Biography

Little River Band - A Long Way There

Little River Band was the first Australian band to successfully conquer foreign markets from an Australian base.

Within eight months of their birth, LRB had already scored three Australian Top 20 singles and two Top Ten albums. In 1976, after their self-titled debut album was released in the USA, the long grind of 13 US tours in eight years had begun.

By 1982 they became the only act – from anywhere – to have a top ten US single for six consecutive years.

Headlining their own major shows in America, and touring internationally with the likes of the Doobie Brothers, Supertramp, America, Heart, Boz Scaggs, Fleetwood Mac, and The Eagles was a huge learning curve that honed LRB into one of the finest live bands in the world.

Record success ran alongside – total record sales around the world have eclipsed the 30 million mark...16 hit singles by 1985, as well as gold, platinum, and multi-platinum album sales awards. All-told LRB have notched up eight top 10 singles in the US, where two of their songs, Reminiscing and Lady, have more than 9 million radio plays between them.

Through the years LRB has thrived as a highly respected and constantly in-demand outfit, going about their craft with a dedication to excellence and professionalism that few, if any, can match.

The Little River Band of 2011 is stronger than ever. The band is anchored by American bass player Wayne Nelson, who began his LRB career in 1980. The following year Wayne debuted as lead vocalist on the top ten hits "The Night Owls" and "Take It Easy On Me", and continues in that role today. Wayne has more years of service than anyone throughout the band’s illustrious history.

Greg Hind (guitars and vocals) has been an integral part of the bands current sound since 2000. Before joining LRB Greg played and sang with many well-known artists including Thelma Houston, Kylie Minogue, and Bachelor Girl.

Rich Herring (guitars and vocals) is a consumate player and Nashville producer. He has produced CDs for Shane McAnally (Curb Records) and Eric Stromer (Jimi Noodles Records), as well as being co-producer on three Little River Band projects since joining the band in 2006...We Call It Christmas, Outback, and Standing Room Only (Sony Records, 2006). His touring credits include a 2-year stint with Steve Holy.

Chris Marion (keyboards and vocals) was born on Elvis’ 27th birthday.
After studying music in college, Chris moved to Nashville and began his playing career, with his music garnering nominations for 4 Dove awards from the Gospel Music Assoc. He has toured and recorded with artists like Steven Curtis Chapman, Shenandoah, Brent Lamb, and Keith Longbotham. In 1992, he joined with partner Danny Myrick to form Western Flyer and later worked with artists such as Garth Brooks, The Oak Ridge Boys, Doug Stone, and Charlie Chase.

Mel Watts (drums) Born an army brat, living in Okinawa, Japan, Belgium, and Germany. Mel comes from a family of musicians. His grandfather was a ho-down fiddler from Eastern Kentucky. He started playing at 10, making money at 13, dreams led to music. After high school, he joined the Dave Perkins Band and toured with The Allman Brothers, Charley Daniels, Little Feat, Rossington Collins Band, The Hooters, Badfinger and Bonnie Bramlett. Mel lived in NYC during this time, but he found his way back home to Nashville where he played on 3 number one Country hits by Earl Thomas Conley.

Nelson remarks of the changes “after 30 years, the prospect of looking for American musicians to be part of LRB was challenging but ultimately rewarding. Chris, Rich, and Mel are very talented; they respect the history of the band and want to do what's right for the songs, but they also bring something new to the table with their experience and their versatility. As they settled in and started throwing in new ideas, we all got a new lease of life. We're having a lot of fun exploring new ways to deliver the songs - still recognizable and powerful, but with new twists that will delight those fans who like to listen deep and analyze. And, in a kind of "back to the future" way, we're digging into the vaults and rearranging some older songs while collaborating on new material as well. Don't be surprised if a new CD doesn't get birthed by this line-up next year."

Every year sees LRB performing between 80-100 shows in the USA and Canada. From Portland to Fort Lauderdale and New York to LA, fans of the band are treated to an entertaining mix of classic songs and new material, delivered as always with that trademark LRB blend of impeccable vocals, soaring harmonies, kick-**** playing and the unmistakable feeling of a band really enjoying itself. Capacity crowds across America and beyond continue to attest the enduring appeal of Little River Band…on CD and in concert.


Original albums

1975 Little River Band
1976 After Hours
1977 Diamantina Cocktail
1978 Sleeper Catcher
1979 First Under The Wire
1980 Backstage Pass
1981 Time Exposure
1983 The Net
1984 Playing to Win
1986 No Reins
1986 Too Late to Load
1988 Monsoon
1990 Get Lucky
1991 Worldwide Love
1992 Live Classics
2000 Where We Started From
2002 One Night in Mississippi
2003 Test of Time
2006 Rearranged
2006 Standing Room Only - LRB Live
2009 Outback
2011 A Little River Band Christmas