The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum » When The World Thought This Canadian Band Was Really The Beatles

RadioActive · June 18, 2025 9:55 am

An obit in the Globe and Mail about the death of one of the members of Canadian band Klaatu is fascinating in the story it tells about how one writer's simple (and completely ridiculous) speculation led an obscure Canuck group temporarily into the heights of fame because some people actually thought they were The Beatles trying for an anonymous comeback.

I remember this story well, although not with all the details the article provides. I didn't buy it for a second, but it's amazing how many people did. A terrific read about a musician and a group whose major claim to fame was their own anonymity.

A great moment in rock and radio history.

Klaatu drummer Terry Draper and his bandmates were mistakenly believed to be the Beatles

RadioActive · June 18, 2025 9:59 am

This reminds me of another "Beatles-In-Disguise" rumour. It came when the Hudson Brothers, who started out as kids' entertainers, put out a song called "So You Are A Star" in 1974.

Many who heard it without knowing the artists' name were positive it was done by the Fab Four. But the Hudsons were fairly famous by that point, so the reports died quickly.

Great song, though. It was their only real hit.

Jody Thornton · June 18, 2025 10:08 am

Loved the Hudson Brothers. Loved It!!! Loved It!!! As for Klaatu, I remember when CKOC played "Knee Deep In Love" and that DID sound Beatles-esque.

fyshtalk · June 18, 2025 10:14 am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I_bG4VBHCU

RadioActive · June 18, 2025 10:15 am

fyshtalk wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I_bG4VBHCU

Forgotten about that one. An early example of a Beatles clone. They never really had another hit.

DX · June 18, 2025 10:58 am

fyshtalk wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I_bG4VBHCU

I don't think The Knickbockers understand how saxophones work.

paterson1 · June 18, 2025 11:23 am

I never thought Klattu sounded much like the Beatles from the songs I heard. Knee Deep In Love and Sub Rosa Subway had some Beatlesque elements but the lead vocalist didn't really sound like either John or Paul at all IMO. Those songs were well produced however. Never got how the Carpenters version Calling Occupants became somewhat of a hit in many countries (top ten in the UK and #1 in Ireland). I thought their version of the song was mediocre and gimmicky.

Last edited by paterson1 (June 18, 2025 2:20 pm)

mace · June 18, 2025 11:46 am

RadioActive wrote:
fyshtalk wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I_bG4VBHCU

Forgotten about that one. An early example of a Beatles clone. They never really had another hit.

Actually they had two more minor hits in 1966. One Track Mind #46 and High On Love #94. Five more singles were released between 1967 and 68. None were able to reach the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.

Easily Amused · June 18, 2025 11:50 am

DX wrote:
fyshtalk wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I_bG4VBHCU

I don't think The Knickbockers understand how saxophones work.

Maybe they did. 🤔😁

"I can't play anything, but I want to be in the video!"

Dale Patterson · June 18, 2025 12:47 pm

I remember when some people thought Badfinger was the Beatles.

newsguy1 · June 18, 2025 1:08 pm

I've still got the vinyl album.
I always liked the song, "Calling Occupants."
Anus of Uranus was fun.
Bit of trivia... if it hasn't been mentioned already.
The band got its name from "The Day The Earth Stood Still."
Gort, the giant robot responded to the commands from the alien, "Nicto, Verada, Klaatu."

Buzzy Krumhunger · June 18, 2025 1:57 pm

That’s why it never worked for me. I thought the incantation was Klaatu Barada Necktie.

mic'em · June 19, 2025 6:35 am

I still have both Klaatu albums. Likely been since they were first released that I have played them.

Fitz · June 19, 2025 8:05 am

I think Lies by the Knickerbockers is the best Beatles single not by the Beatles. One Track Mind was a close copy. Badfinger had not only the sound but a close Beatles and Apple connection.

One of by favorite Beatles inspired groups was the power pop era of the Flamin' Groovies

and here is mid 60's single the Chartbusters that hit the top 50 and mined a similar territory:

Can't forget the Raspberries:

Finally this song from the 70's that I have on Greg Shaw's Bomp label:

Lorne · June 19, 2025 8:34 am

This got to #20 on CHUM in 1976.

RadioActive · June 19, 2025 9:31 am

And let us not forget my favourite deliberately Beatle-esque "group," The Rutles.

Monty Python's satire of the Fab Four ("they created a legacy that will last a lunchtime") was made even better by the song parodies created by the late Neil Innes, who was a genius. Tunes like "Ouch" (a stand-in for "Help") and "Piggy In The Middle" (based on "I Am The Walrus") were amazing.

And I still believe "I Must Be In Love" could have been a hit if they'd ever tried to release it. It's perfect faux early Beatles.

Lorne · June 19, 2025 9:45 am

Just remembered this one. The Wikipedia entry for this song states that co-producer Dave Bascombe 'recalled that the band derived the tempo from a parody of "I Am the Walrus" titled "Piggy in the Middle", which was created by The Rutles.'

Fitz · June 19, 2025 9:34 pm

Forgot the great Emitt Rhodes when I posted this morning. He played all the instruments on his first album in the early 70's and was referred to as the one man Beatles. The album was played regularly on CHUM FM and WYSL FM. His song Fresh as a Daisy made it to number 54 on Billboard but this was my fave from the album:

In 1967 he was in a group called the Merry-Go- Round and they had a hit in LA with this. Clip from American Bandstand:

fyshtalk · June 20, 2025 10:55 am

Regarding the Knickerbockers..they lived by the rule "NO SAX" before a Gig !