Just Help Yourself

"The story that the public were never supposed to read. Brilliantly written, a must-read for all those who want to know the real story." - Peter Karrie

"Colourful, candid, humorous and poignant, I couldn't put the book down. Vibrant with unique and wonderful characters." - Iris Williams

Just Help Yourself tells the story of The Senators - soon to become The Squires - in 1960s Britain. The band, formed by sixteen-year-old Vernon Hopkins, was to play something called rock and roll, the fresh musical import from America. From practising in his parents' front room to a reputation as the best band in south Wales took just a year. But by 1961 they were in need of a new singer. Vernon recruited local boy Tommy Woodward, and the rest is history. Or is it? This is a classic tale of rock and roll. Successful young musicians from 'the provinces' are enticed to London by their hopeful management, in search of the game-changing record deal. After a period of hardship in Notting Hill, and the addition of a new and thrusting manager, they get a break: records are cut, gigs are played, tv appearances arrive. But as success and money comes the star singer is ruthlessly uncoupled from the band. While Tim Jones takes off, The Squires become increasingly peripheral. Finally, they are cleverly and brutally sacked by the manager, and left to carve out their own careers in the shadow of Jones' success. Vernon Hopkins's authentic story reveals the highs and lows of the music business, and of the allegedly Swinging Sixties. It is full of gritty detail about life in Pontypridd and London, and with great insight into the music business, Just Help Yourself is a cautionary tales of ambition and success. Illustrated with previously unseen photographs from the author's archive.

Auteur

Vernon Hopkins was a compositor for his local newspaperr and bassist for local group, the Senators. Torn between his 9 to 5 job and the possibility of life as a musician he recruited Tom Jones to the band, and eventually decided to seek a recording contract in London. Hopkins is also a songwriter and session musician who played with many top rock names in his post-Squires career.