Wimple Winch
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Predecessor | Just Four Men |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Founder | Demetrius "Dee" Christopolus, Johnny Murphy, Larry Arends, Pete Turner (as Just Four Men) |
| Defunct | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Liverpool , United Kingdom |
| Products | Psychedelic pop music |
Wimple Winch was a British psychedelic pop group that originated from the band Just Four Men. Initially part of the Merseybeat scene, their unique style was marked by complex vocal harmonies and inventive lyrics.
Just Four Men
By early 1963, after undergoing multiple name changes, Just Four Men established themselves in Manchester with the aim of launching a professional music career. The members were Demetrius "Dee" Christopolus (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Johnny Murphy (lead guitar), Larry Arends (drums), and Pete Turner (bass). Their popularity grew within Liverpool, accompanied by two lineup adjustments: Keith Shepherd took over bass duties from Turner, while John Kelman replaced Murphy on lead guitar. They shared the stage with major acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Searchers, and Del Shannon. Although they experienced some early momentum, they missed significant opportunities—most notably turning down "Trains and Boats and Planes", which later became a hit for The Dakotas—and encountered legal challenges concerning their name, leading them to change from "Four Just Men" to "Just Four Men".
In 1964, they secured a contract with EMI Records, releasing two singles recorded at Abbey Road Studios: "That's My Baby" on 27 November 1964 and "There's Not One Thing" on 5 February 1965. While critics responded favorably, both singles were commercially eclipsed by simultaneous releases from The Beatles. Their recordings prominently featured a strong bass presence, a sound they would further explore as Wimple Winch. After EMI dropped them, the band continued performing until early 1966 before evolving into Wimple Winch.
Wimple Winch
Upon rebranding as Wimple Winch, the lineup consisted of Arends, Christopolus, Kelman on lead guitar, and Barrie Ashall joining as bassist after several unsuccessful auditions. This name change coincided with their move toward a heavier and more psychedelic musical direction. Shortly after resuming live shows, they connected with manager Mike Carr, who offered them a residency at his newly opened Stockport venue, "The Sinking Ship," providing regular weekly performances, rehearsal facilities, and accommodation. This exposure included opening for The Jimi Hendrix Experience at the club.
In March 1966, an associate of Fontana Records signed Wimple Winch to record sessions at Philips Studios. Their first single, "What's Been Done," garnered strong support locally and airplay on Radio London but did not achieve national chart success. Additionally, Kelman participated in side projects with The Opposition, Wayne Fontana's backing band. The follow-up single, "Save My Soul," released in June 1966, showcased a proto-punk sound that resonated regionally though it failed to break through nationally; it was later featured on the compilation Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1964–1969.
Further recording sessions in August and December of 1966 yielded multiple tracks such as "Rumble on Mersey Square South," which became their last single in January 1967. These demos reflected their ongoing progression toward psychedelic rock infused with soul elements. After a fire destroyed "The Sinking Ship" club along with their housing and equipment, Fontana Records chose not to renew their contract. Despite continuing to tour and producing demos in a private studio, the group dissolved by mid-1967. In the early 1970s, Kelman briefly revived the Four Just Men with new members but did not record further material. John Kelman and Barrie Ashall also performed once under the name Balderdash alongside drummer Arty Davies.
Singles
Just Four Men
- "That's My Baby" backed with "Things Will Never Be the Same", Parlophone UK R 5186, released 27 November 1964
- "There's Not One Thing" backed with "Don't Come Any Closer", Parlophone UK R 5241, released 5 February 1965
Wimple Winch
- "What's Been Done" backed with "I Really Love You", Fontana UK TF 686, April 1966
- "Save My Soul" backed with "Everybody's Worried 'Bout Tomorrow", Fontana UK TF 718, issued 17 June 1966
- "Rumble on Mersey Square South" backed with "Typical British Workmanship" and "Atmospheres", Fontana UK TF 781, issued 20 January 1967
Compilations
- The Wimple Winch Story Volume 2: 1966-1968 The Psychedelic Years, Bam-Caruso Records, released 1991
- The Wimple Winch Story: 1963-1968, Bam-Caruso, released 1992
- Tales From The Sinking Ship, Bam-Caruso, released 2009