It's History!

[Squier Ken]

On Sunday I was talking to one of the teenagers at church about the previous evening's Gospel Outreach with Helen Shapiro. I explained that, in the early 60s, Helen was a big star with many chart successes. "Oh, we're studying the 60s in history at school." Some of the best years of my life, being studied as history! Mmm...having woken up this morning with aching limbs, I guess that was quite a long time ago.....

Ken

[JimN]

Helen Shapiro at a Gospel event?

Not what I'd have expected, though a quick Google search reveals: http://www.mannamusic.co.uk/index.htm

JN

[Arpeggio]

Yes Jim. Helen Shapiro became a born again Christian many years ago and nowadays only performs to help promote the faith. although out of the chart scene for many, many years - i've often thought that she could have carved out an excellent latter day career if ever she'd decided to tour on something like Solid Silver 60s etc., etc. She never has. From time to time I've read some very interesting interviews with her. She's never liked to dwell on her music career, preferring instead to talk about her religion. In some ways it has been fascinating to read how she deals with her current beliefs vis - a - vis dealing with many of her relatives and friends who are still embracing Judaism.

Rob

[Geoff Alderton LH]

Hi all.
I took my wife and kids to see Helen in Hilsborough Park, Sheffield in, I think the early eighties. She was, even then singing blues and soul. I cant remember the name of here backing group but the lead guitarist played a 70's Strat, hardtail. It had a brown coloured body, maple neck. Very good.
The support group was a band called The Poison Girls. Female singer. I have never heard as mutch F****** and blinding from a group since that show. They were disgusting and how they got booked, It was a supposed to be a family/fun day, I will never know. They were also very, very loud. The stage was in a large marquee.
To get back to Helen she was superb. Her voice perfect for the blues. A very good gig poison'd by the aptly named Poison Girls.
Regards Geoff.

[Didier]

I still have Helen Shapiro's first vinyl LP "Tops with me" (UK stereo release which I bought in England).

Didier

[AlanMcKillop]

I believe Helen describes herself as a Messianic Jew, which is a Jewish person who believes that Yeshua (Jesus) is their Messiah. Without going into the history of the Jewish nation (who all have favour in God's eyes), however, as Rob mentioned, a born again Christian is 'our' equivalent term.

[Alan Taylor]

Geoff, that guitarist might have been Robin Bibi.

Alan

[Geoff Alderton LH]

Hi Alan.
I had a look at Robin Bibi on youtube and I just couldnt make the connection. The guitarist with Helen, had his guitar higher on his chest and was introduced as !!!!!!! my musical director.
Regards Geoff

[Alan Taylor]

Hi Geoff
I do know that Robin Bibi did act as Helen's MD but I'm afraid I don't know the dates.
Cheers
Alan