-time great standards, Graeham. I am sure many have fallen in love to this song.

[@Vegasshakenandstirred]

My #1 favorite song of all time 🥰

[@davidh3726]

A great story...so much interesting background on LRB that I never knew. I have most of their work, and still listen to them quite often, even today! Another one hit out of the park, Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening

[@clanstonerproductions2078]

I know and I care! I wouldn’t cross the street to see today’s LRB! The band I saw in 1978…I’d go to Australia to see them again!!!

[@charlenefleeman8305]

Id love to see the original LRB tour America you are amazing! Have loved your music since the 70s.🎉

[@brentgardner5103]

Love all of LRB's songs; but HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, HELP IS ON THE WAY, and IT'S A LONG WAY THERE are my favorites. Thanks for another great episode!! 😀

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@DDKaraokeOutlaw]

Mine are "Cool Change" and "Take It Easy on Me."

[@sheryljohnson5906]

OMG ! Absolutely love LRB. Had a couple of thier LPS as a teen and Lady was always my favorite followed closely by Reminiscing. One of th 2 I owned. So glad they have thier name back,as it hold have been all long. The American LRBcould NEVER have fooled me. And thank you so much for explaining the part about a Mother's love being unconditional

[@RC32Smiths01]

That is such a shame. To not use the name that you helped develop and become towards a high regarded status. The music industry sure has its rough times. Cheers as always for the story.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks my friend. Hope something changes.

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@ProfessorofRock Absolutely

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s like getting stripped of your status and recognition.

[@ericbgordon1575]

Growing up, this song was one of several titled "Lady" that I heard (others came from Styx, Kenny Rogers, Joe Esposito sang one called "Lady Lady Lady"), but this is my favorite one. It has part to do with the song itself being the first one I heard and part with something Graham says about being "born in the winter and cooled by a warm heart". I was born in January in the New York Hudson Valley, and my mother (has) always loved me unconditionally. It's a different hemisphere, but the sentiment is the same. I saw that revised version of Little River Band in July 2000 when they toured with Chicago. I definitely noticed that only one or two of them were Australian, and I wondered what had become of the original members. The part about how they have legally been barred from reclaiming the name is heartbreaking, especially after the original Asia lineup was able to take it back from John Payne before John Whetton passed away. I know Payne was pretty peeved over that. In my mind's eye, I could fantasize about being a tour promoter and wanting to book Little River Band but only if at least three of the original members are in the touring lineup. I realize that sort of coup d'etat could not really happen, but it's fun to imagine.

[@jamespaul1613]

Little River Band deserves so much more credit than they've received. Aside from the tunes played on the radio, the album cuts are are also fabulous. Their vocal layering is incredible. I would put LRB on a par with the Eagles. I saw the imitation band 5 years ago and was soooo disappointed. What can I do to help the original members?

[@CNile-se9xw]

Hey James, if you've paid to see the originals but felt scammed when presented with a low-quality cover act, I feel your pain. The best thing you can do in the US for the true LRB is to spread the word about how disappointed you were to as many music lovers as you can. Together you could have a collective voice that hopefully boycotts the imposters & screw them over. My simple solution, which would warm many a heart, would be for the originals to come back as the "River Band" so that they & music fans can relive the good times.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I wish I could magically give them back their name…

[@Vegasshakenandstirred]

Buy their album Full Circle or Little River Band Ultimate Hits or Masterpieces. They get that money not Jack wagon posing and using their name.

[@CNile-se9xw]

@@Vegasshakenandstirred Great idea. 👍

[@kraigpeterson3667]

I remember being young and my mom would have the radio on while getting ready for work and I would already be ready for school. Cool Change would come on and I loved that song so much. Being young I did not that LRB had so many hits at the time! Rock on Brother!

[@glenbateman5960]

This is a wild coincidence. I've been a fan since LRB first started. I play Guitar and I love playing their songs. I just sat down last weekend and learned this solo. This weekend I get to learn how it came to be. Great band, and a terrible thing that some pretenders are ripping off the talented people who started it all. I was 12 when they started and I'll always love that original REAL lineup.

[@president-electfreddy-krue3866]

One of my favorite songs ever. Switches up. Never stays constant. Melody, Lyrics. perfect vocals. It even gets funky near the end.

[@kariqualters5908]

Another tragic example of record label abuse!!!! Somehow I'm still surprised by the level of injustice they get away with!!!!! I hope that everyone of us viewing this video will use social media to get the word out about any future fake concerts!!!!!! Much love to all....

[@fennyellis3366]

Reminiscing was played at our wedding for the parents dance!💃💖

[@richey_rock]

I'd like to hear more on how the current touring "Little River Band" was able to hijack the name, the songs, and everything from the original members!

[@thedys70]

Graeham Goble On Losing the Little River Band Name kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGrMkJKfYpmbd6s

[@knownote]

Well the original band had to agree to SELL the name. I remember when this happened the story was that the band wanted to go their separate ways and the bass player at the time agreed to buy it. The bass player WAS on a couple of the later hits, but yes not an “original” member. This sounds like “seller’s remorse”

[@KennyRider137]

@@knownote or more like they spent the money from selling the name thinking they could make more hits under another name and it never happened.

[@steveblake7261]

Sang this to my then girlfriend, now wife of 34 years, on a long trip to boarding school in 79! Came on the radio and just fit so well in the moment.

[@marklane3247]

LRB pulled me through a tough time. Reminiscing actually came out as I moved out of my parents and into my Freshman year at the U of Az. My parents couldn't afford to send me to U of A beyond my first semester. My Dad was a trucker and the national company folded and stole the money that was supposed to go into his pension. 79, inflation was high, and gas went from 23¢ a gal to 78¢. It hurt me because I was delivering pizzas. Gas bit into my $100 a night weekday and $175 weekends. (More drivers, less money.) Lady reminds me of my first non-HS love. Thanks, Professor of Rock.

[@thedys70]

Well battled there Mark; superb effort

[@MrDoneboy]

Great video, and Thanks to Graeham, for telling the true story of this great song!

[@tnrodgers]

Thank you Adam! Love LRB (original) and Lady is my favorite. I appreciate you bringing out the truth of this scandal. If you can tour and have a band, create your dang music. Great work!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Adam used to be in a swing band. Yes, it’s true!

[@pezpengy9308]

how appropriate! while watching this video i got a notification that my zenni glasses are on the way! :)

[@lcruz2783]

Another great Band that brings back a lot of childhood memories, what a great video.

[@andsoitgoes2177]

Another 70's band that's better than the BG's. Tragic that they've been lawyered out of their band name. Great interview, I would have loved to hear how this group of Americans managed to get control of the name.

[@thedys70]

Graeham Goble On Losing the Little River Band Name kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGrMkJKfYpmbd6s

[@bonaparty5]

There’s another interview with Graeham Gobel done by Rock History Music where he explains the whole story in great detail.

[@LEDPENNY]

Ah was wondering when you were going to cover this one! Cool, been listening to them a lot lately 😎

[@upat65]

Love, love, love The Little River Band. I’ve been waiting for you to cover them, Pro. Reminiscing is my all time favorite song from them. Quite a tragedy that they had their name stolen.

[@northharper749]

I am thankful I didn't pay to see the cover band touring as the original band in 2022. Thank you for this informative and insightful video.

[@deadpoet4]

How serendipitous! I was just watching interviews with Glenn Shorrock and how they lost the name. Also saw him in a 2022 performance of Reminiscing. He's still got it! I also was thinking "Ya know, Professor of Rock should do a video about The Little River Band." This was just a couple of days ago.

[@walleyeman50]

Incredible band, loved their vocals, harmony and musicianship. My question is did they sell the rights to their name? How did they lose the ability to tour under their own name?

[@bradley-eblesisor]

Exactly! Probably, a terrible contract was signed, would be my guess. I would love to know.

[@OneMan-wl1wj]

Exactly....probably the most important question for this interview and somehow it's not provided...not sure what happened..massive hole.

[@reneetree]

Such amazing music created by this band!!!!

[@yukon_jak]

Housden and Nelson claim that they own the legal name for LRB because the original members “forfeit any rights to the band name” when they left. Housden/Nelson may “legally” own the band name, but at least the founding members are the ones getting the royalties. Regardless, there’s a special place in hell for guys like that that prevent artists from performing and being recognized for their success.

[@maverick2242]

That would nice if its true, but on Spotify and other platforms these thieves have re-recorded using their own voices many unsuspecting people are downloading fake versions of these songs from the original artists, do the OGs still get royalties from that, I don't know but why else would you do that, there is no level Housden and Nelson will go to, yet they wont step foot in Aussie, we know better. Frankly Night Owls was the bands success not Nelsons alone, I will never give that song time of day again, unfortunate as it was a good song, but not because of Nelson, he was never a lead and Shorrock will always be lead of LRB regardless of who else is was in the band. As the Professor says this happens way to much in music, it is filled with vampires as bad as it is in boxing, in spite of this the music somehow still makes it, but how much that could have been is lost, we will never know, as he also says the fans are the ones ultimately being ripped off, who with out they wouldn't have been successful in the first place, life's viscous and ironic circle.

[@RandomParrot]

Love these muse stories. The Angel's we see and never get to meet. The sweetness of what could have been, without the harshness of what would really happen!

[@iDONTdoFacebook]

ABSOLUTELY, the ORIGINAL & REAL Little River Band with Graeham Goble and the other talented musicians with him then, may well be my all-time favorite band. They certainly produced some of my all-time favorite songs! LOVELY, SWEET, MASTERFUL, TIMELESS songs!!! Back in the year 2000, not aware of the band’s history, only knowing that I loved their pre-‘83 music, I took 5 of my 7 young kids (the last 4 are 2 sets of twins) to a “Little River Band” concert at the open air venue of Old Tucson Studios in southern Arizona USA. Afterwards, the kids and I were visiting with the bandmembers where my kids were sharing their bags of popcorn with the bandmates who were seated at a long table on the way out, signing their autographs on the sleeve of their new, ready to be released CD called “Where We Started From” for anyone who had purchased one there. I was soon to learn that aside from their use of the band name, their choice of that album name was deceptive. I HAD NO IDEA THEN. With the exception of the lead vocalist, I thought they WERE the original LRB! I knew their sound was a little off but attributed that to knowing the vocalist was a different guy. I didn’t know it was really a whole new band using the name. I only learned that it wasn’t my beloved LRB from the 70’s-‘82 when I posted my comment on another KZbin channel that featured the classic LRB song “Reminiscing”, where I shared my experience of taking my kids to that concert at Old Tucson Studios in 2000 and watching my kids sharing their popcorn with the bandmates. It wasn’t but a day or two later when Graeham Goble responded to my comment in detail sharing his sadness and frustration at seeing folks like myself who were big fans of theirs back when the LRB was the real deal, but were obviously unaware that the new band WASN’T them and had actually FILED LAWSUITS against the original LRB members PROHIBITING them from even MENTIONING the LRB name when out performing. That was indeed a sad thing to learn. After Graeham had shared with me what had happened with the original members being legally bared from even referencing their history as the founders of the band on any future works or tours, the more I felt that the naming of that album I’d bought at that concert in 2000 (“WHERE WE STARTED FROM”) was a pretty arrogant move on the usurper’s part. I’ve since felt like I’d been purposely deceived by the band touring under the LRB name into thinking I was buying an album created by the original LRB... “THE LITTLE RIVER BAND”, “WHERE WE STARTED FROM”. I mean think about it. The audacious choice of that album name. The original LRB “STARTED” in Australia - while the guys who were using the LRB name in 2000 were/are Americans. The latter didn’t start in Australia, but that album name certainly tries to give that impression! And it worked. On me. And it has probably deceived many others as well. I would LOVE to see the original members tour again. I don’t care what name they go by. I’d just love to hear Graeham Goble and his original bandmates perform together again, playing all their CLASSIC, MASTERFUL, SWEET, TIMELESS Little River Band songs. There’s no other band like the ORIGINAL Little River Band! ABSOLUTELY some of the best music ever composed and gifted to the world!

[@terryirvine7090]

Great interview POR! Theres only one LRB, thats our Aussie version! Certainly not the Little River Scam from America!

[@hbofbyu1]

I've never heard the term "middle eight" before. I've always been fascinated by this song since I first heard it riding in the back of a pickup truck. It seems so simple but as mentioned is crafted so well. Little River Band was addictive.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Their harmonies are out of the world.

[@yorkiephil7744]

Are you serious? Having a 'middle eight' is the formula of almost every pop song ever recorded.

[@hbofbyu1]

@@yorkiephil7744 Are you from the UK or Australia?

[@Fordham1969]

Perhaps it's generational too? I'm 58 and American and definitely grew up hearing "middle 8" used interchangeably with "bridge" for songs.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I learned the term from piano lessons.

[@michaelbarbour9827]

“Take It Easy On Me” is one of my favorite songs.

[@007ndc]

I'm a fervent Yacht Rock fan and love the original LRB not the imposters. Great deep dive as usual Professor

[@FourDeuce01]

Glenn Shorrock’s Villain of the Peace is one of my favorite albums. I played it so much I wore it out. Then I got the CD and put it on my Ipod, so I could play it more.👍

[@tbteam11]

A couple years ago I saw “LRB” at the Daytona Beach bandshell. When I got home after the show I did some digging only to learn that I’d been scammed into thinking that the band that I was seeing was, in fact, composed from at least some members of the original band. I’ve been telling anyone who will listen since that day about the impostors that tour as “LRB”. It’s really awful what’s been done here.

[@CNile-se9xw]

Prof, you are the real deal. RESPECT👍 For a young bloke, your obvious passion for the music of my generation draws me back, time & time again. Before I go, I have arequest, can you set up a Thanks icon? My wife went ballistic when she found out that I'm supporting KZbinrs on Patron for around AU$350/mth, so as a workaround, I've been sneaking in my appreciation to channels through the Thanks icon.

[@menufrog]

😂😂😂 your wife has a point

[@CNile-se9xw]

@@menufrog Shhhhhh, you'll get me killed. It's snuck up to AU$397.15. 😉

[@cased19]

Absolutely sad that the original members have been pushed out like that. The LRB of the 70s where awesome. Great songs.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great group. Superb harmonies.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I feel so bad for the real LRB.

[@ryanloomis3033]

I love this band. I was hoping you would have an episode on them.

[@ProfessorofRock]

More to come!

[@hbengineer]

Love LRB (the original) and I will never accept not stinkin’ substitute!!! Fantastic songwriters and performers-all time greats!!!

[@NewDayNewAdventure77]

Recently “rediscovered” Little River. So glad you covered them and honored their artistry!

[@catherine6653]

What a wonderful story behind a song. I can't believe they can't tour using the Little River Band name.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's pretty hard to believe.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Impostors ruin everything. 😔

[@catherine6653]

@XxLilly_playsXx Kiz There is a trend of bands touring with barely any original members. I always consider this when deciding to purchase tickets to a concert. I am going to try to see Duran Duran. Tickets go on sale next week. I will only go if it is not too expensive.

[@DDKaraokeOutlaw]

@@catherine6653 I agree with your philosophy on purchasing tickets.

[@catherine6653]

@@DDKaraokeOutlaw Thanks 👍.

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

Great band! Song stirs up many memories. Thank you to the original and only Little River Band.

[@brentcox7772]

Cool story! “Lonesome Loser” is my favorite!🤘🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

We'll have the story of that coming soon!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Have you heard about the lonesome loser? 🤨

[@martineldritch]

Wow, a childhood favorite that I haven't heard in years. Just ran into another radio favorite, "Cool Change" recently in the movie "Knives Out". Reminiscing (pun intended) on these classics is great

[@vehicle22]

A shame the real damage that greed, egos, and jealousy can do. LRB, warts and all, was (past tense used on purpose) one of the smoothest bands ever. Great songs, great harmonies--yacht rock, perhaps, but in their case, the top shelf variety. I get started on "Reminiscing", "The Night Owls", or even "We Two" and they become the good kind of earworm lol Thanks, Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure! So many great songs.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The Night Owls is a great tune.

[@astrobuck7023]

Little River Band is my absolute favorite band of all time. Started listening to them in 2013, 10 years later, I'm a senior in high school and collecting all of their vinyl and cd's. I was disappointed that "Face in the crowd" and "It's not a wonder" did not make it onto the Greatest hits vinyl. Now I have an excuse to get all the vinyl albums. Some of my favorite songs that never got any attention by LRB are "Thin Ice" "Forever Blue" "The Rumor" "St Louis" (a bonus track on "The Net") "Hard Life" "Emma" "No Reins on me" "Piece of the Dream" "When the war is over" and "Long Jumping Jeweler" (Bonus track on "Time Exposure") These are all amazing songs that got no attention.

[@tmwii8795]

Same here; SO many songs I still play. Sleeper Catcher album with 'Shutdown Turn off', Night Owls Album, the single 'Love is a Bridge'......always my favorite band. I've echoed your comment about the number of songs that never got air play; I could have sworn your comment was written by me; I never find fellow LRB fans, even today.

[@denisearmbruster7478]

I loved "Lonesome Loser"! That truly is my favorite of their songs. It really stinks what was done to them. Thank you for a great interview!! ✌👍❤🎶

[@jimmyjolly4184]

I have always loved LRB and Lady is my favorite song

[@EllerraD]

The Little River Band is one of the greats. So many excellent songs. Cool Change in particular evokes an almost unbearable nostalgia when I listen to it these days.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Cool Change is a gem.

[@DDKaraokeOutlaw]

"Cool Change" and "Take It Easy on Me" are my personal favorites.

[@Lessontobe]

Great post! The Little River Band (original) gives me many fond memories.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Yacht Rock at it's finest!

[@jamesblack2719]

I was thinking I never heard this band until I watched the video and realized that I recognized some of the songs. What a shame that they can't tour under their name. People should expose this on social media and hopefully concert goers will stop being duped into seeing who they think they are.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's very cool.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The music business is a b*tch sometimes.

[@tammylewis2408]

They need to do a documentary about the original members and how they were screwed. If Britney Spears was able to end her conservatorship all because of a documentary, then one about them might bring attention and perhaps someone who can help them regain their name by having a cease and desist on the imposters; only the original members are allowed to use the name.

[@edcorsiglia]

I bought their first album and played it so much I wore it out and had to get a second. I would jump at the chance to see the original band together again, hopefully one day that can happen.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

The absolute best band out of Australia, which has so many great artists, LRB had it all great song writing, great music, great sound. Graeham Goebel is an absolute fantastic song writer! He looks great. It is a travesty they stole this band's name and music. I will not be going to see the fake LRB as much as I love the music. Can they tour under something like The Originals and put that it is the formally of RLB? I would love to see this legendary band on stage. Fantastic interview professor! More of Graeham!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Listening to their songs I cannot really tell that they are Australian! They are such a great band. I will boycott their impostors until the message gets across.

[@littlecatfeet9064]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 me too! Though my favourite Aussie bands sound to my ears very Aussie (Midnight Oil, Hunters & Collecters, the Triffids, the Go-Betweens), I also love the fact that no one would know where LRB were from.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@littlecatfeet9064 Men at Work. I can definitely hear their accents come through in Down Under. That’s probably because they’re singing about their home country 🇦🇺

[@littlecatfeet9064]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 true! And Paul Kelly for me.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@littlecatfeet9064 I should check that man out.

[@randall6157]

I have studied LRB some and here's what I know. One by one, Glenn Shorrock, Beeb Birtles, and Graeham Goble quit the band. I believe the corporation name of the band was We Two Pty, Ltd. Besides those three, I believe Stephen Housden, the guitarist, and Wayne Nelson the bass player all owned shares in the corporation (and maybe the drummer as well, so five or six owners of the corporation). So when Glenn, Beeb, Graeham left the band, they signed over their shares in the corporation We Two Pty, Ltd., not realizing that as they were signing over their shares, they were signing away their rights to the name Little River, Band, LRB, and the trademarks. Eventually Housden owned all of the shares. (They were paid money when they signed over their shares, I believe Glenn received 83,500 AUD...Australian dollars.) When Glenn, Beeb, Graeham tried to tour as the Original Little River Band years later, Housden issued a cease and desist against them, and Housden has consistently won in court. , Housden now probably just employs the current American players and one Australian as contract labor... per gig or per week or whatever. It was a combination of Glenn, Beeb, Graeham not realizing what they were signing, and/or their legal advisers not being on the ball. I have read the court cases, but am going by memory, so I might have missed a detail here or there.

[@fishysteg3308]

It's a shame when things like this happen. The classic has always been when Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan left the Turtles and were barred from professionally using not just the band but their own names that their parents had given them. But let's not let that overshadow what happened here.

[@gregott2011]

I saw LRB in Norfolk, VA at the Scope when they opened for Jimmy Buffett in 1978. They were great and it was a real treat to see them. Jimmy had broken his foot so he changed the lyrics of Margaritaville to tell the story. I wish I could have seen LRB more than just that one time. Great memory!

[@gregoryschwert4051]

I have always loved this song. Please help them find a way to tour. It would be great to see them again. Can't they head out under another name like The Lonesome Losers or get "Original" in there. or LRB - Literally the Real Band. I almost bought a ticket to the fakes but found the truth in time. Final attempt - Lady's Reminiscing Boys and their Happy Anniversary Tour

[@debwestendorf2639]

I loved the Little River Band!