Complete List Of The Little River Band Members

Feature Photo: WWGB, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The Little River Band was formed in Melbourne, Australia, in 1975. As someone who grew up in the 1970s, so many of their songs like “Help Is On The Way,” “Lonesome Loser,” and more bring back many memories. Over the decades, the band has released numerous albums, with more than 15 studio albums to their credit. They are recognized for hits such as “Reminiscing,” “Cool Change,” and “Lonesome Loser.” The Little River Band has seen many lineup changes throughout its history, with no original members currently part of the band. Their music has earned them multiple awards and a place in the hearts of fans around the world.

Glenn Shorrock

Glenn Shorrock was one of the original vocalists and a founding member of the Little River Band when they formed in 1975. He was a key figure on their early albums, including their self-titled debut Little River Band, After Hours, and Diamantina Cocktail. Shorrock’s voice became synonymous with the band’s sound, particularly on hits like “Reminiscing” and “Lonesome Loser.” Prior to joining the band, Shorrock was part of the pop groups The Twilights and Axiom. He left the band in 1982, returned in 1988, and departed again in 1991, continuing to pursue a solo career thereafter.

Beeb Birtles

Beeb Birtles, a guitarist and vocalist, was also a founding member of the Little River Band. His harmonies and instrumental work featured prominently on the band’s early albums through to his departure in 1983. Birtles was instrumental in the band’s formative sound, contributing significantly to their musical arrangements and songwriting. Before forming Little River Band, Birtles was a member of the bands Zoot and Mississippi. After leaving Little River Band, he moved to the United States and continued to work in music production and performance.

Graeham Goble

Graeham Goble was another founding member, guitarist, and songwriter for the Little River Band. His contributions to the band’s harmony arrangements and his prolific songwriting helped shape their signature sound. Goble played on the band’s albums from their debut in 1975 until his departure in 1992. He was a key creative force behind many of their biggest hits. After leaving the band, Goble continued his career as a songwriter and producer, working with various artists and on his own projects.

Derek Pellicci

Derek Pellicci was the original drummer for the Little River Band and remained with the group from 1975 until 1984, and then again from 1987 to 1998. His drumming can be heard on albums such as First Under the Wire and Time Exposure. Pellicci’s consistent style provided the backbeat essential to the band’s sound. After his final departure, Pellicci stayed out of the public spotlight, focusing on personal interests and smaller musical projects.

Wayne Nelson

Wayne Nelson joined the Little River Band in 1980 as a bassist and vocalist. His tenure in the band is notable for his lead vocals on “The Night Owls” and other tracks from the Time Exposure album. Nelson has been with the band for several discontinuous periods, becoming one of the longest-serving members in its later formations. He remains with the band to this day, contributing to their ongoing touring schedule.

Stephen Housden

Stephen Housden joined the band as a lead guitarist in 1981 and remained with them until 2006, although he still retains ownership rights to the band’s name and music. His guitar work featured on later albums like Playing to Win and Monsoon. Outside of Little River Band, Housden has worked as a session guitarist and released solo projects.

David Briggs

David Briggs played lead guitar for the Little River Band from 1976 until 1981, contributing to albums like Diamantina Cocktail and First Under the Wire. Known for his distinctive guitar solos, Briggs was a key part of the band during their rise to international fame. After leaving the band, he pursued a career in music production and songwriting.

Chris Marion

Chris Marion joined the Little River Band as the keyboardist and vocalist in 2004 and has been with the band since then. His contributions have been significant in the band’s continued performances and recordings in the new millennium. Marion’s background in music includes extensive work in both live performance and studio settings, bringing a rich layer of professional musicianship to the band. His tenure has helped maintain the band’s classic sound while also integrating modern musical elements.

Ryan Ricks

Ryan Ricks became the drummer and a vocalist for the Little River Band in 2012. His role involves not just providing the rhythmic backbone for the band but also contributing to the vocal harmonies that are a hallmark of the Little River Band’s sound. Ricks’ versatility and experience in both live performance and studio recording have been invaluable in maintaining the band’s reputation for compelling live shows and consistent studio work.

Colin Whinnery

Colin Whinnery joined the Little River Band as a guitarist and vocalist in 2018. Since joining, he has become an integral part of the band’s performances, contributing to both their touring lineup and their recording sessions. Whinnery’s guitar work and vocal ability have added a fresh dimension to the band’s performances, ensuring that their sound continues to evolve while staying true to the roots that made them popular.

Bruce Wallace

Bruce Wallace is the most recent addition to the Little River Band, joining as a guitarist and vocalist in 2022. His recent integration into the band marks a continuation of their tradition of featuring skilled musicians capable of enhancing the band’s legacy. Wallace’s contributions to the band are beginning to shape their latest musical endeavors, helping to carry the band’s legacy forward with new energy and creativity.

These members represent the latest evolution of the Little River Band, contributing to the band’s ongoing legacy in the music world. Each brings unique skills and experiences that help keep the band relevant and vibrant in the competitive music industry.

Graham Davidge

Graham Davidge was the original lead guitarist for the Little River Band when they formed in 1975. His tenure was brief, as he was part of the band’s initial lineup only during its formative months. Davidge’s guitar work contributed to the early sound and style that helped establish the band before he was replaced later that same year.

Dave Orams

Dave Orams was the original bassist for the Little River Band, also joining in 1975. Like Graham Davidge, his time with the band was short-lived, limited to the early stages of the band’s development. Orams helped lay down the foundational bass lines that shaped the band’s early musical direction.

Ric Formosa

Ric Formosa played guitar and provided vocals from 1975 to 1976. During his brief period with the band, Formosa contributed to their debut album, bringing a distinct guitar style that complemented the band’s melodic rock approach. His musicianship helped define the band’s sound in its early, crucial years.

Roger McLachlan

Roger McLachlan was the bassist for the Little River Band from 1975 to 1976 and briefly returned from 1998 to 1999. His bass playing can be heard on the band’s early albums, where his rhythms were integral to their sound. McLachlan’s return in the late ’90s helped the band reconnect with some of their original musical themes.

George McArdle

George McArdle took over as bassist from 1976 to 1979, playing on several of the band’s successful albums during their rise to international fame. His work contributed to the rhythm section during a period of significant commercial success, including popular tracks like “Reminiscing.”

Geoff Cox

Geoff Cox was the drummer for the Little River Band in 1978. Although his time with the band was brief, Cox’s contributions were part of the band’s evolving sound, participating in their continuous touring and recording schedule during a busy period.

Mal Logan

Mal Logan played keyboards for the Little River Band from 1978 to 1982. His keyboard work featured on several albums during a key phase of the band’s career, adding layers of texture and melody that enriched their sound. Logan’s musicianship was vital during a prolific period of recording and international touring.

Barry Sullivan

Barry Sullivan was the bassist from 1979 to 1980. His time in the band, though short, included participation in recordings that contributed to the band’s ongoing success. Sullivan’s musical career was marked by his solid playing until his death in 2003.

John Farnham

John Farnham joined the Little River Band as the lead vocalist from 1982 to 1986. During his time, Farnham’s powerful vocals led to a rejuvenation of the band’s profile, particularly on albums like The Net. Farnham is a celebrated Australian musician, known for his later solo hit “You’re the Voice,” and his stint with the band remains a notable period in their history.

David Hirschfelder

David Hirschfelder was with the Little River Band from 1983 to 1986, playing keyboards, synthesisers, and providing backing vocals. His expertise in synthesizers brought a new sound to the band’s music, aligning with the then-contemporary trends in pop and rock. Hirschfelder has since become renowned for his work as a film score composer.

Steve Prestwich

Steve Prestwich played drums from 1984 to 1986 and was part of the band’s mid-80s lineup, contributing to their rhythmic and percussive elements during a period of change in their sound and style. Prestwich, who passed away in 2011, was also known for his earlier work with the Australian rock band Cold Chisel.

Malcolm Wakeford

Malcolm Wakeford played drums for the Little River Band in 1986. His time with the band was brief but occurred during a transitional period as they continued to tour and produce music through the mid-1980s. Wakeford’s drumming contributed to maintaining the band’s performance standards during live shows.

James Roche

James Roche was the keyboardist for the Little River Band from 1988 to 1989. His role involved contributing to the band’s keyboard-driven sound during a period when they were exploring different musical styles and attempting to update their sound to fit changing musical trends.

Peter Beckett

Peter Beckett played guitar and provided vocals from 1989 to 1997. Beckett, known for his earlier work with the band Player, brought a polished pop-rock sensibility to the Little River Band.

Tony Sciuto

Tony Sciuto was a member of the Little River Band during two periods, from 1990 to 1992 and again from 1993 to 1997, playing keyboards, guitar, and providing vocals.

Richard Bryant

Richard Bryant played keyboards and provided backing vocals from 1992 to 1993. His time with the band, while short, was part of a series of lineup changes that saw various musicians contribute to the band’s evolving sound during the early 90s.

Steve Wade

Steve Wade was the lead vocalist and guitarist for the Little River Band from 1996 to 2000. His tenure was marked by a period of rebranding and new directions in sound, as the band continued to produce new music and tour extensively.

Hal Tupea

Hal Tupea served as the bassist for the Little River Band from 1996 to 1997. During his brief stint, he played a key role in the rhythm section, supporting the band’s performances with solid bass lines that complemented their melodic rock style.

Kevin Murphy

Kevin Murphy was the drummer and vocalist for the Little River Band from 1998 to 2004. His contributions during this period were critical in supporting the band’s tours and recordings, providing both rhythmic foundation and vocal harmonies.

Paul Gildea

Paul Gildea played guitar and provided vocals from 1998 to 2000. His musical input helped guide the band through a late 90s phase that included fresh interpretations of their classic sound.

Adrian Scott

Adrian Scott played keyboards and provided vocals from 1998 to 1999. His expertise in keyboards added a modern touch to the band’s performances, helping them stay relevant in the competitive music market of the late 90s.

Glenn Reither

Glenn Reither was involved with the Little River Band from 1999 to 2004, playing keyboards, saxophone, and providing backing vocals. His multi-instrumental skills enriched the band’s sound palette, adding layers to both their live performances and studio recordings.

Greg Hind

Greg Hind was a vocalist and guitarist from 2000 to 2018. His long tenure with the band saw him become a significant part of their identity during the 2000s, contributing to both their live shows and their later recordings.

Kip Raines

Kip Raines played drums for the Little River Band from 2004 to 2005. His role was integral to the band’s rhythm section during a period of yet another transition, maintaining the quality and energy of their performances.

Billy Thomas

Billy Thomas was the drummer from 2005 to 2007. His drumming helped drive the band’s live performances, ensuring a solid backbeat that supported their classic and new tracks.

Rich Herring

Rich Herring played guitar and provided vocals from 2006 to 2022. His extensive period with the band covered numerous tours and several album recordings, contributing significantly to the continuity and musical evolution of the band over 16 years.

Mel Watts

Mel Watts was the drummer from 2007 to 2012. His time with the band included touring internationally and helping to anchor the rhythm section with his robust drumming style.

Read More: Top 10 Little River Band Songs