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Ray was a natural extrovert, this along with his original style and flamboyance, plus the band in their smart suits, cool gear, the technical brilliance of Dave Russell and Wally Scott, gave them an edge over local competition. They soon had a large Auckland following. Their first single Money Lover, had Ray's original lyrics and music from lead guitarist Dave Russell. The Invaders' first two attempts at recording didn't hit the right note with the public and in November 1963 they moved to Sydney searching for stardom. Their first gig was at Surf City, Sydney's top teenage venue. Ray then appeared on the TV programs Bandstand and Sing Sing Sing. After this Ray Columbus and the Invaders did hit the right note and the audiences liked it. Buoyed up by great crowds and good performances they returned to New Zealand in February 1964, secure in their high Australian profile. In June that year, they released She's A Mod in New Zealand where it received a cool reception. The song had previously been a hit in the U.K. for "The Senators" (a group which featured future Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham), and was written by that group's lead singer. Ray and the Invaders returned to Sydney and there "She's A Mod" went on to No.1 position on the charts nationally in Australia. Recorded in Sydney, and written by the group themselves, the follow-up single, Yo-Yo failed to reach the charts in Australia, but made Number One back home in New Zealand. In July 1965, Ray Columbus and the Invaders cover of Gerry and The Pacemakers 'Til We Kissed, reached the Top Ten in Sydney, and became their biggest hit yet in New Zealand. It won the inaugural Loxene Golden Disc Award in 1965, and was released in the United States as I've Been Waiting. Due to unsuccessful attempts to break into the United States market, caused by the US Consulate refusing them work permits, Jimmy Hill and Billy Kristian (Karaitiana) decided to leave the Invaders and join Max Merritt and the Meteors. Ray Columbus then decided to take on a solo career, and in July 1966, Ray and his American wife shifted to California and for two years and he performed as Ray Columbus and The Arc Collection. Ray then returned to New Zealand and began his own record label and publishing company. |
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