Perth Voice Interactive

THE music world is in mourning after Easybeats drummer Gordon ‘Snowy’ Fleet recently passed away at his home in Perth aged 85.

Fleet was in the legendary Aussie band during their most successful period from 1964-1967 and played on their biggest hit Friday on My Mind – the first Australian track to break the US top 20 – as well as She’s So Fine, Sorry and Wedding Ring.

Fleet claimed he came up with the band’s name, which was a tribute to The Beatles.

Originally from Liverpool, he played on the same bill as ‘The Fab Four’ in their early years.

The Easybeats were the first Aussie rock band to enjoy global stardom, but by 1967, Fleet was unhappy about spending so much time away from his wife and young kids, so he quit the group.

Construction

He ended up taking over his family’s construction business in Perth, which he ran successfully until his death.

In 2005, Fleet and his son Adam renovated an 1800s house at 59 Hampton Road in Fremantle.

Adam lived there for a while and it features Snowy’s signature in the limestone.

Over the years, Fleet still flirted with the music biz – he ran a rehearsal studio in Jandakot and was part of an Easybeats reunion in 1986 with the original members.

Along with the group, he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005 and attended the ceremony.

In 2017 a miniseries about the Easybeats was aired on the ABC with Snowy portrayed by Arthur McBain.

Fleet was nicknamed ‘Snowy’ because of his jet black hair.

He was by far the oldest in the band, so when they became famous, management told the press he was five years younger.

Fleet’s death follows the passing of Easybeats bassist Dick Diamonde in September last year, leaving lead guitarist Harry Vanda as the only surviving member.

Fleet passed away on February 17 and is survived by his wife of more than 60 years Maureen. 

They had three children together.