Judas Embrace 1966-1968

Ross Grenfell is to blame for drawing me into the music sub-culture present in Invercargill in the late 1960’s. Ross and I both started work at the Public Trust Office in Don St around the same time and as a consequence got on famously. Ross was also the drummer for Judas Embrace so it wasn’t too long before I started hanging out with the band when they played the various dance venues in and around Invercargill. Because I had a camera, I was given the lofty title of Publicity Manager tasked with promoting the band through the local music press. Judas Embrace already had a roadie so they were well ahead of their time.



“Judas Embrace – 1966-1968 (Soul)
Band Members
Brian Lamb – Lead Guitar & Vocals
Ross Grenfell – Drums
Alun Jones – Keyboards, Bass Guitar, Vocals
John Kennedy – Bass Guitar, Saxophone, Vocals


This popular band was innovative and worked hard on its image and presentation. Judas Embrace considered their look as important as their music. They wore mod-period Small Faces- style tailor-made stage clothes, which were radical for Invercargill at the time.


They played at the Otautau Hullabaloo, YMCA Cabaret, RSA and Waverley Church hall (dances) and once backed the teen idol and C’mon TV show resident Mr Lee Grant.


Judas Embrace performed at the Battle of the Bands in 1967. Their repertoire included such songs as Tin Soldier, Mustang Sally, Fox on the Run and Land of 1000 Dances.


Brian Lamb has been a professional singer-songwriter in Australia since leaving Invercargill.”

Source: Page 100 45 South in Concert

Judas Embrace was a dapper band which is not surprising since Brian Lamb did the in-shop display work Abraham Wachner (a Dees St shoe shop) and was meticulous about detail. Lamb did most of the vocals although occasionally John Kennedy put down his bass guitar to take the microphone.

The photo above ended up in the local weekend newspaper circa 1967/68 with the following caption:

“Judas Embrace vocalist John Kennedy raving it up on stage at St Mary’s, Gore last weekend. In the background is bass player and organist Alun Jones. The Judas Embrace with Brian Lamb on lead guitar and Ross Grenfell on drums are fast making an impact on the Southland pop scene after their first appearance at the beginning of the year. They feature a polished style and stage presentation seldom seen with other local groups.”