The VIPs were always blues based and were originally heavily influenced by Eric Burdon and the Animals. In 1966 they won the Geelong section of Hoadley’s National Battle of the Sounds.
Their sound gradually developed to be similar to artists on the Stax, Motown and Atlantic labels, especially after Bob Johns joined and the group became known as the ARCHER BAX ROLL BAND. They regularly played at the Pacific Hotel, Lorne and throughout the Western District. Revolver, Mods Tavern and Anthill and various school dances. Other players included Les Burke (guitar), Gary Talbot (keys), Bob Johns (sax), Charles Smith (bass) and Stuart Garrett (drums).
They reformed to play at the 2018 Geelong Musos’ Reunion with the line up: Les Burke-guitar/vocals, Gary Talbot – keyboards/vocals, Bob Johns – sax/vocals, Charles Smith – bass/vocals, Gordon Pendleton – drums, and special guests Peter Mills and Paul Davis from The In Group.
