Transvision Vamp

Transvision Vamp

Transvision Vamp is a UK alternative rock group from Putney, formed in 1986 and active until 1991. The band’s core line-up is Wendy James, Nick Christian Sayer, Dave Parsons and Anthony Doughty, who is also known as Tex Axile. Live work also involves Pol Burton, James Piper and Martin Hallett, with Burton and later Hallett on drums and Piper on guitar.

Style and image

The group combines punk, pop and rock with a Phil Spector-influenced “big band” approach, creating a pop punk sound. Wendy James is the lead singer and focal point of the band, and her rebellious, sexually charged image draws media attention.

Recordings and success

Transvision Vamp signs to MCA and issues a cover of the Holly and the Italians song “Tell That Girl To Shut Up” in 1988. The follow-up single, “I Want Your Love,” reaches the UK Top 5. The album Pop Art follows later that year.

The band’s most successful year is 1989, when “Baby I Don’t Care” reaches number 3 and the album Velveteen becomes a hit. A third album, Little Magnets Versus The Bubble Of Babble, is completed in 1990, but the UK release does not go ahead and the group splits in early 1991.

After the split

After Transvision Vamp ends, Tex Axile joins Max with John Reynolds, Kevin Mooney and Mathew Ashman. Dave Parsons later forms Bush with Gavin Rossdale. Wendy James pursues a solo career and forms Racine in 2004.