HELEN O'HARA: What's She Like - in conversation with Fergal Kinney

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, Helen finally answers the question posed in the lead song on Don’t Stand Me Down: this is what she’s like.

To say that Helen O’Hara is a gifted musician is an understatement. She is an absolute genius. She is blessed with natural talent, 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. Kevin Rowland

We have two ticket options available: * Event Only and *Event with Discounted Book Combo deal - books will be available for collection at the Festival.

Our event will be followed by a dedicated signing event with Helen. RRP books will also be available for purchase on the day.

Helen O’Hara is a violinist, composer, musical director and arranger. She was a key member of Dexys Midnight Runners from 1982-1986 and was Tanita Tikaram’s violinist from 1988-1990. She has recorded two solo instrumental albums, Southern Hearts and A Night In Ireland.

In 1991, Helen took a break from music to raise her two sons. The break extended for over two decades until 2014, when she picked up her violin again. She has since reconnected with both Dexys and Tanita, and plays violin in Tim Burgess’s band. She lives in London.

Fergal Kinney writes on music, culture and society for the Guardian, the Quietus, the Face, Jacobin, Tribune, Loud & Quiet and more. In 2021, his essay 'High On Hope: Politics and the Parties' about the Blackburn rave scene in the late 1980s was published by Rough Trade Books. He has spoken at festivals including Sea Change and Blue Dot.

Helen O'Hara image: Natacha Horn

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

INNSIDE Manchester, 1 First Street, Manchester, United Kingdom