The La De Das
The La De Da's were a New Zealand rock band active from 1963 to 1975. Originally formed as a mod-inspired group called the Mergers in Te Atatū, the band’s long-term members were Kevin Borich (lead guitar and vocals), Phil Key (lead vocals and guitar), and Trevor Wilson (bass guitar). In mid-1968, they relocated to Australia.
Their popular singles in New Zealand included "How Is the Air Up There?" and "On Top of the World" (both 1966), as well as "Hey! Baby", "All Purpose Low", and "Rosalie" (all 1967). In Australia, they achieved chart success on the Go-Set National Top 40 with "Gonna See My Baby Tonight" (1971), "Morning, Good Morning" (1972), and "Too Pooped to Pop" (1974). The group released one of the first Australasian concept albums, The Happy Prince (1969).
The La De Da's toured throughout New Zealand, Australia, England, and continental Europe, and supported several international artists during their Australian performances. Their musical style evolved over time—from instrumentals and garage rock-infused R&B to psychedelic rock, and later to blues rock and a more stripped-down hard rock sound in their final years. In Australia, the band is remembered for launching the solo career of Borich, who went on to form the Kevin Borich Express in 1976. Phil Key died in 1984 from a congenital heart defect, and Ronnie Peel, their later-era bass guitarist, died of cancer in 2020.
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