Lincoln and Hunter started putting on skiffle groups; the first resident group were the Vipers, who included Wally Whyton. According to the band's washboard player John Pilgrim, they secured the residency after Whyton entered the 2i's when it started raining during a set the band were playing on the back of a lorry nearby during the Soho Fair. Within a couple of weeks the band's performances at the venue had begun to attract a large following through word of mouth.
Lincoln and Hunter began organizing folk bands; the first local group were the Vipers, which included Wally Whyton. According to the band's washboard player John Pilgrim, they secured the residency after Whyton joined the 2i's when it started raining during a set the band was playing on the back of a truck nearby during the Soho Fair. Within a couple of weeks, the band's performances at the venue had begun to attract a large following through word of mouth.