Effective period / Period of releases: 1997 - 2000

Members: Terry Bickers, Jon Callender, Richard Wiczkowski, Emma McLellan, Neil Carter (2), Dean Clarke (2)

VEX began as the pop oriented Amazing Windmills. As the boundaries of Windmills sound became restrictive the nucleus of the band - John (Jonny) Callender (drums, vocals) and Dean Clarke (bass, vocals, guitar) - regrouped with new recruits Steve Pilcher (keyboards) and Neil Carter (vocals, guitar) as Velcro (4). Another line-up change saw Steve replaced by Richard Wiczkowski (synths, keyboards, vocals). The transformation of the bands sound has been finalised with the recent adoption of the new name VEX which happened after a well known fastener manufacturer objected to the use of Velcro and threatened legal action. With the addition of Stuart Brown and James Barber the band became Shutka Champions.