Matthew Helders, born on May 7th, 1986, in the Sheffield suburb of High Green, embarked on a musical journey that would change his life forever. Alongside his friends Alex Turner, Jamie Cook, and Andrew Nicholson, he co-founded the Arctic Monkeys, a band that would eventually achieve international recognition.
The spark that ignited their musical venture was a drum kit, which Helders acquired because it was the only one left. The band's early years were marked by rigorous gigging around the UK, eventually culminating in an international breakthrough in 2006.
Helders' academic background is just as impressive. He attended college in Barnsley alongside Alex Turner, where they both excelled in their A-levels in musical technique, earning top grades.
Helders' drumming style is a unique blend of funk, rap, and hip-hop influences, which he developed during his teenage years when he was heavily into these genres. His distinctive backing vocals can be heard on several tracks, including "You probably couldn't see for the lights, but you were staring straight at me", "D is for Dangerous", and "Teddy Picker".
In addition to his musical talents, Helders has also made appearances in the Arctic Monkeys' music videos, a task that the rest of the band typically avoids. One notable example is the short film "Scummy Man" (2006),based on their hit single "When the sun goes down", in which Helders plays a young man who declines the advances of a prostitute on his way home from a band practice. He also appeared in the music video for the song.
Throughout his career, Helders has demonstrated his versatility as a musician, backing vocalist, and occasional actor. His contributions to the Arctic Monkeys have been instrumental in their success, and he continues to be an integral part of the band's sound and identity.
