Peter Vee (16 November 1946 to 2 October 2024), a visionary producer, assembled Buffalo, a studio-based group in the late 1970s. This collective of talented musicians, including Mike Pilot (known for his work with Rising Sons, Stingray, and Tidal Wave), Malcolm Watson (a member of Rising Sons and Hocus), Dennis East (from Stingray), and Malie Kelly, blended rock and disco to create a unique sound that resonated with South African audiences.
While Buffalo’s only South African chart hit was “Magic Carpet Ride” (#5 in 1979), a disco-infused cover of the Steppenwolf classic, the specific musicians involved in the recording remain somewhat mysterious. The album’s credits only list Vee and Watson as producers, adding a layer of intrigue to the band’s legacy.
Although Buffalo may not be internationally recognized, they hold a special place in the hearts of South African music fans who appreciate their contribution to the country’s diverse musical landscape.
Peter Vee was a bubblegum pop sensation who released his first single in 1969, and had 4 chart hits between 1971 and 1974. He then moved into production and reinvented himself as a disco rocker in 1978 and helped create and embrace a new genre with his studio band Buffalo alongside bands such as Disco Rock Machine and Hot R.S. All these bands (and many more) can be heard on the Disco Fever compilation.
Peter Vee’s real name was Peter Paoliello. Here’s the story in his own words…
Peter Vee
My real surname Paoliello (pronounced Pow Lee Ello) was difficult for people who worked with my Dad to pronounce. To shorten it to Mr. P(ee) would have been (possibly) disrespectful. They decided to refer to him as Mr V. His Christian name was Vincent. When I started playing in bands, my friends heard others referring to my Dad as Mr. V and decided to refer to me as Peter V. The extra two e’s were added for effect. Now you have the full story.
