The Shags were a garage rock band from West Haven, Connecticut, who were active in the mid-1960s, and recorded a number of songs, some at the Trod Nossel Studios.

[3] But, sensing the rapidly approaching British invasion, and now highly under its influence, Augusto and Violante wanted to form a new band that would reflect what they perceived to be the next big thing.

[1][3] They would practice in Violante's family garage on Cynthia Drive in West Haven, later adding Bobby Giannotti on rhythm guitar and backing vocals.

"[1] Though there were a handful of other bands of the mid-1960s to use the moniker, "the Shags" or something similar, they were the best known of the groups using the name and would later, upon their reunion in 1995, acquire a registered trademark ensuring exclusive use of the name.

[1] At this time the Shags were growing in popularity, playing venues such as adult and teen nightclubs, colleges, outdoor concerts, and block parties.

[1][6] The Shags' next single "Don't Press Your Luck" b/w "Hey Little Girl", recorded at Trod Nossel and released in May 1966 on Taurus Records, became a double-sided hit in a wide region, with both sides receiving ample airplay, particularly "Don't Press Your Luck", which was the Shags' definitive breakout hit, making the band a New England phenomenon.

[1][5] Now that they were one of the most popular bands in their region, they were able to open for top-name acts such as the Byrds, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Chad and Jeremy, the Young Rascals, B.

[3][4] In June 1965, the band appeared at a show sponsored by Danny Thomas to raise funds to build a hospital held at Yale's Woolsey Hall which featured Lesley Gore, Chubby Checker, and other local groups.

"[1] For the band's next single, they cut a version of the Beatles' "I Call Your Name" b/w "Hide Away" at Trod Nossel, which was released on Laurie Records.

However, it was banned in some markets, such as certain fundamentalist areas in the South, out of concerns about its suggestive lyrics, which prevented it from achieving a higher position.

[1] Augusto and Violante continued to work together in different capacities, joining with former members of the Bram Rig set and other musicians to form Pulse, a heavy rock combo, whose sound reflected the dark and tumultuous mood of 1968.

Tommy Violante has worked with the regional VNA office in Connecticut and continues to be active musically, having fronted the Key West Trio, a Jimmy Buffett and Beach Boys-influenced band that also does '50's and '60's covers.