Also known as: Smoke, The
Origin: York, England
This York band started life as an R&B act called the Shots in 1964 and issued one single under that moniker in 1965. In late 1966, they changed their name to the Smoke to get more in step with the burgeoning psychedelic scene. Members included Mick Rowley (vocals), Malcolm "Mal" Luker (lead guitar), John "Zeke" Lund (bass) and Geoff Gill (drums). They issued their first single (the incredible 'My Friend Jack') on the Columbia label in early 1967, but because of its drug references was promptly banned from the radio by the BBC. It did however still manage to reach #45 on the U.K. pop charts des…