April 30th, 2012: The dance club scene in Melbourne in 1969 was at its peak. Iconic venues such as Berties, Sebastian’s and Thumpin’ Tum thrived. Hard working bands like Max Merritt & The Meteors would often play multiple venues in one night.

Spectra, in Melbourne’s southeast suburbs, was a biweekly dance created and promoted by teacher Martin Cook, that catered to high school age youth. The venue rotated between Waverley and Ashwood high schools.

It was not uncommon for three or four bands to appear each night at Spectra. In addition to Max Merritt & The Meteors, top bands like Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs, The Zoot & The Master’s Apprentices performed regularly before audiences upwards of 1,000.

“Been Away Too Long” is from one of those nights late in 1969 at Ashwood High. The master tape was in storage for 42 years, and I thought it was about time that all Max Merritt & The Meteors fans had the opportunity to enjoy this great performance. The band’s unrelenting energy and superb execution will bring back