Silver Studs - Happy Days (1976) plus Bonus Tracks

 (Australian 1975 - 1978)

Original line-up : LANCE REYNOLDS, KEITH REED, GINO LATORRE

Later members: VIVIEN GRAYSOI, PAUL STEVENS

The trio was formed late in 1975 by Lance in Brisbane. Gino and Lance worked together in the stage production of Hair and Keith also had a theatrical background.

They first caught the public's attention in February, 1976 when they toured with the Hollies as their support act. At the same time they released their first single, "My Teenage Dream", on the Philips label.

Then in March '76 Keith left the group and was replaced initially by Vivien Graysol and a short time later by Paul Stevens.

Meanwhile, their second single, "Happy Days" (the theme from the popular television show), was released and began selling like wildfire. By mid-July it had sold in excess of 20,000 copies and peaked at number four on the national charts.

One of the most important factors in developing their popularity was the trio's vibrant stage act. Although it was based on fifties rock (complete with studded denim gear and silver boots) they also included dancing and comedy.

Their next single was "Dance With A Dolly", which was released in August and became their second hit. It was followed by their first album, which was entitled 'Happy Days' (released in October '76) and within one month it had gone gold, selling over 50,000 copies.

Early in 1977, Paul left the group to replace Frankie J Holden in OL' 55, where he performed under the pseudonym Mike Raffopne; and the other two decided to continue as a duo. They revamped their image and shortened their name to Studs. By April the Happy Days album was approaching double gold and at this point they switched to Wizard Records. In conjunction with Wizard they formed their own label called Big Time- Phonograph company and in June they released a new single entitled "Funky Feet".

The record was also released in England and Europe on the Riva label and in August they embarked on a brief trip there to promote it. They returned to Australia the following month and in October they set off once again for the UK and then on to America. In Los Angeles they commenced recording their new album, which was completed in December. The title chosen for the album was 'Loose Last' and its release was scheduled for March, 1978.

The boys returned to Australia in time for Christmas '77 and in the meantime another single, "Today I Met The Girl I'm Gonna Marry" / "I Don't Wanna Waltz Matilda With You", was released.

In January, 1978 they embarked on a national tour of Australia in order to consolidate their position here, and later released a second single "Dr Bop". [Taken from Noel McGrath's Australian Encyclopedia of Rock. 1978 p290-291]

This post consists of FLACs ripped from another Garage Sale gem, that I came across (just before the COVID lockdowns) and thought it was about time I shared it, so as to brighten up your day. The title track "Happy Days" (a cover of the popular theme song from the American sitcom 'Happy Days') is something we all need at the moment and god willing, they will return soon for everyone.

Ripped from this pristine vinyl, full album artwork and label scans are also included. As a bonus, I am also including their first single release "My Teenage Dream" and their post album single "Funky Feet" in MP3 format (thanks to Ozzie Musicman for these two tracks)

Although the Silver Studs never achieved the same recognition as their Aussie counterparts - Ol' 55 (featuring Frankie J. Holden and Wilbur Wilde) they were still a popular group both in Sydney and Melbourne.

Tracklist

A1 Happy Days 2:18

A2 Dance With A Dolly (With A Hole In Her Stockin') 2:28

A3 The Kangaroo 2:21

A4 I Only Have Eyes For You 3:12

A5 Lean Baby 2:27

A6 Abba Dabba Honeymoon 3:55

           Way Back In The Fifties(Medley):17:45

B1 Way Back In The Fifties

B2 (Bop Rock) Turn Back The Clock

B3 Rockin' Robin

B4 Shake Rattle And Roll

B5 Little Darlin'

B6 When

B7 Cry

B8 Personality

B9 Splish Splash

B10 Way Back In The Fifties (Reprise)

BONUS TRACK My Teenage Dream

BONUS TRACK Funky Feet

Silver Studs Link (232Mb)