The Cryan' Shames, an American garage rock band from Hinsdale, Illinois, formed in 1966. The group initially consisted of Tom Doody ("Toad"), Gerry Stone ("Stonehenge"), Dave Purple ("Grape") of The Prowlers, Denny Conroy from Possum River, Jim Fairs from The Roosters, Jim Pilster ("J.C. Hooke"), and Bill Hughes. Originally known as The Travelers, the band changed their name to The Cryan' Shames after learning another group was using a similar name. Their breakthrough came with the single "Sugar and Spice", a cover of The Searchers' hit, which reached Number 49 in the US and Number four on Chicago radio (WLS). Following this success, they signed with Columbia Records and released their debut album Sugar and Spice in October 1966. The album featured covers of popular songs like "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" and "Hey Joe", and it charted at Number 192 nationally. Dave Purple and Gerry Stone left the band after the first album, replaced by Isaac Guillory and Lenny Kerley. Their second album, A Scratch in the Sky, released in 1967, showcased a blend of psychedelic rock and studio arrangements. The Cryan' Shames disbanded in December 1969 but later reunited to continue touring. Notable members who have passed away include bassist Dave Purple in June 2001 and Isaac Guillory on December 31, 2000. In 2023, the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum inducted The Cryan' Shames into its Hall of Fame.
