Chris Helme shows Redditch some love from the 90s at fundraising gig

AN INTIMATE gig at the Hart in Headless Cross raised more than £200 for local charity Indigo Arts.

Chris Helme, the unmistakable voice of The Seahorses, played two sold out nights at Redditch Revival on July 29 and 30.

Helme shot to fame in 1996 as frontman of the band formed by legendary guitarist John Squire after the split of The Stone Roses.

Their debut album ‘Do It Yourself’ reached No 2 in the UK Albums Chart and produced the Top 10 single ‘Love Is The Law’, along with ‘Blinded By The Sun’ and ‘Love Me and Leave Me’, co-written with Liam Gallagher.

The band were regulars on Top of the Pops and played Glastonbury at the height of BritPop.

Redditch Revival is the only monthly music night in the UK where artists behind top 10 hits play to just 50 people and every show backs a different local charity.

Chris said: “I had a great time in Redditch. I’ve never been to Redditch before and the only time I’ve ever really heard about it was through Nigel Clark (Dodgy), who I believe was born there.

“What a wonderful little venue. The audience were fantastic.

“Very chilled and very funny, and they made me feel at home.

“I’ll definitely be back.

“I play in a lot of venues around the country, but this one’s definitely one of the little gems.”

Redditch Revival co-founder Ian Prowse added: “Two nights, two full rooms, and a crowd singing songs they first fell in love with 30 years ago.

“It was the voice that made it.

“Powerful, melodic and honestly beautiful, 6ft from your seat.

“The stories between the songs were a lovely bonus, but it was the songs and that voice people carried home with them.

“That is what these nights are about.

“You cannot get that in an arena.”

July’s nights raised over £200 for Indigo Arts, the Redditch community arts charity celebrating 25 years this year.

Based at the Arts Lab in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, it helps people of all ages and abilities explore their creative potential through performing, technical, visual and literary arts.

Visit: redditchrevival.co.uk for more.