Chris Helme has been involved with the brass-band world for more than fifty years, and this collection draws upon that experience to present a fascinating insight into the lives of thirty of the most famous bandsmen in the business. Filled with archive photographs, and with contributions from the men themselves, as well as their families, friends, band mates and colleagues, it celebrates triumph and disaster, local life and band life, national and even international success. ''What Brass Bands Did For Me'' will bring back many happy memories for those who have been involved with bands at any level over the years. An essential record of life in the mill towns as it once was, and a triumphant celebration of a community that lives on into the twenty-first century, it is a must-have for every lover of music.