The Vapors

The Vapors

The Vapors are a new wave and punk group from Guildford, United Kingdom. They form in 1979 and remain active, with a history that spans their original period in the late 1970s and early 1980s and a later reformation.

History and lineup

The band’s original run lasts from 1979 to 1981. Their early sound draws on new wave and mod influences, including groups such as The Jam, Secret Affair and The Jags. They are discovered and managed by John Weller, who also manages The Jam. In October 2016 they reform and begin playing live again that year.

The lineup includes David Fenton on guitar and vocals, Howard Smith on drums, Edward Bazalgette on lead guitar, and Steve Smith on bass guitar and vocals. Howard Smith later gives way to Michael Bowes on drums in 2016, and Dan Fenton joins in 2017 on guitar and vocals. The verified lineup also includes Michael Bowes, Mike Kelly, Danny Fenton, David Fenton, Steve Smith and Edward Bazalgette.

Recorded work

The Vapors are best known for Turning Japanese, produced by Vic Coppersmith-Heaven. The single reaches the UK Top Three while The Jam’s Going Underground is at number one. Their follow-up singles News at Ten and Jimmie Jones both reach number 44 in the UK Singles Chart.

The band releases three albums: New Clear Days, whose title is an intentional pun on “nuclear”; Magnets; and Together. In March 2020 they release the singles Crazy and Together, and Together is also issued as their third album in May 2020.