“Half Past the End” by the Smoke is hard-rocking and heavy on the keyboards, which I don’t usually like, but it has some lead guitar work that hooks me, and features a solid performance by the entire group.
The group included Mark Sheldon, who had played bass for the Mussies on their 1967 Fenton single, “12 O’Clock July” which is a great psychedelic take on Link Wray’s “Jack the Ripper” b/w one of the better versions of “Louie Go Home”.
Other members of the Mussies were Chic Ericksen (lead vocals), Paul Knapp or Paul Nabb (lead guitar), Tom Mann (rhythm guitar) and Bill Johnson (drums). I don’t know if any of them played on the Smoke single from late 1968.
The Mussies & the Smoke came out of South Haven, Michigan. Mark Sheldon wrote both songs on the Smoke single, “Half Past the End” and the flip, “My Mama”. Both published by Rise Music, Inc. BMI. Mark Edward Sheldon registered the copyright for “Half Past the End” with the Library of Congress in February 1969.
The Smoke single was produced by Sheldon-Pielert, the Pielert standing for Fred Pielert, the manager of the band with his wife, Gail Ostrow.
The ARP stamp in the deadwax indicates the American Record Pressing Co. in Owosso, MI, pressing number 1316.
I’ve seen promo and stock copies of this 45, and all seem to have stickers listing the band as the Smoke. Mark Sheldon’s name is underneath.
There’s not much info on the Smoke out there (or the Mussies for that matter). I gleaned a little from the Grand Rapids Rocks site.
There is a nice group history of the Mussies published within an issue of the fanzine, Twelve O’ Clock July.
Mark Sheldon did not play bass on the Mussies record. Greg “Chic” Erickson was the bass player and lead vocalist for the Mussies on that record and otherwise. Supposedly Mussies lead guitarist Paul Knabb plays on this record but I never received firm confirmation on that as he was the only member of the band I never was able to speak with when putting my 12 O’Clock, July magazine article on the band together.
Mark Sheldon played Keyboard for the Smoke. Paul left the Mussies to play with Smoke before I had even heard of the Mussies. He never really said why he left. I am trying the reach Paul as we speak as he is the only member of the band that I lost track of. Last I knew he was in the Pit band for the TV Evangelist Jim Bakker of the PTL Club. Do you have any information on him? Dave RIegel 269-267-8266
Ok. Here is the real scoop. Paul Knabb was the only member of Smoke that came from the Mussies from several years earlier. Greg Erickson may have played Bass for the Mussies but not with this band ever. I know because I was the only Bass player for the Smoke, Mark Sheldon and I started out playing Folk music in coffee houses….and our music style changed to Rock over the years and other members joined the band and we became SMOKE. The original name was Caterpillar Smoke….you know from the caterpillar smoking opium in Alice and Wonderland. A number of musicians came and went over the years but on this song…and the flip side “My Mama” it was Mark on Keyboard, I played Bass, Paul Knabb guitar, And I believe Bob Shrimplin on the Drums….or Tom Tomas. There were some staff changes right about that time and Tom Toured with us . over the years. I’m still in touch with most of the guys I played with but havent been able to reach Paul. Last I knew he was in the pit band for Jim and Tammy Faye Bakers mega church…..and I saw his name in the credits for one of Tammy Sue’s (their daughter) Albums. IF any one knows him ask him to call me!!!!!
Do you know how to contact Paul? My dad really wants to see him again! He and Paul are all that’s left of the mussies and he wants to see his band mate before it’s too late! Please if you have any information 🙏
Thank you! That’s my dad! I’m trying to track down Paul Nabb as he and my dad are the last remaining members! If you have any information please lmk!
Mark Sheldon was and I assume still is a musical genius and the bass player, Paul, is in the same category.
Fred Pielert
Fred, This is Dave Riegel and I want to update you. I was the Bass Player not Paul, who played lead guitar. Mark is now a recently retired Pastor after leading a church in Nashville for 25 years. I’m actually trying to reach Paul as we speak, which prompted me to go on line and try to find him. Last I knew he had been playing in the Pit band for the Television evangelist Jim Bakker of the PTL Ministry. After Bakker was arrested I lost track of Paul. I don’t suppose you know of his whereabouts? Hope you and Gail are well.
Dave Riegel . Give me a call 269-267-8266
Fred, Are you still around? I would love to see you and catch up. I am at Gun Lake so not far from you if you are still in GR. Mark Just retired from Pastoring a church in Tennessee, just wrote a book and we remain in contact. Is Gail still with you? I lost my wife Pat a year and a half ago after being with her 58 years. As they say TIME FLIES!!
I’m looking for Paul. My dad is Chic aka Greg Erickson and he wants to find his old friend before it’s too late. If you have any info please reply!