Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
CastBox
PocketCasts
RSS
YouTubeMeet Beeb Birtles
Beeb was born Gerard Bertelkamp in Amsterdam in 1948. He’s one of Australia’s most beloved and enduring rock musicians. Best known as a founding member of the iconic Australian bands Zoot and Little River Band, Beeb has carved out a musical legacy that spans more than five decades. From his early days to finding his feet in Adelaide’s vibrant music scene, to fronting international chart-topping hits with Little River Band, Beeb’s journey is all about his passion for music.
Early Life: Amsterdam to Adelaide
When Beeb was just a young boy, his family migrated from the Netherlands to Australia in 1959, settling in Adelaide. This move would lay the groundwork for his entire career. Like so many kids growing up in post-war Australia, Beeb fell in love with the sounds of early rock’n’roll. Before long, he’d picked up the guitar and started playing with local mates, and by the mid-’60s, Beeb was performing with bands like Times Unlimited and Down the Line. But it was his fateful meeting with a young Rick Springfield, Darryl Cotton, and Rick Brewer that changed everything.
Falling in Love with Rock’n’Roll
In ’67, Birtles became a founding member of Zoot, the Adelaide pop rock outfit that would become notorious for its bubblegum pop sound and outrageous pink stage outfits — a bold statement at a time when the Aussie music scene was awash with denim-clad rockers. Zoot, fronted by Darryl Cotton with Beeb on bass and vocals, gained a massive teen following with hits like “1×2×3×4” and “Hey Pinky.” But perhaps their most memorable moment came when Zoot covered The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” in a heavy rock style, scoring a Top 5 hit in in ’70 and proving they were more than just pretty faces in pink satin.
Zoot: The Pink Glam Rock Phenomenon
The Zoot days weren’t without their challenges. The band faced relentless teasing and skepticism for their glam image, but they stuck it out until ’71, when they finally called it quits. Rick Springfield would go on to international stardom as a solo artist and soap star, while Beeb Birtles found himself ready to take his next big leap.
The End of Zoot and a New Beginning
After Zoot disbanded, Beeb Birtles stayed deeply embedded in the Australian music scene. He joined Mississippi, a progressive rock band that included future Little River Band mates Graham Goble and Derek Pellicci. Mississippi had a modest hit with “Kings of the World” in 1972 and even toured the UK. But by ’75, the band morphed into something bigger and bolder — Little River Band.
Little RIver Band: International Breakthrough
Little River Band would go on to become one of Australia’s most successful musical exports of all time. As a founding member, Beeb shaped the band’s signature smooth harmonies and melodic soft rock sound. With hits like “Reminiscing,” “Help Is On Its Way,” “Lonesome Loser,” and “Lady,” Little River Band stormed the US charts and became the first Australian band to achieve consistent commercial success in America. Beeb’s vocal harmonies were key to the band’s lush sound, and his co-writing credits include classics like “Happy Anniversary.” The late ‘70s and early ‘80s saw Little River Band selling out stadiums, cementing their place in music history.
Little River Band: LIfe on the Road
Life on the road with Little River Band wasn’t always glamorous, though. Grueling tours, band tensions, and the challenges of the American music industry took their toll. By ’83, Beeb decided it was time to move on, stepping away from the band he helped build.
Life After LRB: Reinventing the Music
But stepping away from Little River Band didn’t mean stepping away from music. In the decades since, Beeb has continued to make waves in music. He relocated to the US and in the ‘90s, reunited with old mates Graham Goble and Glenn Shorrock for the Birtles Shorrock Goble project, rekindling that magic LRB harmony that fans couldn’t get enough of.
Birtles Shorrock Goble: The Harmony Returns
Beeb has always been more than just a singer-songwriter; he’s also a producer and mentor to emerging artists. Living in Nashville, he’s collaborated with other musicians, written new material, and performed at special events and festivals.
Autobiography: Every Day of My Life
In 2018, Beeb published his autobiography, Every Day of My Life, which takes its name from one of Little River Band’s classic tracks. The memoir is a must-read for any rock history fan, shedding light on the highs and lows of life in the fast lane, from Zoot’s glitter days to the glory years with LRB and beyond.
Beeb Birtles Today: A Rock Legacy Lives On
These days, Beeb Birtles continues to celebrate his musical legacy while embracing life as a family man and grandfather. Beeb remains a testament to timeless songwriting, unforgettable harmonies, and the enduring spirit of Australian rock music. Whether you first discovered him through the glittery pop days of Zoot or fell in love with those velvet-smooth Little River Band anthems, there’s no denying Beeb’s lasting impact on the global music scene.
This Post Has 2 Comments
Wow I’ve thoughly enjoyed listening to memorable sounds .Harmonies were fantastic Thanks LRB .
I always knew that Mississippi reformed to become Little River Band but always wondered if the connection was intentional. “Mississipi” (a big river) becoming “Little River Band” ???