Daddy Cool was formed in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1970 by Ross Wilson (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica), Ross Hannaford (lead guitar, bass, backing vocals), Wayne Duncan (bass guitar, vocals), and Gary Young (drums, vocals). The quartet’s early background included previous projects such as The Pink Finks and The Party Machine, which cultivated their shared affinity for 1950s rock and roll. Their breakthrough came with the single "Eagle Rock" (May, 1971), which topped the Australian singles chart for ten weeks and established the band’s national profile. In July 1971, the debut album Daddy Who? Daddy Cool was released, becoming the first Australian album to exceed 100,000 sales and achieving a Number 1 position. The follow‑up album Sex, Dope, Rock'n'Roll: Teenage Heaven (January, 1972) entered the top ten, while a live double album The Last Drive‑In Movie Show: Daddy Cool Live! (September , 1973) captured their energetic stage presence. After an initial split in August , 1972, Daddy Cool briefly re‑formed in 1974–1975, then again in 2005, releasing The New Cool (November , 2006). The band received multiple honors, including induction into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame on 16 August, 2006 and the Music Victoria Hall of Fame in 2014. Ross Hannaford died on 8 March, 2016 and Wayne Duncan passed away on 4 December, 2016, marking the end of the original lineup.
