Chris Helme

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Chris Helme (born Christopher Alan Helme 22 July 1971 in York) is an English singer-songwriter who gained recognition as the singer with The Seahorses, the band put together by former Stone Roses guitarist John Squire.

Chris's talent was first discovered during one of his busking sessions outside the York branch of Woolworths department store on Coney Street. Although busking, he was also a well known performer on the local folk scene. [1]

The Seahorses released one album Do It Yourself on Geffen and four singles. 'Love is the Law' reached no. 2 in the UK Singles Chart; 'Blinded by the Sun' got to no. 7 and ‘ Love Me and Leave Me’ and ‘You Can Talk to Me’ both reached no.15. In 1999, after 3 years of intensive touring, living the rock ‘n roll dream, playing major Festivals and supporting rock giants such as The Rolling Stones, U2, Oasis and Beck in massive stadiums, the Seahorses split whilst recording their follow up album.

Since The Seahorses split, Chris has played low key solo gigs as well as forming The Yards in 2002 with former Seahorses bassist Stuart Fletcher. They were joined by drummer John Miller, keyboard player Jon Hargreaves and guitarist Chris Farrell. The Yards' first album 'The Yards' was released in 2005. They have yet to release a follow up album and do not actively tour.

In addition to his work with The Yards, Chris has toured as a solo artist. Although without a record deal, his debut album 'Ashes' was released in May 2008 via his MySpace page and is also available at gigs.