In 1965, when Sydney Wachtel replaced Pierre van der Linden on drums in the "Cellar Rockers", they decided to change their name to "Johnny and the Hunters", wich became simply "The Hunters" soon after.
Paul Hubert replaced Jan Burgers on guitar, while Wilfred Arens was the new bassplayer. Wilfred was replaced by Ron Bijtelaar in 1966. Their first singles featured Rita Severijnse and Floor Klomp on vocals, but since "The Russian Spy and I", released in June 1966, they shared the vocals themselves. That single became a Top 40 hit in The Netherlands, as it reached no. 10. The next single "Janosh" wasn't very successful (no. 40), but was a logical follow-up to its predecessor.
After that single, Ron Bijtelaar was replaced by Frank Smit, before Ron finally returned to The Hunters, to play on their last single "Lost Money" in November 1968.
The Hunters were, just like the "Cellar Rockers", also a backing group for several lead singers. For instance, they recorded a single with vocaliste Peggy March in 1966. Recently, a photo from the recording session turned up, and can be found below.

The Hunters, 1966 - left to right : Jan Akkerman Ron Bijtelaar,
Sydney Wachtel and Paul Hubert

Jan Akkerman and Sydney Wachtel during a 1966-recording session

Jan Akkerman and Peggy March, 1966

Jan and his 12 strings guitar in the line up of the Hunters, 1967

Frank Smit,Jan Akkerman and Sydney Wachtel carrying Paul Hubert 1967
Hunters promotion card

 

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