Shakane

Force West, later known as Shakane, were a Bristol-based pop band of the 1960s and 1970s.^[1][2][3]

Force West were a five piece pop band from Bristol UK. Originally formed from the amalgamation of two local bands, Danny Clarke and the Jaguars and Johnny Dee and the Diatones. Original members were Charlie Dobson (Danny Clarke) (vocals), John (Sid) Phillips (Drums and Vocals), Adrian Castillo (Guitar and Vocals), John Strange (Bass Guitar and Vocals) and Mike Hewer (Guitar and Vocals). Hewer was replaced by Brian Trusler very early in the bands evolvement. A number of singles were released during the 1960s but no commercial success was forthcoming.In 1969 following the release of a final single under the pseudonym "The Oscar Bicycle" entitled On A Quiet Night together with the Psychedelic Classic The Room Revolves Around Me on the 'B' side Charlie Dobson decided to leave the band and venture into the world of business. The remaining four took the name "Shakane" and reinvented their sound and image.

Signed to Miki Dallon's Youngblood label under the management of Jim Buckingham and Robert Weiss, they enjoyed some success with the singles Big Step and Love Machine on the European mainland but UK success passed them by. In 1972 a chance meeting at a local gig resulted in Shakane becoming the House Band at the Towns Talk night club on the Bridgewater Road in Bristol. This uncontracted engagement eventually lasted for some seventeen years. In January 1984 John Strange decided to leave the band and after working their way through a number of itinerant players Shakane engaged ex Hot Dog Jackson guitarist Bob Pedrick as replacement. This line up remains to the present.

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