Gordon “Snowy” Perth, AU Death – Fleet The music world has lost another legend. Gordon “Snowy” Fleet, the powerhouse drummer for Australian rock icons The Easybeats, died on February 18 in Perth. For fans of The Easybeats, Snowy’s drumming was more than just the backbone of the band—it was the heartbeat of their sound. From the infectious energy of *She’s So Fine* to the anthemic *Friday On My Mind*, Snowy’s driving beats helped propel the band to international fame. His contribution to Australian music cannot be overstated, He was 79.
Snowy’s journey to rock stardom began in Liverpool, England, where he worked as an apprentice bricklayer while playing in local bands. He often shared stages with The Beatles, soaking up the vibrant music scene of the early 1960s. In 1964, he immigrated to Australia with his wife and young child, settling in Sydney’s Villawood Migrant Hostel. It was there that fate intervened. A note on his door from guitarist Harry Vanda read: “I believe you’re from Liverpool and play the drums. Would you like to play with us?”
That simple invitation led to the formation of The Easybeats, a band that would become synonymous with the sound of 1960s Australia. Alongside Vanda, songwriter George Young, bassist Dick Diamonde, and charismatic frontman Stevie Wright, Snowy helped create a musical phenomenon. The band’s multicultural lineup—Snowy was from Liverpool, Wright from Leeds, Vanda and Diamonde from the Netherlands, and Young from Scotland—reflected the diversity of post-war Australia, and their music resonated with a generation eager for something new.
The Easybeats’ rise to fame was meteoric. Their debut single, *For My Woman*, was released in March 1965, but it was *She’s So Fine* that catapulted them to stardom. The song sparked “Easyfever,” Australia’s answer to Beatlemania, with fans flocking to their shows and screaming for more. Snowy recalled the chaos fondly in a 2019 interview with ABC Radio: “All of a sudden, we had all these chicks going crazy. If there was no security to stop them from getting on stage, we couldn’t play.”
Despite their success, Snowy’s time with The Easybeats was not without its challenges. The band’s move to the UK in 1966 brought international acclaim, particularly with the release of *Friday On My Mind*, which became a global hit. But the relentless touring and time away from his family took its toll. In 1967, Snowy made the difficult decision to leave the band, stepping away from the spotlight to prioritize his personal life.
After leaving The Easybeats, Snowy moved to Perth, where he took over his family’s construction business. He later ran a rehearsal studio in Jandakot, sharing his love of music with the next generation of musicians. His son, Adam, followed in his footsteps, playing in local rock band Kaos. Snowy’s passion for music never waned, and he remained a beloved figure in the Australian music community.
In 2005, The Easybeats were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to their enduring impact on Australian culture. Snowy attended the ceremony with his bandmates, a rare reunion that celebrated their shared history. Today, with the passing of Snowy, Harry Vanda is the only surviving original member of the band. Stevie Wright died in 2015, George Young in 2017, and Dick Diamonde in September 2023.
For those who grew up with The Easybeats’ music, Snowy’s death is a poignant reminder of the passage of time. One fan shared a touching memory of their mother, who was a devoted fan of the band. “My mum was a huge fan of The Easybeats. They played at her high school, Wynnum High in Queensland, in 1965. She even shared a hamburger with Stevie Wright that day. I grew up listening to their music, and Snowy’s drumming always stood out to me. It was an honor to record at Albert’s Studios, where The Easybeats also recorded, and to play Snowy’s floor tom for an album. It felt like touching a piece of history.”
Snowy’s legacy lives on not only in the music he helped create but also in the lives he touched. His story is one of resilience, passion, and the enduring power of music to bring people together. As we say goodbye to Gordon “Snowy” Fleet, we celebrate the beats he gave us, the memories he created, and the indelible mark he left on Australian music.
Rest in peace, Snowy. Your rhythm will forever echo in our hearts.