The Epping

The Epping

'Lovin' Love, Lover' c/w 'Wearing The Trousers Of Love'

Released 25th September 1967
IMMEDIATE IM 075

Wayne Ongar (Vocals), Hugh Knitter (Guitar), Lol McColl (Drums), Harold Shipman (Bass)

For a few days, or perhaps less, The Epping were at the epicentre of the whirlwind storm vortex of the British Mod Movement of the 1960's.

With their sharp suits from Barnaby Carnaby, trendy scooters and a passion for amphetamines, The Epping looked the part. If only their music had been as dynamic as their look...

Guitarist Hugh Knitter: "We were the smartest group to play The Stinky Mule in Brentford. That was London's top Mod venue and everyone started there - The Small Faces, Fire, Nigel Slater - but we were the sharpest and best looking of them all".

Despite their sartorial magnificence (it was rumoured girls fainted at the sight of their trousers), The Epping ruined any chance of making it big on the UK music scene.

"It was mainly a problem of laundry", recalls drummer Lol McColl. "Dy cleaning, things like that. And we didn't move a lot on stage in case it spoilt the cut of our suits. This meant there was a lot of standing still in The Epping".

Hugh Knitter again: "I'd be up all night after a gig, ironing. I didn't mind too much because I was off my nut on speed but there was always another button-down shirt to starch or pair of silk socks to hand wash. Nightmare. It really ate into our rehearsal time".

With practice sessions cancelled due to lines of washing and an old-fashioned mangle taking up the space, The Epping imploded after a disastrous showcase gig in the West End.

"We were booked into The Tradesman's. All the London music mafia were there: Vic Chambers, Lord Larry Winchester, even Graham Crisps who looked after the Jumpnuts. Everyone thought we looked fantastic. Unfortunately, we 'd neglected to come up with any tunes. We played the one song we knew over and over without moving. The place was empty within fifteen minutes".

That one song, 'Lovin' Love, Lover', was eventually released by Immediate, coupled with a little known soul classic 'Wearing The Trousers of Love' by Jimmy Jinks & the Corbels.

The latter is available on 'Jiggin' In Wigan - Rare Northern Soul Masterpieces'.