Andy Munns
The Helmets, a punk band formed in Amesbury by friends in the late 70s, are back together performing despite a transatlantic divide.
The friends first got together in 1977 and performed locally, supporting local bands such as The Kitchens.
Steve, the bassist and the bands vocalist, were both students at Bishop Wordsworth and got together with the other members of the band, who all studied at Stonehenge Comprehensive.
The band started as a covers band playing tracks from acts like Hawkwind and other punk tracks before beginning to write their own tracks.
After annoying neighbours and their parents and upgrading their equipment, the band went on to play venues locally. They also played further afield in places like the Rock Garden in Covent Garden, where many bands like Dire Straights and Talking Heads played their first London shows.
The band moved to London in the 1980s and continued to gig occasionally around their work commitments until they were forced to stop when bassist Steve left for the US and other members of the band had families.
During one of their get-togethers, drummer Ian’s partner Ruth (bassist in The Zuchinnis) suggested they play live again.
The band thought it was a great idea, so much so that Steve, the bassist, flew in from Kentucky to participate in the ‘one off’ gig at The Winchester Gate in support of Pyeshoppe.
The gig went well, and with a good crowd in attendance, the band are now back for more. Steve is flying in again as the band support The Zucchinis at Brown Street on the 29th of April.
Ian said: “The gig was well attended, and we went down equally well. A great night. The first time we’ve all played together in many years. Steve is again jetting in for the gig!
“We were very surprised at the reception we got at the Winnie Gate. It’s spurred us on!”
