Max Merritt & the Meteors

b. 30 April 1941, Christchurch, New Zealand. The Meteors formed in New Zealand in 1956, with Merritt joined by Ross Clancy (saxophone), Ian Glass (bass), Peter Patene (piano) and Pete Snowden (drums). Merritt was influenced by black R&B and soul records imported by American Naval personnel stationed in New Zealand, which subsequently meant the Meteors were foremost in presenting this new music to New Zealand audiences on album and via several hit singles. The line-up for their 1960 debut album featured Merritt, Glass, Rod Gibson (saxophone), Bernie Jones (drums) and Billy Kris...