In 2009 I wrote an extensive history of Wimple Winch for Shindig! Magazine (Sept./Oct. issue). While the band only released a handful of singles in their time, they are now widely regarded as having been at the forefront of an exciting sub-genre of rock music dubbed Freakbeat.
Ostensibly the band's story ended in April, 1967, when fire destroyed The Sinking Ship, a club in Stockport which served as their home base.
But as it sometimes happens, historical wrongs are occasionally righted. Wimple Winch's cachet has grown significantly over the years, and they are now recognized as the brilliant pioneers they were. A film documentary about them is currently in production, and the members, some of them now grandfathers, find themselves basking in new-found celebrity, receiving fanmail, requests for appearances, band merchandise and autographs...some 43 years after the fire that destroyed their equipment, their home and their vision.
This blog will chronicle both the band's activities in the 1960's and my interaction with them in the present, with special attention paid to the classic lineup:
Dee Christopholus
(Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar)
Larry Arends (King)
(Drums)
Barrie Ashall
(Bass)
John Kelman
(Lead Guitar)
