Peter McGraw (Vocals) 

Bob McBride (Guitar, Vocals) 

Ricky Capreol (Guitar)

John Brower (Bass) 

Pat Godfrey (Piano) replaced by John Goadsby (aka Goldy McJohn) (Keyboards)

Jeff Smith  (Drums) replaced by Richie Grand (Drums)

The Diplomats were an interesting mid-late ‘60s outfit, which featured future Lighthouse singer Bob McBride and top session player Pat Godfrey.

John Brower later became a top rock promoter and was instrumental in setting up Canada’s first outdoor rock festival. He was also involved in organising the Toronto Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival concert with The Plastic Ono Band.

Peter McGraw later led Diamond Back in the mid-‘70s, while original drummer, Jeff Smith, later started his own recording studio.

The original line up, with the exception of McBride, had previously played together as Little John & The Friars and changed name sometime in early 1965 after Grand and Goadsby had joined The Mynah Birds a few months earlier.

According to Toronto Telegram‘s After Four section, McBride formed his own band Bob McBride & The Breath in late 1967 and played at the Purple Peanut Club in Toronto on 26-27 December.

McGraw sang with Dave Nicols & The Coins when the band broke up while Godfrey went on to Simon Caine in late 1969.

Richie Grand, who had come in from The Mynah Birds in May 1965 ended up with The Stormy Clovers. John Goadsby, who also came in from The Mynah Birds that same month, only stayed a few months and ended up joining The Sparrows, changing his name to Goldy McJohn. The band sometimes gigged as Little John & The Diplomats.

Advertised gigs

21 May 1966 – North Toronto Memorial Arena, Toronto with The Five Rogues, The Big Town Boys, J B & The Playboys and Dee & The Yeomen

1 October 1966 – Gogue Inn, Toronto

16 September 1967 – Peggy’s Pavillion, Stroud, Ontario

28-30 December 1967 – The Purple Peanut, Toronto with The New Breed

All of these gigs were advertised in the Toronto Telegram‘s After Four section. Thanks to Peter McGraw for providing some of the band information.

We’d love to hear from anyone who has any photos or can add any more information.