Wimple Winch was an English psychedelic pop band that emerged from the earlier Merseybeat group Just Four Men. Known for their rich vocal harmonies and experimental songwriting, they evolved into one of the more adventurous acts of the mid-1960s British underground scene.
Early Years: Just Four Men
Formed in the early 1960s, the group went through several name changes before settling on Just Four Men in Manchester. The original lineup featured Demetrius “Dee” Christopolus (vocals, rhythm guitar), Johnny Murphy (lead guitar), Larry Arends (drums), and Pete Turner (bass). After lineup changes—Keith Shepherd replacing Turner and John Kelman replacing Murphy—the band gained a following in Liverpool and toured alongside major acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Searchers, and Del Shannon.
They signed with EMI Records in 1964 and released two singles recorded at Abbey Road Studios:
- “That’s My Baby” (November 1964)
- “There’s Not One Thing” (February 1965)
Despite positive reviews, both releases were overshadowed by The Beatles’ dominance on the charts. After being dropped by EMI, the band continued performing until early 1966, when they rebranded as Wimple Winch, embracing a heavier, more psychedelic sound.
The Psychedelic Transformation: Wimple Winch
With a new lineup—Arends, Christopolus, Kelman, and new bassist Barrie Ashall—Wimple Winch fully stepped into the psychedelic era. Their manager Mike Carr offered them residency at his new venue, The Sinking Ship in Stockport, where the band lived, rehearsed, and performed. The club became a hub for the northern psychedelic scene, and Wimple Winch famously opened for The Jimi Hendrix Experience there.
Signed to Fontana Records in 1966, they recorded at Philips Studios in London.
Their singles showcased their inventive sound:
- “What’s Been Done” (April 1966) – a local favourite and Radio London “climber.”
- “Save My Soul” (June 1966) – a raw, proto-punk classic that later appeared on Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond (1964–1969).
- “Rumble on Mersey Square South” (January 1967) – their final single, a Who-inspired slice of mod energy.
Tragedy struck when The Sinking Ship club caught fire, destroying the band’s home and equipment. Without support from Fontana, Wimple Winch struggled to continue and disbanded in mid-1967.
In the early 1970s, John Kelman briefly revived The Four Just Men, and later, John and Barrie Ashall performed a one-off gig with Arty Davies under the name Balderdash.
Although commercial success eluded them, Wimple Winch are celebrated today as cult icons of the British psychedelic era. Their music—fusing Merseybeat roots with experimental sounds—captures the restless creativity of the mid-1960s. Tracks like “Save My Soul” and “Rumble on Mersey Square South” remain touchstones for collectors and fans of vintage UK psych-pop.
