What’s she like
Longlisted for the Penderyn Music Book Prize
Helen O’Hara decided she was going to be a violinist at the age of nine. Her violin was her badge of honour. She was brought up on a mix of classical and pop music, but it was pop that ruled her heart. A prodigious talent, she rose through the ranks in youth orchestras, but at seventeen she rebelled, left school and joined a progressive rock band. At twenty-one, she was back in college studying classical violin, where she was headhunted by Dexys Midnight Runners. Declining an offer from the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, she joined Dexys instead. Weeks later ‘Come On Eileen’ was number one in the UK charts.
What’s She Like provides a vivid account of the euphoric experience of recording and touring the album Too-Rye-Ay, and the tumultuous story of the making of Dexys’ masterpiece album, Don’t Stand Me Down. After Dexys disbanded in 1986, Helen started a long working relationship with Tanita Tikaram and recorded two solo instrumental albums, featuring acclaimed pianist Nicky Hopkins, before taking a break from music to raise her family. The break extended for 23 years. Once her two sons had grown, driven by forces almost beyond her control, she dusted down her violin and began the hard journey to once again make music the centre of her life, honouring the commitment she had made to herself aged nine.
Here, in her own words, she finally answers the question posed in the lead song on Don’t Stand Me Down: this is what she’s like.
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Record Collector
What’s She Like is kind, generous, and honest, told by a reliable narrator. Having no myths to preserve, Helen O’Hara has written the book that Dexys aficionados will savour, a warm memoir that cuts through politics and actions, written with a knowledgeable, breezy charm.
The Herald
An exuberant, joyful account of a classical musical student who suddenly finds herself on Top of the Pops. What’s She Like takes in O’Hara’s time working with Tanita Tikaram and Graham Parker before she walked away from music for more than two decades at the start of the 1990s. But inevitably her relationship with Dexys front man Kevin Rowland –both personal and professional – is at the heart of the book.
Mojo
It’s not surprising the sixth of seven Bevington children would be a rebel, a musical prodigy whose path to fame as a classical violinist would be waylaid by blues and prog before being terminally derailed by a name change and Come On Eileen. Helen O’Hara turns out to be a gifted writer, too, detailing pop fandom in the 1970s with a fine eye. The painstaking (and painful) creation of the band’s Gesamtkunstwerk, as a German critic refers to the ‘total art work’ that is 1985’s Don’t Stand Me Down, is compellingly recalled.
The Irish Times
Throughout What’s She Like, classically trained and sometime Dexys’ violinist Helen O’Hara, threads of what-might-have-been run alongside a pragmatic mindset. Despite what for many might be the core interest of the book (her time with Dexys) O’Hara tells her own story before and after her time with the group – declining an offer from the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, taking a break from music for almost 25 years. We are pulled back, however, to her pop star years and her relationship with Rowland, which is discreetly handled.
Northern Soul
Helen O’Hara has written an insightful, thought-provoking memoir, documenting her journey from Bristol-born music lover who dreamed of playing in a band to chart-topping stardom with Dexys and a rich, fascinating life beyond.
Ted Kessler
Such a great insight into Dexys, the (very) personal dynamic between Kevin Rowland and Helen O’Hara and what it’s like to become an accidental pop star. The Dexys arc is beautifully told. Recommended!
Bob Stanley
If you ever put your faith in Dexys, this book will confirm you were right to. Intense, emotional, but never overwritten.
Kevin Rowland
To say that Helen O’Hara is a gifted musician is an understatement. She is an absolute genius. She is blessed with natural talent, she has incredible dedication, openness to new ideas and willingness to go the extra mile to create something great. I’m blessed to have worked with her.
Tanita Tikaram
Helen has beautifully captured the journey of determination, discipline, self-belief and talent that create great musicianship. Her choice to be a pop musician over a promising career in classical music leads her on all kinds of adventures including the highs and lows of being in a number one band.
Tim Burgess
Helen was a key member of a band that changed my life. Dexys redefined music for me – several times. And it’s now a huge honour for me to share a stage with Helen when we play shows. Her story is such an adventure and a must read for anyone who loves music.
Pete Paphides
An extraordinary story needs an extraordinary storyteller. What’s She Like delivers on both fronts. I found it utterly inspiring.
David Quantick
This memoir is more than the sum of its stories - it is a warm, emotional and often moving voyage through a life full of surprises.
Kev (Billy) Adams
A fascinating glimpse of Helen’s life story so far, unflinchingly honest and with a rare eye for detail. Helen continues to perform with some of the UK’s very best with a joy that pours right out of these pages too.
Frank Gallagher
The story of a journey from classical violin prodigy to pop fiddle hero, wonderfully told by Helen herself.
Helen plays like an arranger … her iconic violin parts always enhancing the song and the recording. Plus, she has always looked cool!
Sue Charles
Can’t overstate how influential Helen was to us young girls watching Top of the Pops. She made playing the violin with Dexys look like the best job in the world! It was powerful to see a talented woman who was central to the band and not just a token female.
I had violin lessons after watching Helen on the telly, I had the enthusiasm but not the talent. Made me realise just what a brilliant violinist Helen is!
Steve (Brennan) Shaw
Helen writes with the same fluidity and ease, as she speaks - and plays violin. Reading What’s She Like is like being in a cozy chintz armchair, drinking Jacksons tea from a porcelain tea set as she shares her reflections and memories - solely just for you. It is deeply insightful, personal and always kind - her words are penned with clarity and a sincere smile.
There are great behind the scenes reflections that go deeply into the songwriting, rehearsing and arranging processes that Helen was an integral part of, along with a remaining fondness for her peers, travels and contributions to the group.
Many books about bands can be sycophantic or even damning. This touching memoir is about the impact Dexys had on Helen and what she strived to give back to this life affirming commitment - mind, body, and soul.
Nige Tassell
Helen’s book is a brilliantly honest, clear-eyed chronicle of her time in Dexys and of her much wider musical life. Very much recommended.