Tom Jones Just Help Yourself

The Bass guitarist, Vernon Hopkins, the founder of the 60’s rock group the Senators, which later became the Squires, has written a memoir about his time spent with Tom Jones. It was Vernon who insisted on bringing in Tom as lead singer on the rocky road to fame and super stardom. Vernon was born in Rhydyfelin and became as close as a brother to Tom, until stardom tore them apart. Vernon was fired by Gordon Mills in 1969 and has only seen Tom on a handful of occasions since. Tom Jones, Just Help Yourself – is a no holds barred account of their time spent together. The group got caught up in the world of Fleet Street gossip, groupies, sex and drugs. Although the band started out as a tight-knit bunch of mates from Ponty, it quickly became clear that Tom had his own agenda. Tom was the star, driven by a streak of callousness that led him to neglect the other members of the group, his young wife, and everyone who stood in the way of his success. “An excellent read…colourful, candid, humorous and especially poignant for me, being a valley’s girl born in Pontypridd (that Ponty air was rich with talent in those halcyon days). What a page turner, I couldn’t put the book down. It brought a flood of special memories, both good and not so good times, but never dull, vibrant with unique and wonderful characters (“Those Were The Day’s My Friend”). Thank you for sharing Vernon, Da Iawn (Well done!)!” - IRIS WILLIAMS, OBE “It’s a great read and it took me right back to my early days in the music business when everything really started. The dance halls, the clubs, the streets, it all came flooding back to me and everything that went on at that time in all its gritty splendour. Congratulations Vernon!” – MAX CLIFFORD “This is the story that the public were never supposed to read…Brilliantly written by Vernon Hopkins. At last a book of truth about the beginnings of a great period of fame and fortune and a must read for all those that want to know the real story of those bygone days. I remember working as support for Tommy Scott and The Senators when I was lead singer of Peter and the Wolves, and it was an honour to witness their astounding success.” – PETER KARRIE “A truly remarkable insight to the rock and roll journey of the century, Vernon Hopkins has nailed it! The book is a thoroughly gripping and entertaining experience.” – LEAPY LEE