The Druids of Stonehenge (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 in New York City, United States |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
The Druids of Stonehenge is a garage rock and psychedelic ensemble originating from New York City, primarily active during the 1960s.
Background
Initially formed as an R&B-oriented rock band named the Druids, they later moved to the West Coast, changed their name to the Druids of Stonehenge, and shifted their musical style to embrace the psychedelic rock movement. Their 1968 album, Creation, was released through Uni Records. Although the group disbanded in 1969, they have reunited on several occasions, including a notable performance in New York in 2008.
History
Established in New York City in 1965 under the name the Druids, the founding members included Dave Budge (lead vocals), Carl Hauser and Billy Tracy (guitars), Tom Workman (bass), and Steve Tindall (drums). Their early repertoire was strongly inspired by the Rolling Stones, featuring R&B covers such as Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love?" and Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put a Spell on You." They recorded multiple cover songs at Nola Studios and became fixtures at New York clubs like Odine's and the Cheetah.
As their musical direction transitioned toward psychedelic rock, they adopted the name Druids of Stonehenge. After relocating to the West Coast in 1968, they signed with Uni Records, a label under Universal/MCA. Guitarist Elliot Randall joined the lineup, replacing Tracy; Randall later earned acclaim with Seatrain and Steely Dan. Under Uni Records, they released the psychedelic single "A Garden Where Nothing Grows" backed with "Painted Woman," and recorded their album Creation, which included reinterpretations of Bob Dylan's "It's All Over Now Baby Blue," Love's "Signed D.C.," along with a revamped version of "I Put a Spell on You." Recording sessions took place at both TTG Studios in Los Angeles and Nola Studios in New York. The band also appeared performing the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" on the Joe Franklin Show. Despite this exposure, no further recordings followed, and they disbanded in 1969. Since then, they have occasionally reunited for live shows.
Later years
Following their split, the band's work has attracted interest among enthusiasts of garage and psychedelic rock, with tracks appearing on various compilation albums. Early recordings from their time as the Druids were reissued by Sundazed on a mini-album titled The Druids of Stonehenge. Some selections were included on the compilation Baubles, Vol. 1., and Sundazed also re-released the full Creation album.
In 2017, original vocalist David Budge and guitarist Carl Hauser reunited alongside former Bob Dylan guitarist Billy Cross to produce Resurrection, an album that revisited their blues influences. The favorable response from college blues radio stations motivated continued activity. In October 2020, The Druids unveiled American Ghosts, their first album consisting entirely of original compositions.
Membership
- David Budge (lead vocals - current)
- Carl J. Hauser, M.D. FACS. (guitar - current)
- Billy Cross (guitar - current)
- Billy Tracy (guitar - former)
- Tom Workman (bass - former)
- Steve Tindall (drums - former)
- Elliot Randall (guitar - former)
45 rpm
- A Garden Where Nothing Grows paired with Painted Woman (Uni 55021, June 1967)
LP
- Creation (Uni, 1968)
- Resurrection (The Druids of Stonehenge, 2017)
- American Ghosts (2020)