The band initially formed in 1959 as Tom and the Tornadoes, with the then only 12-year-old Tommy James as lead singer. In 1963, he re-named the band The Shondells after one of James' idols, guitarist Troy Shondell. The same year, they recorded the Jeff Barry/Ellie Greenwich song, "Hanky Panky" (originally a B-side by The Raindrops) [1]. James' version sold respectably in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, but the record label, Snap Records, had no national distribution. The single failed to chart, and the Shondells disbanded.
These are photos from concerts where The Shondells played, so they may be of other bands that played the concert as well.
The Beach Boys / Tommy James / The Shondells Jan 17, 1969 Seattle, Washington, United States Uploaded by Zimtrim
The Beach Boys / Tommy James / The Shondells / The Tunnel / Joe Hicks Jan 16, 1969 Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Uploaded by Zimtrim
