The Shackshakers
| The Shackshakers | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Carlyle, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Genres |
Roots Rock Pop Country/Rock Power Pop Northern Soul |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Labels | Daddy-O Records |
| Members |
Shawn Nagy – vocals, guitars, keyboards (1988-present) Darlene Marie – vocals, percussion (1997-present) Todd James - drums (2006-present) Nic Tucci - vocals, bass guitar (2006-present) Tom Henderson - drums (1997-2011) |
The Shackshakers are a 4 piece variety rock band based out of Duluth, Minnesota, USA. Shawn Nagy formed the group in Carlyle, Saskatchewan, Canada in the Summer of 1988.
The band performed on full-time road tours primarily in Canadian country venues before Nagy moved to Duluth, MN in 1995, where he changed the band lineup and switched to a variety format. Nagy was recruited for a theatrical production (to perform as Buddy Holly at the Cactus Theater) in Holly's hometown of Lubbock, TX, and the band based themselves there for a 2-year period (1999–2001). Their debut CD was recorded in Lubbock and released in the Summer of 2000. "With Special Guests" received airplay in 11 countries, and the tracks "Lotta Lovin'", "The Ballad Of Desiree", and "No Other Love" saw chart action in Canada & overseas countries. "Lotta Lovin'" featured Norman Petty Studios session vocalists "The Roses" in their first recordings since 1959 with "The Crickets".
In 2004 they received notable recognition by the "Rockabilly Hall Of Fame". The Shackshakers were listed among 95 artists the Hall felt have made a significant contribution to rockabilly music in recent years dubbed "The 2nd Generation". They have appeared in magazines such as "Original Cool", "Texas Music Monthly", "Blue Suede News", Minnesota Street Rod Magazine" and others.
Nagy is known for exclusively using "drop G" tuning on stage.
Recent years have seen the band switch from their oldies influences to a classic rock sound. Their second CD is to be released in 2014.
Notable shows
The band has performed in over 120 Canadian venues, and 250 USA venues. They are known for backing various '50s & '60s acts, as well as their work with Buddy Holly related performers.
A few notable appearances include:
- Craven Big Valley Jamboree (Craven, Sask, Canada) featured performer
- Calgary Stampede (Calgary, AB Canada) featured performer
- Norman & Vi Petty Music Festival (Clovis, NM) featured performer
- Sock Hop Rock (Canada) featured, backed Buddy Knox
- Rock & Roll Dance Party (various venues) featured act, backed Tommy Allsup, Carl Bunch, Ernie Valens, George Tomsco, Bobby Vee
- Legends Of West Texas Rock & Roll – Lubbock, TX – Fairpark Coliseum (backed Allsup, Bunch, Sonny West, Charlie Phillips, Terry Noland, and others)
- Fifties In February (Surf Ballroom – Clear Lake, Iowa) backed Dale Hawkins, The Cleftones, Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs
- Alberta Rock Reunion (Winspear Centre – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) featured performer, backed Dick Damron, Shirley Field, Jerry Palmer, Bill Hersche, Joe Kozak, George Tomsco
- The Last Tour (commemorating Buddy Holly/Valens/Bopper's ill-fated 1959 tour) appeared at original venues on original dates as in 1959. Featured act, backed Tommy Allsup and Buddy tribute artist Johnny Rogers.
- Jukebox Memories – Shackshakers with Mitch Ryder, Joey Molland of Badfinger, Jimmy Gilmer of The Fireballs
- Back To The '50s (St. Paul, MN State Fairgrounds) featured performer
Discography
"With Special Guests" (released June 2, 2000) on Daddy-O Records (DOCD1):
• You Drive Me Insane
• Please Don't Tell Me (featuring Joe Terry of The Morells)
• Sweet Nothins
• (She's My) Rockabilly Baby
• When Will This Heartache End (featuring Bill Cowsill)
• The Ballad Of Desiree
• Morse Code Of Love
• Hey Doll Baby
• I'll Find A Way
• Hurricane (featuring Steve Bloomfield of Matchbox)
• Lotta Lovin' (featuring The Roses)
• No Other Love
• Hit The Brakes
• They Don't Know