Beeb Birtles, born Gerard Bertelkamp AM on November 28, 1948, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a celebrated musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. As a founding member of iconic bands such as Zoot, Mississippi, and the Little River Band, Birtles has left an indelible mark on the music industry, both in Australia and internationally. His story is one of remarkable transition—from his Dutch heritage to becoming an influential figure in Australian rock.
Early Life and Dutch Heritage
Gerard Bertelkamp, better known by his stage name Beeb Birtles, was born into a Dutch family in post-war Amsterdam. His father, Gerard Bertelkamp Sr. (1923–2000), was a skilled carpenter and building contractor, while his mother, Elisabeth Hendrika (née Deubel; 1924–2015), shared a love for music that would influence her son’s career. Beeb also has a younger sister, Elisabeth H., born in 1952.
In September 1959, the Bertelkamp family embarked on a life-changing journey aboard the MS Willem Ruys, emigrating to Australia. Settling in Adelaide, South Australia, the family embraced their new home, which provided fertile ground for young Gerard’s passion for music to flourish.
The Musical Journey Begins
While attending Plympton High School in Adelaide, Birtles formed his first band, Times Unlimited. This group evolved into Down the Line, where he began honing his craft by covering popular English Mod songs. In 1967, Birtles joined the influential band Zoot as the bassist and vocalist. Zoot gained popularity with its energetic performances and hits like a rock-infused version of The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby.”
Zoot’s success propelled Birtles into the limelight, but the band disbanded in 1971, paving the way for new musical endeavors. Birtles then formed the duo Frieze with fellow Zoot member Darryl Cotton, which marked another chapter in his early career.
Little River Band and International Acclaim
In 1972, Birtles joined the folk-rock group Mississippi, which later transformed into the Little River Band (LRB) in 1975. As a founding member, Birtles played a pivotal role in crafting the band’s harmonious rock sound, contributing to their global success. Hits like “Reminiscing,” “Help Is on Its Way,” and “Lonesome Loser” cemented the band’s reputation as one of Australia’s greatest musical exports. Birtles remained with the Little River Band until 1983, during which they sold millions of records worldwide.
Post-LRB Career
After leaving LRB, Birtles collaborated with Graeham Goble, another LRB alum, to form the duo Birtles & Goble, releasing the album The Last Romance. He later pursued solo projects, including the 2000 album Driven by Dreams. In 2002, Birtles reunited with former LRB members Glenn Shorrock and Graeham Goble to form Birtles Shorrock Goble, performing LRB classics alongside new material.
Honors and Legacy
Beeb Birtles’ contributions to music have earned him widespread recognition. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to music and inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame in 2004 alongside his Little River Band colleagues.
Despite his success in Australia and beyond, Birtles remains deeply connected to his Dutch roots. His family’s journey from the Netherlands to Australia is a testament to resilience and adaptability, mirroring his own ability to evolve and thrive in the ever-changing music industry.
Source: Beeb Birtles’ autobiography, Every Day of My Life.
Beeb Birtles (Zoot/Mississippi/Little River Band) Interview 2005
