Effective period / Period of releases: 1968

Members: Pat Italiano, Arthur Laing, Morris Avellino, Richard Wachniewski, Zdiz Hebda, Wally Kulesza

Australian band from Canberra, ACT, active from the late 1960s until 1974 (and reformed 1998-2017).

Originally called The Diplomats, in early 1968 the band changed its name to The Second Movement and recorded 8 original songs (written by lead vocalist Arthur Laing) at EMI in Sydney for a 12" demo. From that six hour session emerged the singles 'The Big Top' / 'Fairyland' followed in 1968 by 'Gabrielle' / 'It's Love'. The lineup consisted of Arthur Laing (lead vocals), Wally Kulesza (rhythm guitar), Richard Wachniewski (bass), Zdiz Hebda (keyboards and vocals), Maurice Avellino (lead guitar) and Pat Italiano (drums). The band mainly played commercial pop music and wore flashy suits.

In about April 1970 Wally Kulesza left to join the Playboys and Pat Italiano left a few months later. The Second Movement were joined by Maxwell Road drummer Bob Sawyer, and Neil Hitchock (keyboards). By the first half of 1971 Steve Maughan (guitar) joined the band after the departure of Neil Hitchcock. Further changes included Dennis Walters (lead guitar), Tom Stewart (keyboards and vocals), Alan Cook (keyboards), Manu Bleareau (vocals and keyboards), and Peter Dodson, as the final guitarist. The band ceased around mid 1974, with Arthur Laing the only remaining original member.

In 1998 the original members of the band reformed and were joined by Wally Cooper (keyboards). The intention of the re-formation was initially just for family and friends. However, their popularity quickly escalated and the band stayed together (but only for selective gigs) attracting sell out crowds on most nights they performed. The Second Movement released CDs in 2003 and 2007. Pat Italiano and Wally Cooper left the group around 2008 and Bob Sawyer rejoined the band on drums. Zdiz Hebda then concentrated more on keyboards. In January
2014 Maurice Avellino left and was replaced by lead guitarist Bela (aka Bill) Kover. The band finally disbanded in January 2017.