| The Winkies | |
|---|---|
| Genres | Pub rock |
| Years active | 1973–1975 |
| Labels | Chrysalis |
| Associated acts | Brian Eno |
| Past members | |
| Philip Rambow Michael Desmarais Guy Humphreys Brian Turrington |
|
The Winkies were an English pub rock group. During their career, the group primarily consisted of Philip Rambow, Michael Desmarais, Guy Humphreys, and Brian Turrington.
The Winkies were formed by Canadian-born Philip Rambow. Rambow formed the Winkies with former Holy Rollers guitarist Guy Humphreys, and the rhythm section of Brian Turrington and Mike Desmaris. Their music and stage presence were a combination of the sound pub rock and visuals of glam rock clothing.[1]
The Winkies caught the attention of former Roxy Music musician Brian Eno while he was finishing his debut solo album Here Come the Warm Jets. Eno took The Winkies as his backing band in February 1974, on his first and only solo tour. The outing ended after five shows, after Eno was rushed to the hospital suffering from a collapsed lung. The only recorded material from Eno and the Winkies is of a collaboration on a BBC radio session taped for John Peel in March 1974, recording the songs "Paw Paw Negro Blowtorch", "Totalled", "Baby's on Fire" and a cover version of the Peggy Lee standard "Fever".[1]
After touring with Eno, the band signed with Chrysalis Records and recorded their debut album with Leo Lyons of Ten Years After. Guests on the record included Chick Churchill and Eno. This album was never completed, and the Winkies began work on another set, with Guy Stevens producing. Their self-titled debut album The Winkies appeared 1975. Shortly after the release of this album, the Winkies disbanded.[1]