Who’s the mysterious “Mr.G” behind this 60s outfit which released 6 Singles for Parlophone, Decca and CBS labels from 1965 to 1968, credited to The Whip, Fox, The Winston G Set, Winston G & The Wicked or simply Winston G?
His real name was Winston Beresford Gawk or Gork, a suntanned singer with indian roots. Sadly for such a cooly named character, his releases are mostly weak soul-flavoured efforts. In spite of this, Winston G played an important role as a pivotal point in British rock as his material crossed from heavy rock to psychedlia.
His band included, at various times, such great musicians as Tony “Top” Topham, the original lead guitarist with The Yardbirds, Ronnie Harwood who penned “You Drive Me Crazy” for Shakin’Stevens in the early 80s, Peter Beckett later of Player, or Huw Lloyd Langton of Hawkwind and Widowmaker.
Winston G starded out as a solo act, first under the moniker “Johnny Apollo”, and was managed by Robert Stigwood.
In August 1963, he was backed by The New Premiers, a Rock outfit from North London, whose lead singer, Ronnie Harwood switched to bass and then was asked to join “The Ravin Savages” (who had left Screaming Lord Sutch and taken the new name for themselves).
It is highly possible that The New Premiers used the name "The Wickeds" to back Winston at the time...
Shortly thereafter they had broken up with guitar player John Gilbey joining Screaming Lord Sutch’s Savages.
Following the demise of the Raving Savages in late 1963, bass player Ronnie Harwood and lead guitarist Geoff Mew returned to England from Germany and met up with pianist Paul Nicholas and drummer Pete Phillipps who had both just left Screaming Lord Sutch.
They had formed up a new band and were groomed by Michael Black, brother of Don Black, rehearsing at the Astor Club in Berkeley Square in London in early 1964. Harwood got them connected with Winston Gork there. They were initially to be called "Johnny Appollo & the Purple Hearts" but the relationship was not a smooth one and Winston parted company from the quartet. They were subsequently fired by Bertie Green the Boss of the Astor and then became the backing band for Screaming Lord Sutch.
In January 1965, Stigwood put him on the road in a 24-date UK package tour headlined by Chuck Berry. Support acts on that tour also included The Graham Bond Organization with Jack Bruce on bass and Ginger Baker on drums. As they shared the same manager, they backed Winston G on his debut single "Please Don't Say", a Charles Blackwell’s composition, released 3 months later on Parlophone, the same label as The Beatles.
The follow-up, "That Way Too"/ "Until You Were Gone", issued in September 1965, was produced by Stephen Komlosy and credited to Winston G & The Wicked. Indeed Robert Stigwood wanted Winston G to front his own band, and asked former frontman of The New Premiers, Ronnie Harwood to form it.
The first incarnation of The Wicked consisted of 2 ex-Savages, Ronnie Harwood on bass and Brian Hammick on guitar (previously with The Easybeats from Burnt Oak), and Tony McIntyre on drums, formerly with Steve Marriot & the Moments.
In October 1965, Ronnie Harwood returned to the Savages and was replaced with Jeff "Rivens" Watkins.
By 1966, Winston G switched to Decca, which issued his third release, "Cloud Nine", recorded with session musicians (1), enhanced by funky horns, and produced by Les Reed (who had also penned the song with Barry Mason). Sadly this single failed to chart as the previous one did.
In early 1967, the band was renamed "The Winston G Set" with the addition of a piano/organ player nicknamed "Tony Poser".
After the release of "Mother Ferguson's Love Dust"/ "Judge And Jury" in April 1967, original guitar player Brian Hammick left (2) to be replaced first with another ex-Savages, John Bedder then later with Tony “Top” Topham.
Topham, who stayed in the band for a couple of years, had earlier been with The Yardbirds in 1963 (he was actually their original lead guitarist and was replaced with Eric Clapton…).
The Winston G Set, later to be named Fox dabbled with psychedelic rock and their stage act caused some raised eyebrows up and down the country. Bobby Graham produced their next release "Bye Bye Baby", the last one for Decca records, issued in late 67.
By this time a younger bass player called Chris Jones (not related to the Brummie lead guitarist with The Chucks and The Way Of Life) took over from Jeff Rivens. Their schedule took them on a tour of Europe, particurlarly in Germany where they became very popular.
"Hey! Mister Carpenter", released on the CBS label, in April 1968, was a number written by Nicky James with ex-Traffic man, Dave Mason guest-starring on sitar. It’s very poppy with a repetitive chorus and some catchy guitar. The 'B' side, "Seek And You Find" is much heavier.
In late 1968, another band started using the name Fox, so they changed their name to The Whip...
(1) Donna Reed
"Les did write and produce the Winston G. recording of "Cloud Nine" way back in the late 60's.
The line up was
3 trumpets (Stan Roderick/Eddie Blair/Bobby Haughey);
2 Baritone saxes (Joe Timperly/Don Honeywell);
2 Guitars (Vic Flick/Big Jim Sullivan);
Bass Gtr (Eric Ford);
Drums (Ronnie Verrall) Piano (Les Reed) Percussion (Stan Barrett);
Main girl singer (Miriam Stockley) and b/g( The Breakaways)."
(2) Brian Hammick
"on 'Judge And Jury' close friend Steve Marriott can be heard singing backing and during my solo"
"I left the band due to getting engaged and my then girlfriend (now wife) couldn"t take the attention I used to get from female fans."
Discography of Winston G
Singles:
- Please Don't Say/ Like A Baby (Parlophone R 5266) - April 1965 as Winston G
- That Way Too/Until You Were Gone (Parlophone R 5330) - September 1965 as Winston G & The Wicked
- Cloud Nine/ I'll Make You Cry Tomorrow (Decca F 12444) - July 1966 as Winston G
- Mother Ferguson's Love Dust/ Judge And Jury (Decca F 12559) - February 1967 as Winston G
- Riding With The Milkman/ Bye Bye Baby (Decca F 12623) - October 1967 as The Winston G Set
- Hey! Mister Carpenter/Seek And You Find (CBS 3381) - April 1968 as Fox
Various Line-ups of Winston G’s Bands
Johnny Apollo & The New Premiers (August 1963)
- Winston Gork (Lead Vocals) "Johnny Apollo"
- John Gilbey (Lead Guitar) "Nervous"
- Ronnie Harwood (Bass)
- Brian Whelan (Drums) "Pretty Boy"
Johnny Apollo & The Purple Hearts (Early 1964)
- Winston Gork (Lead Vocals) "Johnny Apollo"
- Geoff Mew (Lead Guitar)
- Ronnie Harwood (Bass/Vocals)
- Paul Beuselinck (Keyboards) "Paul Dean"
- Pete Phillipps (Drums)
Winston G & The Wicked #1 (April - September 1965)
- Winston Gork (Lead Vocals) "Winston G"
- Brian Hammick (Lead Guitar)
- Ronnie Harwood (Bass)
- Tony McIntyre (Drums)
Winston G & The Wicked #2 (September 1965 - January 1967)
- Winston Gork (Lead Vocals) "Winston G"
- Brian Hammick (Lead Guitar)
- Geoff Watkins (Bass) "Jeff Rivens"
- Tony McIntyre (Drums)
Winston G Set #1 (January - April 1967)
- Winston Gork (Lead Vocals) "Winston G"
- Brian Hammick (Lead Guitar)
- Geoff Watkins (Bass) "Jeff Rivens"
- Tony Poser (Keyboards)
- Tony McIntyre (Drums)
Winston G Set #2 (April - September 1967)
- Winston Gork (Lead Vocals) "Winston G"
- John Bedder (Lead Guitar)
- Geoff Watkins (Bass) "Jeff Rivens"
- Tony Poser (Keyboards)
- Tony McIntyre (Drums)
Winston G Set #3 (Late 1967)
- Winston Gork (Lead Vocals) "Winston G"
- Tony Top Topham (Lead Guitar)
- Geoff Watkins (Bass) "Jeff Rivens"
- Tony Poser (Keyboards)
- Tony McIntyre (Drums)
More about Winston G: Fox & Whip
Special thanks to Ronnie Harwood, Brian Hammick, Geoff Mew, Tony “Top” Topham, Peter Beckett, Donna Reed, Lee Jones, Huw and Marion Lloyd Langton
If you have any further information and want to contribute to this site, please email us at: tomusicstorytellers@gmail.com
I have a couple of funny bits to add re Winston G. A friend and I went to one of the Chuck Berry concerts which had Winston G on the bill (Finsbury Park Astoria). Neither of us thought much of him.
ReplyDeleteA few weeks later we went to a benefit night (possibly for Mark Leeman's wife as Mark had recently died). We were waiting in the queue and struck up a conversation with a chap behind us. He asked us if we'd been to the Chuck Berry concert and we said we had. He then asked what we thought of Winston G. We told him, "not much", and at that point he indentified himself as Winston G! He took it well, and it didn't stop him from accepting one of our membership cards passed to him after being shown by my mate, thus getting into the gig cheaper.
We were at school at the time and a week or so later we were on our lunch break in Chalk Farm, London, when we bumped into him. He was on a break from using a small recording studio a street away from our school.
That's it, my brush(es) with Winston G.
Vic G.
I was a member of Winston G and The Wicked.. probably late 66 early 67 did an audition in Aldgate East London I got picked out of the other guitarist there .. did loads of gigs up and the country, never recorded anything with them though ! In the summer of 67 we were playing 100 club in London when I was approached by a couple of Welsh guys said we’re looking for a guitarist we are going to Germany so I joined them they are The Pieces of Mind doing our last show end of April. I’ve had a fantastic innings 🤘
DeleteSaw the band several times in 1967, cracking tight sound. The drummer was the bis. But sadly destined to be another good grass roots band passed over. When I think of the rubbish that "made it" during that period, all I can say there ain't no justice.
ReplyDeleteRoger.
Was agood friend with Tony McIntyre when we were with Steve marriott's band, anyone know wher he is?
ReplyDeleteWas agood friend with Tony McIntyre when we were with Steve marriott's band, anyone know wher he is?
ReplyDeleteHello Dennis we have made contact on Facebook I was the bass player for a while with Winston The "G". Let's find that Mcintyre guy. He must surely look at the You tube Winston vids every now and again. I hope he is alive and well. Cheers mate, Geoffrey Watkinson. ( living in Mexico but born in Dagenham).
DeleteHi Geoffrey
DeleteWere you the bass player with a moustache nicknamed “Jeff Rivens”?
How long were you with Winston G & The Wicked?
Do you remember who did take over from lead guitarist Brian Hammick?
In which bands were you before Winston G & The Wicked?
Regards
Was next door neighbour to Tony McIntyre when he was with Steve Marriott and Winston G. Mum and Dad were happy to hear the bands practising although the other neighbours weren't!! Tony went to America and worked for Amnesty plus other jobs. His brother says Tony was also a guide at Gracelands. Tony was taken ill a few years ago and returned to the family home in Dagenham March 2012 to live with his brother. His health deteriorated and April 2016 Tony died.
DeleteVery sorry to hear this news. Amazing drummer and a brief work colleague between apprx. 1963/4. Tony worked at an advertising agency called Saward at 79 New Cavendish Street W1 around this time. He was a Press Production/Print Buyer for the agency. I took over from him and lost touch until a few years later.
DeleteHe often spoke of Steve and I met him a few times. Once saw Tony play The Cellar (originally The Jazz Cellar?) in Kingston, with Steve I think. They were always changing names, The Moment, Frantics, Moonlights At lunchtimes Tony and myself would go with a crowd to The BreadBasket (late fifties early sixties folk)a small cafe in Cleveland St. We would both go through to theroom with the juke box. I remember him one day putting on The Cruel Sea by The Dakotas (flip side of Billy J Kramer) and showing me the fills. He used a silver grey Ludwig kit at the time.
He didn't go with Steve into The Small Faces after leaving. He mentioned something about the J60 bar and different places Steve worked, but my memory is very vague now. Sometimes we would stroll down the road to Doc Hunt or Drum City (Drumland?) in Shaftesbury Avenue. Lost touch with him until coincidentally, went to The Middle Earth Club in Covent Garden (could still have been The Electric Garden?) and saw him playing drums in Winston (or Winston G). I was very much the worse for wear (cough) and after this time, sadly, I never saw him again. This may have been the same night as Captain Beefheart And His Magic band headlined, but I am not sure. If I can locate my friend, to confirm, will report back. Somebody also told me he married a Miss England finalist, but I could never confirm it. A seriuosly fine drummer, sadly overlooked.
DeleteIn the late seventies, I was working nights at a cheuffeur company. I got a call from Stockwell in South London and to my surprise it was Steve Marriott. Long interesting journey, but suffice to say, I drove him back home through Essex and we talked about Tony. He spoke warmly and asked had I seen him. Seems he had also had lost touch. Would be nice if someone on here, could fill in some more of the gaps.
Tony never married but did go out with a Miss England - Veronica (Ronnie). Cannot remember her last name. Brother's name Patrick (Paddy)
DeleteWinston G spent quite a lot of time around the South Wales music scene around '67, '68. My brother was in quite a well known band at the time and was part of the same scene as bands like the Ivies (Badfinger), Eyes of Blue, Man, Amen Corner etc. Winston G used to frequent my parents pop cafe in LLanelli quite often and always joined in the buzz, whilst playing the well known local gigs. Often wondered over the years what happened to him. Regards, Mary
ReplyDeleteThat was me. Many guitar players came and went after Brian "Hammy" Hammick. I played in a number of bands in and around the London area before joining The Winston G Set in 1967. I left in 1968 and got married. I now live in Mexico and write and record my own music. I do go out to gig now and then but prefer to hang out in
ReplyDeletemy little home studio. Thanks for the interest.
The person that lived next to Tony McIntyre,Yes I remember well rehearsing in Tony's house, knew he had a brother, did he marry a beauty pageant girl and what was his brother's name. I live in the States, been here since 1974, did not know Tony was over here.
ReplyDeleteBack in 1964 I was in a Jersey band called the Cousins playing in Germany. One day our singer did a bunk. So the agency (Michael Black) sent out Johnny Apollo. We worked there till the end of that summer, and then went our separate ways.
ReplyDeleteIf the records are correct, a Miss Veronica Ann Cross won the Miss England title in 1973. She is a beautiful looking girl and this may well have been dear old Tony's girlfriend! RIP Tony McIntyre x
ReplyDeleteVeronica ( Ronnie) was Tony Macs girlfriend I don't know if they ever married. I would hang out with them when I was playing bass in the Winston G band in 1967.
ReplyDeleteIn October '68 me and my boyfriend, guitarist Pete Chapman went to Bishops Stortford to see Fox play - apparently their guitarist was planning to leave and Pete might have taken his place. Winston G was very keen on my snakeskin jacket and persuaded me to let him wear it on stage. The guitar player didn't leave so Pete didn't get the job...
ReplyDeleteI tried looking for you since you mentioned you were on facebook but no luck. I always remember you as being a really nice guy when we were both in Winston's band in 1967. Shame about Tony Mac, another really nice guy. Glad to hear you're still with us.
ReplyDeleteTony Marsh
shrammy467@gmail.com
Hello Mr Marsh so very nice that you posted a message about Winston G I was in the band playing bass guitar until 1968 I wondered many times since then where you are now. Are you still playing music ? I am and spend a lot of time in my studio in Mexico writing and recording. Hey Tony remember when your keyboard caught fire in the ? club on Wardour street London?
DeleteHi Geoff I had a transit and took Winston and the band to a number of gigs. Looking back one of the best if not craziest times I lived through. Not sure if you remember me but I was best man at your wedding and I wore a black velvet frock coat. Paul also known as Alex
ReplyDeleteHello Paul I have often wondered where you were. Of course I remember you and you being my best man at my wedding to Lynn.We got divorced in the 1970's we had 4 children together who live in Calgary Canada. I moved to Mexico in the early 1980's I got married again and still continue to write and play music I would love to hear from you. Cheers old buddy.
DeleteMy dad was "pretty boy" Brian Whelan who played in "The New Premiers" approx 1963?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember him?
Tammy Causton (nee Whelan)
I met Winston G at the Oldfield Greenford Probably 1965? He asked me out but I don’t remember going I was probably too shy!!
ReplyDeleteI went out with Winston G for a while in 1966! He borrowed an embroidered sheepskin jacket from me and was reluctant to give it back. When I told him my parents would be annoyed with me for giving it away he said "Tell them your future husband is wearing it!"
ReplyDeleteCan anyone confirm that Winston G recorded at a small studio opposite The Roundhouse in 1965?
ReplyDelete