Returning home to Helmsley for One Night Only

Steve Cowell recalls the life and times of a very special band ahead of their homecoming gig

Ryedale School, Nawton, 2003 – a group of Helmsley teenagers put together a band that has gone on to gain international fame and fortune: One Night Only.

Since then, York has played a major role in the band’s history. Fibbers (years before the layout change) was the first proper venue they played – following numerous village hall gigs. And the played the final show of their last UK tour at the Duchess in April 2012. Singer George Craig described it as their “homecoming gig”.

George was a mere 13 years old when the band picked up a following via their MySpace page. Their online presence resulted in them signing with Vertigo, and in 2007 recording their debut album, Started A Fire, under the auspices of legendary producer Steve Lillywhite. The album included hit singles You and Me, It’s About Time and the anthemic Just For Tonight.

Their second album – the eponymously named One Night Only, which features the single Say You Don’t Want It – started a new chapter in the band’s career. George’s brother, James, replaced original drummer Sam Ford, creating the current line up of George (lead vocals and guitar), James (drums), Mark Hayton (guitar), Daniel Parkin (bass) and Jack Sails (keyboards).

In 2011 the band were approached by Coca-Cola to perform the song Can You Feel It for their worldwide marketing campaign. George describes the song as “A little more poppy than usual” – but it may be this that has helped their success around the world. Last summer they flew to Sao Paula in Brazil to play in front of thousands of their South American fans.

The band are no longer tied to a record label and the constraints that can be associated with such a relationship. Sine the end of the UK tour, they have been busy writing and recording material for a new album.

But, before that, they are getting back to their roots and joining an event back in their home town. George describes it as “A bit of fun, celebrating 10 years of music making!”



• The Helmsley Collective will feature One Night Only and The Sigma performing a selection of classic rock’n’roll covers at Helmsley Arts Centre on Good Friday, March 29, at 7pm
• Tickets are £11 for adults and £5 for under 18s. For further details go to the Helmsley Arts Centre website or contact the box office on 01439 771700