The Third Eye

The South African Rock Encyclopedia > Rock Legends > 1960s / 1970s > The Third Eye 

Sometimes styled as Thyrd Eye and Thyrd Eye Music

The Third Eye April 1969

The Third Eye April 1969

Biography

Founded in 1968 by the young, dynamic sibling duo of Ron and Dawn Selby, who previously rocked Durban stages alongside bassist Mike Sauer in the band It’s a Secret. The arrival of Maurice Saul, a guitarist with Rhodesian roots, and Robbie Pavid, a drummer doubling as a percussionist for Abstract Truth, transformed the group into The Third Eye.

Blending progressive rock with psychedelic influences, The Third Eye quickly established themselves as one of South Africa’s premier progressive rock acts. Their unique sound and innovative approach to music solidified their place in the country’s rock music history, alongside legendary bands like Freedoms Children, Abstract Truth, Otis Waygood, and Suck.

Discography

Albums

The Third Eye

3 Albums plus 6 Bonus Tracks on 2 Discs

The Third Eye (2CD 2010) 3 Albums plus 6 Bonus Tracks on 2 Discs

Retro Fresh, FRESHCD 172(D)

Awakening

Awakening
1969
Polydor, 277002

Searching

Searching
1969
Polydor, 277030

Brother

Brother
1970
Polydor, 277043

Singles

Fire

Fire
1968
Troubadour, TRS-E-9129

Valley Of Sadness

Valley Of Sadness
1969
Polydor, PS13

Caterpillar

Caterpillar
1974
Blue Jeans, B.J.24

Free

1974
Epidemic, RASH 626

Various Artists Compilations (selected)

Inspirations

Original and popular recordings that shaped their sound

Musicians

The Third Eye
  • Ronnie Selby: Lead Guitar
  • Maurice Saul: Vocals, Lead Guitar
  • Dawn Selby: Piano, Hammond Organ
  • Robbie Pavid: Drums
  • Mike Sauer: Six String Bass

Information supplied by Tertius Louw, Andrew King, Robbie Pavid and Dawn Selby.

Research by Brian Currin.