The Australian music community is in mourning following the loss of Gordon “Snowy” Fleet, the legendary drummer from The Easybeats. Snowy passed away on February 18, 2025, at the age of 79 in Perth, Australia. Known for his powerful drumming and pivotal role in one of Australia’s most iconic bands, Snowy’s contribution to both The Easybeats and the wider Australian music scene remains immeasurable. From the infectious energy of hits like She’s So Fine to the anthemic Friday On My Mind, Snowy’s drumming helped propel The Easybeats to international success and solidified his place as one of the greats in rock history.
Snowy’s journey to rock stardom began in Liverpool, England, where he worked as an apprentice bricklayer while playing drums in local bands. He shared stages with The Beatles, immersing himself in the vibrant music scene of the early 1960s. In 1964, Snowy made the life-changing decision to emigrate to Australia with his wife and young child. They settled in Sydney’s Villawood Migrant Hostel, a move that would inadvertently change the course of Snowy’s life. It was there, in the bustling and culturally diverse heart of post-war Australia, that he received an unexpected invitation: a note on his door from guitarist Harry Vanda. The note read: “I believe you’re from Liverpool and play the drums. Would you like to play with us?” That simple invitation was the catalyst for what would become one of the most iconic bands in Australian music history—The Easybeats.
As a member of The Easybeats, Snowy helped shape the sound of the 1960s Australian music scene. Alongside his bandmates—Vanda, who played guitar, bassist Dick Diamonde, frontman Stevie Wright, and the late George Young—Snowy helped create a new musical language that resonated with fans not just in Australia but across the world. The Easybeats’ multicultural lineup, with members hailing from all corners of the globe, was a reflection of the new Australia of the 1960s. Their music, a fusion of rock, pop, and R&B, represented a youthful, vibrant energy that captured the spirit of the era.
The Easybeats’ meteoric rise began in 1965 with their debut single, For My Woman, but it was She’s So Fine that truly catapulted them to stardom. The track sparked “Easyfever,” a fan phenomenon in Australia akin to Beatlemania, as their shows became packed with screaming fans eager to see their favorite band. Snowy, with his unrelenting beats, was the driving force behind the music, his rhythmic patterns propelling the band’s sound into the hearts of millions.
But it wasn’t just the fans who were captivated by Snowy’s talent. Inside the band, he was a steady, reliable presence, with his infectious energy and professionalism making him an integral part of the group’s dynamic. He recalled the wild success with a sense of humor in a 2019 interview, saying, “All of a sudden, we had all these chicks going crazy. If there was no security to stop them from getting on stage, we couldn’t play.” Despite the overwhelming fame, Snowy remained grounded, always bringing his warmth and generosity to the band and their loyal supporters.
The Easybeats’ international success reached its peak in 1966 when they moved to the UK, where they became one of the first Australian rock bands to achieve global recognition. Their song Friday On My Mind was released that same year, quickly becoming an international hit and cementing their place in rock history. But despite their growing fame, Snowy made the difficult decision to leave the band in 1967. After years of relentless touring and pressure, Snowy chose to step away from the limelight and focus on his personal life. The decision to leave was not taken lightly, but for Snowy, the need for balance and time with family was paramount.
After his departure from The Easybeats, Snowy moved to Perth, where he took over his family’s construction business. However, his passion for music never waned. He later ran a rehearsal studio in Jandakot, where he shared his love for music with the next generation of musicians. His son, Adam, followed in his footsteps, playing in the local rock band Kaos. Even in his later years, Snowy remained a beloved figure in the Australian music community, known not only for his past contributions but also for his mentorship of up-and-coming musicians.
In 2005, Snowy was honored with an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame alongside his Easybeats bandmates, a fitting tribute to the enduring impact of their music. Snowy attended the ceremony with his surviving bandmates, and the event was a rare reunion that celebrated their shared history. At the time of Snowy’s death, Harry Vanda remains the sole surviving member of the original band lineup, with Stevie Wright passing in 2015, George Young in 2017, and Dick Diamonde in September 2023.
Snowy’s passing has left a deep hole in the hearts of those who knew him. Fans from all over the world have taken to social media to express their sorrow, sharing memories of Snowy and the profound impact he had on their lives. One fan shared a particularly touching story of their mother, a devoted fan of The Easybeats, who saw the band perform at her high school in 1965. “My mum was a huge fan of The Easybeats. They played at her high school, Wynnum High in Queensland, in 1965. She even shared a hamburger with Stevie Wright that day. I grew up listening to their music, and Snowy’s drumming always stood out to me.” The fan also shared how they had the privilege of recording at Albert’s Studios, where The Easybeats made their iconic tracks. “It felt like touching a piece of history,” they said.
The loss of Snowy has also sparked an outpouring of tributes from those who worked with him in the music industry. His friends, colleagues, and fans have all expressed their deep admiration for the man who not only helped shape Australian music but also touched the hearts of everyone he encountered. In a statement, one of his former bandmates described Snowy as “the heartbeat of The Easybeats,” noting that it was his steady, infectious rhythm that gave the band their distinctive sound.
Snowy’s legacy will continue to live on through the music he helped create, the lives he touched, and the memories he left behind. As one of the pioneers of Australian rock, Snowy’s contribution to music history is immeasurable. His drumming, his spirit, and his passion for life will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved him and in the songs that will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Snowy. Your rhythm will forever be remembered.
