The Shag

Garage psych rock band originally from Milwaukee WI, active from 1964-1971.
They were called The Shags and featured a more folksy/blues rock sound however, after some personal changes the band proceeded onto new directions.

In 1965, they recorded a single, "Dance Woman" on their local Raynard label before original guitarist [a= John Sahli] left and was replaced with Ray McCall. In 1967, they were signed by Capitol Records and recorded "Stop and Listen" written and sung by Ray and featuring his fuzz guitar sound. It was cited as one of the first anti-drug rock songs to be recorded. At this time the bands name was shortened to 'The Shag' to avoid confusion with numerous other bands using the same name. The band developed a local following based on their reputation for a rocking sound with outlandish costumes and special effects. Ray left the band soon after and was replaced by Gordon Elliott when they relocated to California. After dissolving in 1971, Gordon went on to form a group called Elixir, with fellow Chicagoians George Edwards and Michael Tegza, previously of the band H. P. Lovecraft.


Past members include:
Paul Greenwald
[a= John Sahli] (1964-65)
Mike Lamers
Don Luther
Ray McCall (1965-68)
Gordon Elliott (1968-71)