Les Rivals

Danish 1963-1966 R&B-influenced band from Copenhagen primarily known as back up band for singer Peter Belli. Promoted in the 60's as a Danish equivalent to The Beatles.

Founded early 1963 as a The Shadows inspired group. The original line up - Peer Frost (g), Flemmng Preisler (b), Henrik Hviid Carlsen (r-g), Bjørn Uglebjerg (dr) - was soon after joined by Per »Kreller« Frederiksen (vo). After replacing Frederiksen with Jann Wennergren (vo), the band took the name Les Rivals. In September 1963 Wennergren was replaced by Erik Mortensen (vo) and Uglebjerg by Bjarne Arentdal (dm). In May 1964 Arentdal was replaced by Knud »Denger« Hermansen (dm).
The bands prime began in May 1964 when singer Peter Belli replaced Mortensen. Shortly after Hermansen was replaced by Flemming Møller (dm) (ex-Electro Swingers). In August 1964 Møller and Preisler were replaced by Per Oluf 'Flob' Hansen (el-b) (ex-The Cliffters,ex-The Contenders) and Niels Kjær (dm) (ex-Beefeaters).
In a 1965 interim period the band dissolved and Belli performed with new band mates under the name. These included Børge Christiansen and Jan Due (both in Lions), [a758012] (The Black Devils) and Jan Pedersen (The Scarlets).
The band soon reformed with previous members Peter Belli, Per Oluf 'Flob' Hansen, Peer Frost and Henrik Hviid Carlsen, yet Kjær had left to join Ex-Checkers and was replaced by Bent Glæsel
In spring 1966 Glæsel af was replaced by Preben Devantier (dm) (ex-The Defenders, ex-Melvis & His Gentlemen) and in September »Flob« Hansen by Finn Dalhart (el-b) (ex-Someones).
Peter Belli & Les Rivals disbanded in October 1966 after Belli was jailed for a month due to smoking weed. Peer Frost joined Sir Henry & His Butlers, Henrik Hviid Carlsen formed In-Crowd, Preben Devantier joined Steppeulvene and Peter Belli soon formed Peter Belli & Seven Sounds for a brief period and then Peter Belli & Four Roses for the rest of the 60's before going solo for a pop career.