Johnny and Val left in early 1964 and were replaced by Tony Barber on rhythm guitar and Billy Thorpe on vocals. The band then became known as BILLY THORPE AND THE AZTECS . In Sydney, the group played regularly at Surf City in Kings Cross and The Beach House. Their first single released early 1964 ("Blue Day" b/w "You Don't Love Me") charted in Sydney. Their second single, their cover version of "Poison Ivy" became Number One in the national Australian charts, staying in the Top 40 for 16 weeks. After the success of their single, BILLY THORPE & THE AZTECS changed the record label and signed a contract with Australian Parlophone. 3 more singles were released in 1964 as well as their debut album.
Vince Melouney and Tony Barber left BILLY THORPE & THE AZTECS in 1965 to form VINCE & TONY'S TWO . At this time Vince also started to work as a session guitarist.
During the summer of 1965 Vince Melouney joined TONY WORSLEY & THE FABULOUS BLUE JAYS , recording one album and touring throughout the country.
Early 1966 Vince Melouney formed his group, THE VINCE MELOUNEY SECT . Their first single release was a moderate hit, especially in the Melbourne area, and was followed by a four track maxi single. The final release was a solo single by Vince, produced by Nat Kipner. Through Kipner Vince was invited to play on various sessions for THE BEE GEES . The songs he played on were released on different albums, such as the original "Spicks And Specks" or the compilation "Inception / Nostalgia ".
In October 1966 Vince headed off to London to further his music career. THE BEE GEES made the journey to London a couple of months later signing a recording contract with Robert Stigwood. Through the EASY BEATS (who were also in London at the time) Vince heard that the Gibb Brothers were in town and made contact. He was asked to join them and their drummer Colin Petersen in their recording sessions. Once the album "Bee Gees First" had been completed Vince Melouney became the official 5 th member. THE BEE GEES proved with their second album that they really had become a tight unit. The overall sound was much heavier and Vince Melouney's lead guitar was used more prominent on several songs. Vince stayed with THE BEE GEES till the end of 1968 and was part of the worldwide success of the group.
After the release of "Idea" Vince Melouney felt that his guitar playing wasn't needed any longer. He wanted to add more rock'n'roll to the music but the brothers wanted to include more ballads. In the end Vince left THE BEE GEES but agreed to play on a few songs for the new album.
Vince Melouney started recording a solo album, which was announced in the music press as "Maiden Voyage", however was never completed. At almost the same time ASHTON, GARDNER & DYKE were looking for a producer and a replacement for their guitarist Steve Howe (who had joined YES). Vince took the job, however it did not work out due to musical differences.
Vince put together a hard rock supergroup and signed a recording deal with MCA Records. He got in contact with his old friend Teddy Toi who was doing session work in London at the time. In June 1970 the line up of the new band FANNY ADAMS was Vince Melouney guitar, Johnny Dick drums, Doug Parkinson vocals and Teddy Toi bass. They recorded one album titled "Fanny Adams" which was heavy riffs and powerful vocals. The group made some notable appearances back in Australia, including the Myponga Festival in January 1971. MCA released one single from the album, "Got To Get A Message To You" (which was a group original, not THE BEE GEES' song of the same name) backed by "They're All Losers, Honey ". Unfortunately the group disbanded before the whole album was finally released in 1971.
Vince Melouney accepted an invitation from the New Zealand band THE CLEVES for an Australian tour. Thereafter he played the Melbourne Circuit with his band FLITE .
Vince briefly joined BARRIE McASKILL'S PEOPLE as a band member before accepting an offer as Musical Director of the NEW SEEKERS for their English tour.
After several years of pursuing some of his other passions in life, In 1980 Vince returned to Australia to record and tour with JOHN PAUL YOUNG .
Vince got involved in the Film & Advertising Industry in Sydney writing and producing music until he moved to Queensland in 1990. Live performance once again became a major part of his life. Apart from touring with his show throughout the country, Vince has been invited over recent years to perform at important music events, such as :
One Night Only Concert 1999
BEE GEES performing in Stadium Australia, Sydney
Noosa Inaugural Film Festival 2000
Long Way to the Top Tour 2002+2003
BILLY THORPE AND THE AZTECS performing in a national and regional tour
"Covers" Album by Vince Melouney was released in 2004.
New Album will be released by early 2006.