Originally known as the Cascades. The group began in 1964 as a teen band who were inspired by the Beatles February ‘64 appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Original members were Wayne Pickett (lead vocals), Don Straub (guitar, vocals), Dave Sherman (guitar, vocals), and Dave Hostetter (drums). The group mainly played at private parties.
By 1965 Michael Gill (guitar, vocals-later switching to Farfisa organ) replaced Straub. With Pickett, Sherman, Hostetter, and the addition of Hugh McCusker (bass guitar, vocals) the band became known as the Hypnotics. This lineup lasted for about one year. The group went through many changes due to various popular musical genres at the time. Initially a rock band, they later added horns and included R&B in their repertoire.
The Hypnotics could be seen at the Holy Rosary CYO, St. Ursula’s CYO, Campfield Teen Center, Randallstown TC, Woodlawn Sr. High School’s Teen Fling ’68, etc… The group also performed a benefit concert for St. Jude’s Hospital in April 1968.
Additional members over the years included Frank Caldwell (lead vocals ex-Monumentals), Norm Richardson (lead vocals), John Russell (lead vocals), Tommy Brown (lead guitar ex-Tommy & Psychodelic Soul), Bobby Brown (bass ex-Tray ‘n the Diamonds), Dave Oliver (organ), Terrence ‘Butch’ McCusker (drums), Neil Malone (drums), Steve Griffin (sax), Lee Malone (sax), Bob Miller (trumpet)…
Gill left the band and joined the Malibus. Tommy Brown also fronted the Pawns. Griffin went on to play with Good & Plenty. Hugh McCusker was later with Sound of Dust, Gabriel, Nantucket… Sherman went on to join Dave & the Henchmen, Smoked Glass, Nantucket, and continued to perform at Ocean City clubs as a solo in the ‘00s.
