Straight from a musical story, Pop-duo Meller Band formed in 1964. Members: Ron Meller (artist name), b.1948 and Dan Martin, b. 1949.
Ron: vocals, guitar, bass, piano, drums
Dan: vocals, organ, bass, percussion, arrangement.
There were several different band members, including family and friends, but they never became regular members.
They were discovered when they played school concerts in Norway, and were especially known for their harmony singing. They were invited to be the opening act for the Rolling Stones in Oslo in 1965. When their parents thought this was not appropriate, the Pussycats became the warm up act for the “Stones”.
Eventually they obtained a record deal and the first single, “Why did you have to go?” became a hit in their home country in February 1966. They sought their fortune in London in the summer of the same year, and the second single, “Let me tell you,” went straight to the top in England.
Their success continued through the 60s with the highlight being when “Condition of Love” topped both the charts in UK and US late in 1967. Ron has said that George Harrison was inspired by his slide guitar on “It’s Alright” in 1969, a studio-live song from 20 July that year, hours before the moon landing.
Internal strife beset the first half of the seventies. In 1974 there were rumours of a collaboration with other artist like Elton John, 10cc and the ABBA guys, but this was nothing more than rumours.
The Meller Band had new hits in the late 70s and debuted with film music. In the 80s their music style changed, as did the rest of the pop world . In the 90’s music was again simple with clear references to the 60s. In the new century, it is still the simple melodies that dominate, but with symphonic elements, and they became a role model for Coldplay.
It started fifty years ago and they still manage to conjure up new pop hits! Two “greatest hits” collections are under way, “Volume one 1966 – 1983” was released in 2015/16.
The Meller Band is a fictitious band from a fictional musical story, but the songs are original. The single ” “Let me tell you” is out now.
Hear an interview with the band here: https://youtu.be/yATBZOIQ4hk
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