The particular Helter Skelter we are talking about here is a band that existed and gigged in North Devon (UK) in the late 1970s. No disrespect to other Helter Skelters past and present is intended by our using the domain name TheRealHelterSkelter.com (you already had the best ones - you know who you are!).

Please note that the Helter Skelter featured here are no longer available for bookings, though you might come across Russell Cunningham (AKA Coney Joe) still playing in pubs and other venues if you live in Southern Ireland.

Band Members
Russell Cunningham: Lead/Bass Guitar + Backing Vocals
Richard G: Lead Vocals
Dave Kingston: Lead/Bass Guitar
Kevin Whittaker: Drums + Backing Vocals

Rise and Fall
Helter Skelter came out of school band 'Early Daze' (derived from Jimi Hendrix song Purple Haze). Early Daze was formed mid 1970s at West Somerset Upper School, Minehead. Early Daze members included (at various times) Martin Ashford (guitar), Chris Stephens (bass guitar), Chris Moore (keyboards), Dave Kingston (guitar/bass), Russell Cunningham (guitar/bass), Richard G (vocals) and Ian Routley (drums). Around 1978 the band changed name to Helter Skelter (after the Beatle's song). Drummer Ian Routley (who had gone away to College) was replaced briefly by Jim Shaw, then by Kevin Whittaker (from Bideford). Helter Skelter proper (Richard: vocals, Russell/Dave alternating bass/lead, Kevin: drums) gigged in pubs and village halls around north Devon and made a demo tape (Jeff's mobile studio parked outside a barn) and a video (thanks to Ian Norman, who was a BBC cameraman at the time). Helter Skelter split in 1980 before their demo tape/video could be circulated with record companies, when (amongst other things) Dave Kingston joined the Hare Krishnas!