PsychepediA

From: Southport, England

Originally known as the Take 5, this Southport outfit formed in 1965, eventually relocated to London, and in early 1967 evolved into Timebox, which was a U.S. slang term for a jail cell. Original members included Pete "Ollie" Halsall (vibraphone, guitar), "Professor" Chris Holmes (keyboards), Clive Griffiths (bass), Geoff Dean (drums), Kevan Fogarty (guitar, vocals) and U.S. native Richard Henry (lead vocals).

The group initially signed to the Piccadilly label and issued a debut 45 ('I Will Always Love You' b/w 'Save Your Love') in February, 1967, which made little impact. Soon after, Henry returned to the States and Dean contracted tuberculosis and was replaced by Andy Petre (drums). A second Piccadilly single (the instrumental 'Soul Sauce') was then released in April, but it too sold poorly. Mike Patto (lead vocals) then joined along with John Halsey (drums), who replaced Petre. It was this lineup that signed to the Decca subsidiary Deram and began issuing more singles.

In the spring of 1968, the band issued a fourth single titled 'Beggin'', which was a Four Seasons cover that became a minor hit for them, peaking at #38 on the U.K. charts. Their fifth 45 includes the outstanding 'Gone Is The Sad Man' tucked away on the B-side, while the next single ('Poor Little Heartbreaker') is quite good as well. A final single was issued in the fall of 1969, but with an overall lack of sales, the group splintered with Holmes leaving and the remaining members Patto, Halsey, Halsall and Griffths continuing under the moniker Patto.

Artist information sources include: The book, 'Tapestry of Delights Revisited' by Vernon Joynson.