Roy Phillips


Roy Phillips found his way to New Zealand as the singer and Hammond organ player in The Peddlers. In May 1970 the group’s single ‘Girlie’ went to No.1 in New Zealand, shortly after a nationwide tour. Phillips was smitten, and he has called New Zealand his home since 1981.

Phillips is known as a Hammond organ player, but his first recordings were as a guitarist for the eccentric, innovative English record producer Joe Meek. After working alongside guitarist Ritchie Blackmore on the Meek sessions, Phillips was prompted to find another instrument to play. Phillips moved to keyboards with The Peddlers, where he added his bluesy singing to his cool organ grooves.

Roy Phillips in Amsterdam, 1980.
The Peddlers (L-R): Roy Phillips, Trevor Morais, and Tab Martin in front. 
The Peddlers play Olivers club in Wellington, February 1970, just prior to the NZ release of 'Girlie'. They give two shows a night, starting at 11.00pm and at 1.30am. 
The Peddlers' Roy Phillips - Dancing With Shadows (Ode, 2007) - recorded at Billy Kristian’s Muscle Music Studio in Northland.
Roy Phillips with Playdate reporter Louise Warren outside the AKTV2 studios, NZBC building, Shortland St,  Auckland. Loading his drumkit into the car to take it back to Mojo's nightclub is Trevor Morais. - "Dope on the Peddlers", Playdate, April 1970.
Photo credit: Max Thomson
The Peddlers' last NZ single 'You and Me Together' (EMI, 1975)
Heinz and the Saints, 1963, with Roy Phillips at left.
The Peddlers with EMI New Zealand staff, c. 1973. From left: Rob Walker, Graham Feasey and Louise Warren of EMI; Roy Phillips is behind Warren with his head down.  
Photo credit: Marama Warren collection
Roy Phillips - Takapuna (Warrior Records, 1983)
Roy Phillips and the Peddlers mime 'Girlie' in the AKTV2 studio, Shortland St, Auckland - Playdate, April 1970.
Photo credit: Max Thomson
Roy Phillips, photographed by Steve Hilliar at the RSA Pt Chevalier, Auckland, 2010s
Photo credit: Steve Hilliar
The Peddlers' single Girlie, No.1 in New Zealand for one week in May, 1970 (distributed in NZ by Philips).
Roy Phillips - That's Way 'Tis (2006, self-released)
Roy Phillips demonstrates a Hammond organ, NZ Music Dealers convention, 1980s.
Photo credit: Murray Cammick
Roy Phillips's 2014 album, Blue Groove, recorded at his Christchurch studio The Groove Room. 
Roy Phillips - New Zealand, New Zealand (Warrior Records, 1983)
The Peddlers - Adam's Apple sheet music.
Roy Phillips, 1980.
The Peddlers, picture sleeve for the single Birth b/w Steel Mill (CBS France, 1969). 
Roy Phillips and Lew Pryme at a music business event, 1980s.
The Peddlers - 'Thank God Yesterday's Gone' (HMV NZ, 1970)
Gentle Annie and friends at the Royal Easter Show, Auckland, 1984. Left to right: Glenn Fuller, Cath Newhook, Andrew White, Steve Garden, Roy Phillips, Sid Limbert.
Labels:

Warrior Records


Philips


Gemini


Columbia


EMI


Ode

The Peddlers' Girlie reaches No.1 in New Zealand, 22 May 1970.

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