Meet The Spare Parts, a homegrown North Coast rock band [Watch]

Although they may appear to be a group of casual dad rockers, The Spare Parts are a legitimate thumping four-piece rock band, now with original music to prove it.

Founded during lockdown by North Coast locals Steve van der Schyff (vocals), Ernie Koopmans (drums), Des Crawford (lead guitar) and Shales Berkeley (bass guitar), The Spare Parts are quickly becoming a household name.

Whether with reworked covers of familiar classics from the golden age of rock or their four own songs, the band knows how to get you out of your seat and dancing along.

And the secret ingredient to it all is that the players, revitalised through the discovery of a shared hobby, are having the time of their lives.

“We are a feel-good band, we want people to party and get in the groove when we’re on stage. We had all played in some form before, but I think the group we have is really a good mix,” said Van der Schyff.

Adding one player at a time through mutual connections, the band was completed when Crawford joined as lockdown began to ease.

“We started practicing at my place, which overlooks an open space in Salt Rock. People began asking us to practice at the same time as the three hours they could leave the house during Covid restrictions because there was such a demand for entertainment,” he said.

While the lockdown meant live performances took a while to start, it also meant the band reached the public pretty much fully formed, with a rehearsed back catalogue.

And though it is clear the group does not take themselves too seriously, there is also a clear twinkle of ambition behind the eyes. For good reason too.

Color Me Blue, a southern blues-rock inspired record, would not sound out of place on ZZ Top’s Eliminator, while Slow Motion Richochet brings back classic 70s rock melodies reminiscent of Rainbow.

“We play whenever we can get a gig, normally around two or three times a month. At some stage we’d love to tour too,” said Koopmans.

“I’m sure these new tour buses could accommodate our Zimmer frames,” laughed Van der Schyff.

To find their music on Spotify or Apple Music, search for TheSpareParts, with no spaces between the words to ensure you get the right band.

But if you get the chance, it is well worth making the effort to see them in person, where the group performs without backing vocals or prerecorded tracks – everything you hear is being produced live.

For updates on when they are performing, or to buy merch that supports the band, follow them on The Spare Parts Facebook page.

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