Garage psych rock band originally from Milwaukee WI, active from 1964-1971. (For the Canadian rock band, see Shag.) 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 John Sahli left and was replaced with Ray McCall. In 1967, they were signed by Capitol Records and recorded a 45, "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. They recorded material in San Francisco for an album, which went unreleased at the time. As Shag, they also appeared in July 1969 at the Midwest Rock Festival in Milwaukee, on a bill which also featured Led Zeppelin, Blind Faith, The MC5, Jethro Tull and many others. 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. An album of the band's 1969 recordings, Shag, was released on Gear Fab records in 2005. Past members include: Paul Greenwald John Sahli (1964-65) Mike Lamers Don Luther Ray McCall (1965-68) Gordon Elliott (1968-71)