Name: Chris Helme at The Waiting Room
Start: 2025-10-12T19:00:00+01:00
Location: The Waiting Room

Happy Just Listening and Watermill Sessions are thrilled to present Chris Helme, frontman of John Squire's post-Stone Roses band The Seahorses and acclaimed solo artist with support from J P Riggall.
Chris is set to bring a collection of brand-new material to audiences for the first time in a decade, as he tours his latest album, World of my Own, taking in venues and festivals across the UK.
Released on 29th March 2024, the new album World of my Own is a diary of a 10-year period in Chris’ life.
Weaving between moments of soul-searching darkness and bursts of appreciation, gratitude and lightness, the album speaks to the full spectrum of relationships that colour our lives and the distances that sit between ourselves and others.
World of my Own follows his critically acclaimed 2012 record The Rookery. “Echoing the fragility of Gram Parsons, while flirting with the rustic side of Neil Young” (Uncut), his “dreamy but driven indie folk” (Q Magazine), and blistering voice continue to stop audiences in their tracks.
The record has been a long time coming for both Chris and his legion of fans. Lost recordings and stolen guitars are just some of the obstacles that made appearances along the road to its release. But with its lyricism, stirring guitars and rich production, the record has been worth the wait.
As much as Chris relishes spending time in the studio, the songs come to life when played live, with an inimitable feeling of togetherness as the lyrics land and resonate with the audience.
You can expect Chris’ blend of honesty and anecdotes, following a 30-year career in the music industry, alongside his distinctive vocals and a raw, enthralling performance, that his solo shows have become known for.
Chris will play the new album – largely for the first time live – alongside numbers from The Seahorses’ seminal album which earned them an outpouring of adoration around the world. With earworm tunes running through your head long after you first hear them, it seems Chris’ new songs look set to become just as beloved as the old ones.
September 2024 brings the release of a new single ‘Hangin’ Out’ which was recorded during the making of World of my Own. This is followed by an album called ‘Sunrise 545’ which revolves around the segues which sew the tracks of the album together. These were all composed by Jon Hargreaves, a long-time collaborator of Helme. The album features an alternate ending to the album which has not been heard before.
J.P. Riggall is a singer-songwriter from Stockton-on-Tees, known for his evocative blend of folk, rock and cinematic storytelling. As the frontman of Weathership, Riggall started his solo career with the release of The Long Dark Bright in 2015; a concept album set in a post-apocalyptic landscape. His subsequent albums, Hotel Wilderness (2020) and (Stories from) The Dukes County Motel (2023) further explore themes of love, loss and anxiety; drawing listeners into richly textured soundscapes.
Riggall's music is characterised by minimalist arrangements and heartfelt lyrics, often compared to the atmospheric depth of a Danish TV drama! His voice (described as 'black treacle') coneys a raw emotionality that resonates deeply with audiences. Beyond his albums, Riggall has released singles such as 'Moosejaw' and 'Black Tusk', showcasing his versatility and commitment to exploring the human condition, through music.
With a discography that delves into the complexities of the human experience, J.P. Riggall continues to captivate listeners with his poignant songwriting and immersive musical narratives.