The La De Das were a leading New Zealand / Australian rock band of the 1960s and early 1970s. Formed in New Zealand in 1963 (as The Mergers), they enjoyed considerable local success in this period in both countries until their split in 1975. The band is probably best known as the lanching place for the career of guitarist Kevin Borich, and for their recording of Australia's first concept album, The Happy Prince (EMI, 1968). 1963-1966 The band which eventually became The La De Das was started by three young musicians from the rural Huapai district, near Auckland on the New Zealand north island. Friends Kevin Borich, Brett Neilson and Trevor Wilson were all from Rutherford High School in Te Atatu. Kevin had actually started much earlier in music -- at 12 he had recorded a private single with two young sisters, Judi and Sue Donaldson, who lived on a neighbouring property. The pair later became a popular NZ