The Savages (Bermuda band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Founder | Paul Muggleton, Jimmy O'Connor |
| Defunct | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Bermuda |
| Products | Garage rock music, album Live 'n Wild |
The Savages were a garage rock ensemble originating from Bermuda during the mid-1960s. They gained prominence through their album, Live 'n Wild, which predominantly featured original compositions recorded in a live setting. Among these tracks, the anthem "The World Ain't Round It's Square" stands out as an iconic expression of 1960s youth rebellion and is frequently ranked highly in critical assessments of garage rock music.
History
Established in 1965 by guitarists Paul Muggleton and Jimmy O'Connor, The Savages took inspiration from another Bermudan group, the Gents. The lineup was completed with Bobby Zuill on bass and Howie Rego on drums. Lead vocal duties were shared between Muggleton and O'Connor, with Zuill contributing vocals on select songs. The band performed regularly at teenage gatherings and maintained a steady engagement at the Hub nightclub located in the Princess Hotel, where they often entertained American college attendees.
They secured a contract with Duane Records under the guidance and production of Eddie DeMello, who also managed the Gents. Initially focused on cover versions, the group was encouraged to develop original material for a full-length album. DeMello opted to capture their dynamic sound by recording the album live. On February 6, 1966, The Savages performed before an audience of roughly 150 at the Hub, delivering original numbers such as "Poor Man’s Son," "Man on the Moon," "Quiet Town," and their intense signature tune "The World Ain't Round It's Square," featuring passionate vocals from Zuill and Muggleton. The album also contained three cover songs, including the Icelandic piece "Ertu Med." One of their originals, "No No No," was later interpreted by Connecticut’s The Instincts. Live 'n Wild presented a varied collection blending energetic rock & roll with softer ballads. Four selections from the album were issued as singles, among them their standout anthem.
Following this success, DeMello arranged a tour throughout the West Indies and facilitated a trip to New York for additional performances and recording sessions. While in New York in 1966, they recorded the single "Roses Are Red" for Duane Records. Unfortunately, internal disputes triggered by a serious incident caused the group to disband before the end of that year.
After disbanding, Paul Muggleton became part of Omaha Sheriff during the 1970s and went on to produce 22 albums for Judie Tzuke. Drummer Howie Rego later joined progressive rock outfit Stardive, which was signed to both Electra and Columbia labels.
Legacy
Despite their short-lived existence, The Savages have earned recognition among garage rock aficionados as a foundational band within the genre. Their album Live 'n Wild is frequently regarded as one of the premier garage rock recordings. The track "The World Ain't Round, It's Square," which anticipated aspects of punk music that emerged in the 1970s, has become an enduring anthem symbolizing youthful defiance and frustration. In Mike Markesich's Teenbeat Mayhem, this song is placed at number four within the top 1000 garage rock tracks and received flawless evaluations from critics. Beyond their rebellious reputation, the band demonstrated considerable range by excelling in both vigorous rock numbers and melodic ballads.
Personnel
- Paul Muggleton (guitar, vocals)
- Jimmy O'Connor (guitar, vocals)
- Bobby Zuill (bass, vocals)
- Howie Rego (drums)
Singles
- "No No No" / "She's Gone" (Duane 1043, 1966)
- "Roses Are Red My Love" / "Quiet Town" (Duane 1049, 1966)
- "The World Ain't Round It’s Square" / "You're On My Mind" (Duane 1054, 1966)
Albums
- Live 'n Wild (Duane ELP 1047, 1966)