Long Tall Ernie & The Shakers originates more or less as a joke from the Arnhem group Moan, formerly The Moans, in which Herman Brood, pianist Jaap Dekker and later Cuby & The Blizzards bassist and Music Maker editor Jaap van Eik start their careers. At performances Moan plays 'progressive' pop music, after the break the members come back dressed as rockers and play a set of rock & roll covers such as Long Tall Ernie & The Shakers. Singer Arnie Treffers is also active in the Arnhem band at the same time.