The Shags were an American all-female rock and roll band formed in Fremont, New Hampshire, in 1968 by sisters Dorothy "Dot" Wiggin, Betty Wiggin, and Helen Wiggin. Their music, characterized by its unconventional song structures, simplistic arrangements, and often-strained vocals, gained a cult following decades after their initial obscurity.
The band was formed at the insistence of the Wiggin sisters' father, Austin Wiggin, Jr., who believed they were destined for musical stardom based on a palm reading his mother had received. Despite their lack of formal musical training, they were forced to practice daily and perform at local venues. Austin Wiggin managed the band and wrote most of their songs.
In 1969, The Shags recorded their only album, Philosophy of the World, at Fleetwood Recording Studios in Revere, Massachusetts. The album was initially released in a limited pressing of 1,000 copies and received little attention. Critics at the time generally panned the album for its perceived musical shortcomings.
However, Philosophy of the World gradually gained a cult following, fueled by its unintentional originality and perceived "outsider music" qualities. Frank Zappa is often credited with being an early admirer of the band, although concrete evidence of this is debated.
In the 1990s, The Shags experienced a resurgence in popularity, leading to re-releases of Philosophy of the World and increased media attention. Their unique story and unconventional music have made them a subject of fascination for music fans and critics alike. The surviving members of The Shags occasionally perform together.
The band's unusual sound has been described as proto-punk or outsider music, and they are often cited as an example of "so bad it's good" music. Their story highlights the complexities of artistic expression, family dynamics, and the unexpected paths to cult fame.