The Vapors

"We were the first band to make mullets cool" proclaims David Fenton, lead singer (and fully-trained lawyer) of unashamedly 80s band, The Vapors. Given the deluge of Surrey-based bands, you’d be forgiven (if you were born after 1980) for thinking that Guildford wasn’t the most Rock-n-Roll of provincial, quintessentially English towns. And you’d be right. But as is very much in vogue at the moment, another reunion tour arrives, and this time it’s the band known perhaps most for their politically incorrect and rather dated single - "Turning Japanese." This is the highlight from the set, which features all the hits across their two studio albums ‘New Clear Days’ and ‘Magnets’ mainly targeted at those nostalgic baby boomers who pogo’d and danced flamboyantly in a more innocent time – when mullets WERE cool and TV Presenters were not just sexual predators. I’d like to say I enjoyed myself, but it all seemed a bit like a desperate tribute band of The Jam who had forgotten their set list. Some minor politically motivated speeches aside, I’m not sure it should be carte blanche for any 80s act to reunite uncontested – unfortunately The Vapors seemed to have fallen through the cracks.

I purchased my ticket months in advance and travelled from Canada the day before the show. The show was better than I could ever expected, they haven't lost a beat in 40 years. Their fans are a huge support I the UK and it showed at this show. These guys are so underrated, their talent is second to none. I am looking at returning to the UK in 2018 to see them again.

Paul

Brilliant gig, Met Dave Fenton outside the venue and cheekily asked if we could join them for the sound check, being the Gentleman he is he let us in. Had a great time from beginning to end, hung around after and a really good chat. " The Best band in the Land " hope the new material comes out as good s it sounded, see you guy's in Brum.

Excellent
Wanted to see them since 1981.
Daves son stood in on guitar and was impressive,
Picture afterwards with Dave Fenton lovely guy wish I had booked Stewarton as well now, hope they will be back.
New every word of every song and had a wee tear in my eyes during Letter to Hiro
Philip Burns

Enjoyed the Vapors concert great memories of my teens, first visit to Epic small venue compared to the waterfront, location off putting, steap prices on the bar unsure if we would return.