Eagle Rock: Daddy Cool’s 1971 Rock’n’Roll Triumph

In 1971, Daddy Cool released Eagle Rock, a rock’n’roll hit that ruled Australia’s charts for ten weeks. Out on Sparmac Productions, it charted for 37 weeks, cementing its place in Aussie music. Written by Ross Wilson, with B-side Bom Bom, it took over from The Hollies and handed off to Drummond. A Melbourne classic, let’s explore its origin, its chart run, and why it still resonates.

Melbourne’s Rock Revival

Daddy Cool kicked off in ’70, formed by Ross Wilson after years in Melbourne’s scene. Wilson penned Eagle Rock, drawing on ’50s doo-wop and R&B. Released in May ’71 on Sparmac, it was produced by Robie Porter at Armstrong Studios. Wilson called it ‘rock’s roots with our spin’—Ross Hannaford’s guitar and Gary Young’s drums gave it a loose, live kick. Their debut single hit the ground running.

Chart Domination

Charting on May 10th, ’71, as catalogue number SPR 008, it reached No. 1 in June, displacing The Hollies’ Too Young to Be Married. It stayed there for ten weeks—37 weeks total—before Drummond’s Daddy Cool, with Graeham Goble, stepped up. It was ’71’s top single, a Sparmac win with huge radio play. The album Daddy Who? Daddy Cool topped charts too, a rare double success. It owned Australia that year.

Rock’s Early Wave

By ’71, Australia’s scene was buzzing—local acts were finding their feet on shows like GTK. Eagle Rock stood out, mixing nostalgia with a rough-around-the-edges charm. It wasn’t slick pop or heavy folk—just pure, danceable rock that suited pubs and parties, setting the stage for what came next.

Why It Lasts

That riff, that energy—it’s ’71 distilled. Daddy Cool faded by ’75, but Eagle Rock stuck—covers and live spins keep it alive, dance moves and all. Wilson moved on, but this remains his calling card. Play it now, and you’re in a ’70s pub, feeling the beat. Got a Daddy Cool story? Share it below—I’d love to hear!